Your Guide To Volunteering In Palestine in 2026/2027: Palestine is a fascinating country due to its thousands of years of history and culture, as well as its current political situation. However, considering volunteering can be overwhelming due to the numerous factors involved, beyond just the search for potential opportunities. If you have visited Palestine before, you will be more familiar with it. However, if you have never been to Palestine or anywhere else in the Arab World, you may wish to do extra research to learn more about the culture and customs before you arrive, which can help ease any culture shock.
When searching for volunteer opportunities in Palestine, several key factors come into play, which we will discuss in this article. Briefly, they are finding the correct location to volunteer in the West Bank, as there are several main cities to choose from. Selecting the proper organization is crucial, as not all organizations are trustworthy or scrupulous. Additionally, it is worth taking time to identify the correct program for you, as your priorities might not always be the same as those of the organization in question. Finally, consider the right time of year for you to volunteer. Keep reading to learn more about these necessary considerations.
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Selecting The Right Location
There are many places across Palestine in which you can volunteer, so it’s vital to assess which is the best option for you. If you wish to volunteer in Gaza, know that it is almost impossible to do so, due to the ongoing Israeli blockade and siege of Gaza. However, the situation in the West Bank and Jerusalem is very different, and it’s very easy for internationals to travel there.
This means you can choose between cities such as Jerusalem, Jericho, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Jenin. There are differences between each town; some are more conservative, and some are more westernized, but all have their advantages and disadvantages.
The best location for you depends on what is most essential for you. For example, if you are most interested in culture and history, you might choose Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nablus, or Hebron. If you’re looking for a lively place with young people and fun activities, Jerusalem or Ramallah might be the best fit for you. If cost is a key consideration for you, cities such as Nablus and Hebron are generally the most affordable. However, doing plenty of research is key to deciding which location best suits you.
Selecting The Right Organization
Most organizations offering volunteering programs will have the best of intentions, but it is always a good idea to be diligent when selecting the right one. Be sure to read testimonials from former volunteers and compare review ratings if available.
An organization might have a mission or program you feel strongly about. Still, if it is not organized effectively, it may not be very fun or useful for volunteers during their program. It’s essential, therefore, to find an organization that is well-run and balances the needs of the volunteers with the needs of the organization.
Selecting The Right Program
The same rules apply here as when selecting the proper organization. The program is massively important, and volunteers will naturally want to maximize their impact with their time. However, some organizations may not be well run, and while their programs look interesting, they might not actually be beneficial to volunteers or the local community.
Another consideration is your CV or resume, as volunteering in Palestine can make it stand out and be particularly useful when applying for jobs. Volunteering in Palestine can help a volunteer develop critical skills like adapting to unfamiliar circumstances, dealing with adversity, project management, and intercultural communication.
Selecting The Right Time Of Year
Selecting the right time of year is essential for several reasons. Palestine experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Winter can be pretty cold and wet, with central heating inside homes and buildings being very rare. In contrast, summer can be dry and hot, although the days are longer. Spring and autumn are milder and enjoyable, with spring being the time when many plants, such as almond trees, are in bloom, while autumn is the olive harvest season.
No matter what time of year you are in Palestine, consider the weather so you can pack appropriate clothing and other items such as sunscreen and bug spray. Additionally, suppose you travel to Palestine during a peak tourism period like summer. In that case, the prices of things such as accommodation and flights are usually higher, and it generally requires more advanced planning due to the higher demand.
Volunteering During Ramadan?
Palestine is quite different during the holy month of Ramadan, so it is essential to check when it occurs because the dates change each year. Some organizations might not accept volunteers during Ramadan due to low demand or a reduction in their operations. While Ramadan is a beautiful and special time in Palestine, internationals may find it a challenging time as this is when Palestinian muslims, who make up the majority of the population, are fasting for 30 days.
This means you will need to refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking in public to show respect to others. However, some internationals decide to fast alongside Palestinian muslims to show solidarity, to integrate into the community, or to have a different experience.
Other Palestinian Holidays
Suppose you are only considering volunteering for a very short time, such as 1-2 weeks. In that case, it is imperative first to research other Palestinian holidays to see if they will coincide with your plans. While experiencing Palestinian holidays is nice, some holidays significantly disrupt daily life for several days or more, which may affect your plans.
For example, in the Muslim calendar, there are two Eids per year, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, and like Ramadan, the dates for these holidays change each year. Usually, during Eid, some shops and organizations may be closed for several days or operate on a reduced schedule.
For Palestinian Christians, the main holidays are Easter (Eid Al-Fis’h) and Christmas (Eid Al-Milad in Arabic). In Palestine, with its diverse Christian population, including Catholics, Orthodox, Armenian, and Protestants, these holidays are observed multiple times a year. For example, while Catholics celebrate Christmas on December 25, the Orthodox celebrate it on January 7, and Armenian Christians in Palestine celebrate it on January 19. So do your research to see when holidays occur and consider them because you may wish to experience specific holidays or avoid them altogether.
Volunteering With Excellence Center In Hebron
Excellence Center in Palestine offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities in Palestine, with various programs to choose from. Whilst it is still essential to do your research and identify which program best suits you, this process is much easier because there are so many programs to choose from, and it’s even possible to combine two programs. You can volunteer from anywhere between 1 and 13 weeks, and we accept volunteers all year-round.
Excellence Center in Palestine combines the organization and resources of a private sector organization with the outreach capacity and connections of a leading non-government organization in the area. We are highly reviewed by former volunteers and offer very flexible terms for all of our programs. Our center has a fantastic atmosphere, combining a large pool of international volunteers with a permanent Palestinian staff to create all the right conditions for cultural exchange. Additionally, being in such proximity to native Arabic speakers allows volunteers to increase their language level rapidly.
We provide accommodation for all volunteers either in apartments close to our center or with host families (generally only for female participants). Our center is located in the heart of Hebron (or Al-Khalil as locals know it) on the busy Ain Sarah Street, with access to lots of facilities, shops, and restaurants.
Hebron is a fantastic city – the biggest in the West Bank with several hundred thousand residents. The locals are very friendly, and despite the place’s size, it has a small-town mentality, with people greeting each other with a simple “hello” and “good morning” as they walk down the street. There are lots of great cafes and restaurants to hang out in, and there are opportunities to shop everywhere. Hebron is also well-situated to visit other cities and go hiking; the town has a fascinating history, traditionally being the location for the tombs of Abraham and his wife and children. It is a center of commerce and industry, and living here provides a unique insight into Palestinian life.
Volunteering in the Summer
Summer is the time when we are at our busiest, hosting international volunteers, interns, and Arabic students, because summer (June through September) is when many people, including students, have holidays or an extended break. So while any time of the year is a great time to join us, during the summer, there will be even more new people for you to meet and befriend. However, it isn’t only students who join us in summer; we also host graduates, professionals, people taking a gap year or sabbatical, or anyone else who is keen on traveling and exploring Palestine.
If you are a current student, however, we can provide you with academic credit for the period that you volunteer with us, so you can work towards your studies while making the most of your summer holidays. We can offer this due to our collaboration with the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
During our volunteer programs in the summer, you will get to learn Arabic while having plenty of chances to practice it in an authentic setting, as well as joining a range of different trips we organize in and around Hebron to better acquaint you with Palestinian culture, Palestinian life under Israeli occupation, and your surroundings. You will also have the chance to develop your professional skills and gain relevant experience. During summer, Palestinian students have holidays, which means there are even more opportunities to engage with youth, whether through teaching English, teaching other subjects such as technology, sports, or employability, or facilitating community development activities.
Join us to make the most of your summer by traveling, experiencing Palestinian culture and daily life, and making new friends, while also gaining practical, real-life experiences to enhance your employability and enrich your life.
Best Volunteer Programs In Palestine
Here you can see which short-term volunteer projects in Palestine are available.
1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program
Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Excellence Center in Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.
Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.
Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.
2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.
Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.
The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help.
3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program
The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.
Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.
Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life.
4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program
The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.
This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers.
During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.
5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank
The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at the Excellence Center in Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.
Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Excellence Center in Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.
Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.
6. Volunteer with Palestinian Children
Volunteer With Palestinian Children Program offers students, professionals, retirees, and teachers an excellent opportunity to work directly with Palestinian children in the West Bank. It welcomes anyone interested in volunteering or interning, regardless of their first language.
Those interested in childhood education can benefit from volunteering or interning with children in Palestine. Participants are immersed in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, human rights, and education.
Volunteers can join our program for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates year-round. All backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, but participants must be at least 18.
As a volunteer or intern in Hebron, West Bank, you will meet many Palestinian children eager to interact with visitors. Supporting their growth positively impacts their well-being and the future of their country, making a difference in both their lives and yours.
7. Palestinian Community Development Program
The Volunteer in Palestinian Community Development Program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for students, undergraduates, teachers, and others seeking to volunteer or intern in Palestinian community development organizations in Palestine and Israel. If you wish to help Palestinian children and youth, refugees in refugee camps, and other community members in and around Hebron, West Bank, this program is for you. As a volunteer, you will be immersed in Palestinian culture whilst meeting new people (from Palestine and abroad), studying Arabic, and making a difference in people’s lives.
The Palestinian Community Development Volunteer and Internship Program has an essential impact on the Palestinian community. Through this program, you can help empower community members to develop themselves personally, professionally, and economically. At the same time, volunteers gain valuable experience in their personal development by running seminars, giving lectures, offering employment advice, and building interpersonal relationships within the local Palestinian community.
8. Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine
Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine: You are invited to join us at Excellence Center in Palestine and volunteer in our Environment and Conservation program, aimed at teaching Palestinian youth, refugees, and children about the importance of preserving the environment. In the West Bank, Palestine, there is a pressing need for such programs, as many residents of Hebron are unaware of the harmful effects of littering and environmental neglect on their own lands and streets.
This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, and travelers interested in the environment and conservation in the West Bank. If you’re a university student looking for an environment and conservation program abroad to supplement your studies during your summer break, this program is ideal for you.
By joining our volunteer program in the West Bank, you will have the chance to share your passion for the environment and conservation while experiencing Palestinian daily life and learning about Palestinian culture firsthand. We offer our participants three hours of complimentary Arabic Classes each week, taught one-to-one or in small groups of two to three students, and accommodation during their stay.
9. Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine
Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine: Since its establishment in 2011, Excellence Center in Palestine has maintained high standards in English language teaching with the help of numerous international volunteers. However, to meet the increasing demand for diverse programs, we are excited to introduce a new series of volunteer programs, including the Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine.
This volunteer program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for current students, postgraduates, gap year students, professionals, teachers, retirees, and anyone interested in sports-related fields to volunteer with the local Palestinian community. As a volunteer, you can share your passion and expertise by organizing workshops, lectures, sporting tournaments, training sessions, summer camps, and more for Palestinian youth.
The Volunteer in a Sports Project in Hebron program is ideal for individuals with a strong interest and background in sports or related fields. Through this program, you can develop your activities and contribute to the local Palestinian community while gaining personal and professional development opportunities and having fun.
10. Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine
Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine: Hebron City, in the Occupied West Bank, is home to several orphanages that provide essential care and support to thousands of Palestinian children who have lost one or both of their parents. The high number of orphans in the region is mainly due to ongoing conflict, military occupation, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare. Some children lose their parents to direct violence, such as military raids, airstrikes, and clashes. Others are caused by the impact of long-term instability, including imprisonment of family members, displacement, or lack of access to health services.
There are approximately 7,000 orphans in and around Hebron city, ranging from infants to young adults. These orphanages provide essential services such as housing, education, medical care, and psychological support to children without stable family situations. They often rely on funding from local charities, international donors, and religious organizations to support their operations. Some orphanages also function as social enterprises, operating businesses like kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
Your Impact As A Volunteer
Through all of the programs that we run from our center in Hebron, we aim to make a long-term difference for both the Palestinian local community and you through the exchange of ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”. We ensure that all of our programs are well researched and targeted so that they have a tangible impact and effectively foster shared learning. Volunteering in the West Bank offers a unique experience and the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the lives of Palestinians and the broader community, while also enriching your own life. As with most things, the more you put into your program and this unique opportunity, the more you will get out of it.
There are many ways for you to have an impact on the local community, depending on your skills, experience, interests, and the kind of volunteering position you choose. For example, when you volunteer to teach English, you will get to give Palestinian students much-needed English tuition and practice with fluent foreign English speakers. Learning English is very important for Palestinians because it improves their career prospects and allows them to connect and communicate with other English speakers, whether in-person in Palestine, when traveling abroad, or through social media. Through our other volunteering programs, you will also have the opportunity to engage with the community and make an impact in various ways.
While all of our programs are run in English, having proficiency in Arabic will, of course, help you to communicate and engage with Palestinians in their own language, allowing you to make a bigger impact. We provide you with several hours of Arabic tuition per week to help facilitate this and to help you make the most of your time in Hebron.
The Benefits You Receive When Volunteering With Us In Palestine
Excellence Center in Palestine offers numerous benefits to all of our participants. Some of these benefits include:
- Being immersed in Palestinian daily life and culture, while living in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank.
- We provide accommodation with a Palestinian host family (for women) or an all-male dorm (for men).
- Begin each day away from our center with a provided breakfast, where you can enjoy authentic Palestinian food in a social atmosphere.
- There are plenty of chances to engage with the local community, whether through trips that we organize, through your program commitments (such as teaching classes or facilitating activities or workshops), or in your own free time.
- You will receive three hours of Arabic tuition each week of your program, taught by one of our well-qualified Arabic teachers.
- Your Arabic lessons will be taught one-on-one or in small groups, allowing you to receive personalized instruction and attention from your teacher, helping you learn faster.
- The choice is between learning Modern Standard Arabic, Levantine, or the Colloquial Palestinian dialect.
- Meet new people and make friends with other volunteers, interns, students, our Palestinian staff, as well as locals.
- Opportunities to enjoy traditional Palestinian food and drinks and experience Palestinian hospitality.
- We organize various activities and trips around Hebron, including visits to the Old City, a keffiyeh factory, a glass and ceramics factory, the Ibrahimi Mosque, a local refugee camp, and interactions with local artists and organizations.
- For each week you are with us, you will have two days off that you can spend as you wish. This allows you to spend time with your new friends as well as plan trips to nearby cities such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarem, Qalqilyah, Jenin, the Dead Sea in Jericho, Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth.
- We provide 24/7 program assistance, including pre-departure support.
- If you would like, we can provide current students with academic credit for the duration of their program.
- You will also receive a certificate upon completion of your program.
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Your Guide To Volunteering In Palestine in 2026/2027 – Summary
Volunteering in the West Bank is a great way to have a positive impact on the lives of local Palestinians and your own life. However, before deciding to volunteer or commit to a particular program or organization, it’s essential to do your research and consider different factors. There are many volunteer opportunities in the West Bank, so it’s vital to choose the one that best aligns with your values and is most suitable for you. At Excellence Center in Palestine, we work to ensure a mutually beneficial experience, both for our local community and for our volunteers. We have over 11 years of experience welcoming volunteers and have continuously expanded and developed our programs in response to their feedback.
Our volunteer programs are ideal for students, graduates, professionals, anyone taking a gap year or sabbatical, or anyone else wishing to go beyond being a regular tourist in Palestine. We have created a wide range of programs that allow internationals to apply their skills, knowledge, and passions in various ways, resulting in a broad impact on our local community. Our programs are a way for you to develop yourself personally and professionally, to boost your resume and contribute to others, while also having a fun and unforgettable experience.
We hope to receive an application for one of our volunteer programs from you soon, and welcome you to Hebron, Palestine, in the not-too-distant future.
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Tags: Palestine volunteer programs, Volunteer opportunities in Palestine for 2026, volunteering in the West Bank 2026/2027
