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Refugees in Palestine Volunteer Program 1-12 Weeks

Embark on a deeply fulfilling journey with the Refugees in Palestine Volunteer Program, which spans 1 to 12 weeks. Through meaningful engagement with Palestinian refugees, you’ll gain profound insights into their daily struggles and help contribute to a brighter future for them.

Tailor your volunteering experience to match your schedule and commitment level, whether it’s a single week or a three-month immersion. During your time in Palestine, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Arabic language and culture, foster connections with local Palestinians, and delve into their traditions. Enhance your understanding of their realities by opting to reside with a host family for a truly immersive experience.

As a dedicated participant, seize the opportunity to partake in an array of social, educational, and communal endeavors. These initiatives cater to the youth, children, and women residing within the refugee camps. Despite the adversities they face, you’ll witness firsthand their unwavering belief in the transformative power of education as a tool for advocacy and empowerment.

How can they be refugees in their own country?

In 1948, as Israeli armed groups launched attacks on Palestinian towns, villages, and cities, a wave of displacement swept through the region. Palestinians were compelled to flee to safer havens, with many seeking refuge in the West Bank or Gaza. These displaced individuals made the difficult choice to leave their homes behind, holding onto the hope of a temporary relocation, fueled by the promise of eventual return.

Decades have passed since those tumultuous times, yet the longing for home persists among Palestinian refugees. Their steadfast resolve to reclaim their ancestral lands endures, underscoring the enduring plight of a people who have endured displacement and uncertainty for generations.

Learn Arabic Language During Volunteering

We offer two classes every week, each lasting 1.5 hours. Combined, these classes give you 3 hours of immersive Arabic language learning. This helps you understand Arabic culture and communication better.

Improve English Through Friendly Conversations

Our main goal is to help you speak and understand English. We have friendly conversations with students of all ages and genders to help them become better at English. We believe that improving their conversation skills can open up more opportunities in life and connect them with people from different places.

Live with a Palestinian Host Family

Staying with a Palestinian family is a unique opportunity. It helps you learn the language and understand the culture and daily life of your hosts. You’ll get a window into their traditions, values, and hospitality, which enriches your learning experience. It’s a chance to build connections and appreciate Palestinian life even more.

Explore Refugee Camps on Day Trips

We organize day trips to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem. These trips let you see the lives of refugees up close. Spending time in these camps helps you understand their challenges and resilience. It’s an eye-opening experience that broadens your horizons, builds empathy, and deepens your understanding of these locations.

City Tours in Hebron

Our program includes day tours in Hebron. You’ll explore key areas, each with a unique story. These tours let you learn about the city’s history and contemporary life. You’ll also visit local factories to understand the local economy and craftsmanship. This offers a comprehensive experience, helping you appreciate the culture and life in Hebron.

Cook Authentic Palestinian Dishes Together

In our program, you’ll have a culinary adventure. You’ll actively participate in preparing authentic Palestinian dishes. It’s a chance to learn and bond over cooking while enjoying the flavors of the region. This experience helps you connect with the community and create lasting memories.

Explore Beyond Hebron: Two Days Off Weekly

We understand the importance of exploring the region. That’s why we give you two days off each week to venture beyond Hebron. You can discover other enchanting places in Palestine, such as Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jerusalem. These days off are designed to give you the freedom to travel, learn, and create memories beyond Hebron, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience.

Where will the program be held?

It takes place in the heart of Palestine, in the city of Hebron. Hebron, Al-Khalil in Arabic, is located in the southern part of the West Bank. It is 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem.  The population of Hebron is about 300,000 persons who reside in the city, and about another 500,000 who live in the surrounding villages.

What is included in the Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program ?

How long can I join the program?

Why choose GO Palestine?

What kinds of tasks will I be doing?

Educational activities

Entertainment activities

What are the advantages of volunteering with refugees?

Learn Arabic while Volunteering in Palestine – Individual Classes

Volunteering in Palestine is a great way to learn the Arabic language and make a difference at the same time. You can choose to learn Modern Standard Arabic or Levantine Arabic, depending on your needs and interests. You will have three weekly hours of Arabic, divided into two classes a week. By volunteering while learning Arabic, you will gain valuable experience while helping out in your community.

What’s your Weekly routine like?

We at GO Palestine are keen to make your weekly schedule diversified, rich, and organized. Thus, it will contain a number of educational, social, and fun activities that will make your experience in Palestine special and unique.

Breakfast starts at 9:30 am

The day at our center starts with a special Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 in the morning and ends at approximately 10:15. Our breakfast contains a number of ingredients, including Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. The ingredients are changed (among the mentioned ingredients) from time to time to diversify the breakfast.

The Content of the program starts at 10:30

The content of your program begins at 10:30 in the morning and continues until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. This includes teaching conversational English to Palestinians (school students, university students, and community members). This differs depending on the program you are joining, please read the program’s description.

Lunch Break starts at 2:00 pm

At two o’clock in the afternoon begins the lunch break, which lasts for an entire hour. You can buy lunch from a restaurant next to the center. There are a number of restaurants nearby, which provide meals such as shawarma, falafel, and fried chicken as well as traditional Palestinian meals such as Maqluba, Hebron’s Qidreh, Chicken Mansaf or Lamp Mansaf, and other meals. There are also a number of supermarkets/malls nearby where you can buy what you need and cook yourself in the center.

Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)

Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes for an hour and a half each. These classes are taught by one of our skilled/qualified teachers. Arabic language classes are held at different times, either in the morning or, in most cases, in the afternoon. The student can choose whether to study Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya), or both.

Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron

Once every week, a day trip is organized to the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as to areas of political importance whenever the opportunity arises. These trips will give you the opportunity to learn about the conditions of the Palestinian refugees, talk to them and learn their stories. These trips depart at 10:45 am from the center and end approx. at 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.

Local Visits to Learn about the Landmarks of the city of Hebron

Once every two weeks, local visits are organized to the historical and economic landmarks of the city of Hebron. This includes a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street as well as visiting a number of factories in the city, such as keffiyeh, glass, and ceramic factories.

Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish

Once every two or three weeks, all our volunteers, interns, and Arabic language’ students join together to prepare and cook a traditional Palestinian dish. This includes preparing appetizers, frying vegetables, cooking rice, chopping chicken or meat, and stuffing some vegetables depending on the dish to be cooked that day.

Free Time starts at 16:00 or at 16:30

After your time in the center is over, you have free time when you can hang out with other international participants and/or locals you met during your stay in Hebron by going to a café or coffee shop or going to a park and enjoying your time in the evening. There are many cafés and parks not far from the center, as the center is located on one of the most lively streets in the city.

Who can apply to the volunteer with refugees in Palestine program?

When will I be able to apply to the Program?

Volunteer with Refugees in Palestine Program’s Fees

What does the Participation Fee include?

Accommodation Host family or at our 8th-floor apartment
Private accommodation is available with extra fees
Arabic Lessons 3 Hours a Week – Two Classes/ 1,5 hours of Arabic lessons each
Meals Daily Palestinian breakfast
Day Trips To Refugees camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance
Sightseeings Historical & politically important places in the city of Hebron
CertificateCertificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program

Do I need to know how to speak Arabic?

No, volunteers are not obligated to know Arabic. The center will provide you with 3 hours of Arabic lessons each week with one of our teachers. The participant can choose either to study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (known as Ammyia) once they start their program. 

Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?

Certainly, volunteers have the option to include supplementary Arabic language instruction hours at an additional charge of $20.00 per hour. Kindly make sure to indicate this in your application.

Place of Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine
Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program FeesStarting From 250$ – American Dollar
Age 18-75 Years Old
Minimum Period of Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program One Week
Maximum Period of Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program Three Months – 12 Weeks
Volunteering Hours4-5 hours a day – 5 days a week
Starting/Ending Dates Flexible – Anytime
Application Deadline No Deadline
Program Language English
Days off Two days including Fridays & Thursdays or Saturdays
Arabic Lessons 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya
Educational DegreeNot Required
University CreditAvailable

Is it possible to combine this program with another Program?

Yes, this program can be combined with one or more of the other internship or volunteer programs that the center offers. For example, you may choose one week or more to complete this program, and combine this with another week or more of another program.

Things to know before visiting Palestine!

Living Costs in PalestineApprox. 50-70$ a Week
Weekend in PalestineOn Friday
Food in PalestineThe West Bank engages primarily in heavier meals involving the use of bread, rice, and meat, and coastal plain inhabitants frequent fish, other seafood, and lentils.
Wifi Access in PalestineAt houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere
3G Service in Palestine Available since Jan 2018
The official language in PalestineArabicPalestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects)
Currency in PalestineMainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land.
Transportations in Palestine Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans
Weather in PalestineSummer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C)
Nearest Major Airports to PalestineBen Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel
Alia International Airport
if you travel via Jordan

Can I extend the term of my study while I’m there?

Yes, volunteers are allowed to extend their participation period. In this case, volunteers must inform the center coordinator at least one week before the end of the current program.

What is the procedure for applying?

Step 1Send us an email asking for the application form.
Step 2You complete the online application and send it in.
Step 3We invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
Step 4 We will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
Step 5We send you the Invitation Letter, the contract and the invoice.
Step 6You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
Step 7We will send you an orientation booklet and travel guide to Palestine.

The Documents you’ll receive from us!

How do I register or obtain more information?

Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type “Refugees in Palestine Volunteer Program”  in the subject line. In the body of the email, tell us of your interest, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. Very shortly, we will reply to you.

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Chat With US!

WhatsApp or Signal : +972-598172071

We’d be very happy to have you in Palestine!

Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program

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