The Volunteer with Your Children under 18 Years Old in Palestine Program (1-12 Weeks) offers a remarkable opportunity for families with children under 18 who aspire to embark on a meaningful volunteering experience in Palestine. This program, facilitated by GO Palestine, provides a unique blend of cultural immersion, community engagement, and educational enrichment for both parents and children.
Program Highlights
- Cultural Immersion: As a family, you will have the chance to immerse yourselves in the vibrant Palestinian culture. Interact with locals, experience authentic traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
- Impactful Volunteer Opportunities: Families will engage in various volunteer activities, collaborating with school students, university students, and community members. Contribute to weekly workshops on educational topics, offer conversational English lessons to students, and participate in engaging and interactive activities.
- Arabic Language Learning: Participants can choose to learn either Modern Standard Arabic or the Palestinian dialect, or both. Qualified teachers will provide 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week, enhancing language skills during your stay.
- Flexible Duration: Families can choose their preferred duration for the program, ranging from one week to three months. This flexibility allows you to plan your volunteering experience around your schedule and commitments.
- Safe and Supportive Environment: Rest assured, Palestine is a safe destination for tourists, and the Palestinian Authority prioritizes the safety and security of visitors. GO Palestine ensures a safe and enjoyable trip, providing excellent services and support throughout your journey.
Family Volunteer in Palestine Program Inclusions
- Volunteer coordination and placement in educational workshops and activities.
- Arabic language lessons, with the option to learn both Modern Standard Arabic and Palestinian dialect.
- Cultural immersion activities, visits to local landmarks, and engagement with Palestinian families.
- Weekly day trips to refugee camps and areas of political significance in Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Accommodation options: staying with a local host family, at our 8th-floor apartment, or private accommodation (extra fees apply).
- Palestinian-style breakfast provided daily.
- Comprehensive assistance and guidance throughout your volunteering experience.
- Participation certificate and recommendation letter upon program completion.
In what location does the program occur?
The program is situated in the center of Palestine, specifically in the city of Hebron, also known as Al-Khalil in Arabic. Hebron is positioned in the southern region of the West Bank and is located 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. The population of Hebron consists of approximately 300,000 individuals who live in the city, and an additional 500,000 who reside in nearby villages
The fees for the Family Volunteer in Palestine Program
250$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
480$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
595$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
690$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
845$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1070$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1215$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1450$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1630$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1810$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1990$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2250$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 36 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
What is included in the Participation Fee?
| Accommodation | Accommodation is provided either with a host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. However, private accommodation is also available for an additional fee. |
| Arabic Lessons | The program entails two classes per week, with each class lasting 1.5 hours, for a total of 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week. |
| Meals | A Palestinian-style breakfast will be provided daily. |
| Day Trips | The program includes visits to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as visits to areas of political significance. |
| Sightseeing | The program includes visits to historically and politically significant locations in the city of Hebron. |
| Certificate | Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of participation as well as a recommendation letter. |
Payment Options
- To reserve your place in the program, you must sign the participation contract and pay the participation fees. You can pay the fees through Bank Transfer, Western Union, or MoneyGram. If you choose to pay via Western Union or MoneyGram, you can complete the transaction online using your credit card.
- For participation fees that exceed $800, you can pay 40% in advance and the remaining 60% must be paid 45 days prior to the program’s start date. Please note that we cannot accept cash payments, as your participation must be arranged in advance.
How to Obtain a Visa to Enter Palestine
Visa Exemption for Citizens of Certain Countries:
If you are a citizen of an exempted country, you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Most Americans and Europeans are issued three-month visas upon arrival and clearing customs, and tourist visas are valid for 90 days.
Visa Requirements for Non-Exempted Countries:
However, if your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, you must obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy/consulate at home before visiting. Please note that many Arab countries do not accept Israeli stamps on passports, so Israel now issues their visa on a separate small card with a bar code indicating the visa’s time validity. You should keep this visa card with your passport at all times. Check to see whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement.
Safety in Palestine
Palestine is a safe destination for tourists, and visitors can feel secure and comfortable during their time there. Despite the occasional news headlines portraying safety concerns, the Palestinian Authority takes the safety and security of tourists very seriously. They work to ensure that visitors are safe and that their travel experiences are positive.
GO Palestine’s Commitment to Safety
Furthermore, Go Palestine goes above and beyond to guarantee that visitors have a safe and enjoyable trip to Palestine. They provide excellent services and support throughout the journey, including assistance with safety concerns, ensuring that your trip is memorable and hassle-free.
What is the application period for the program?
- The Family Volunteer in Palestine Program is open for applications year-round, with no deadline. This means that you can apply whenever it’s convenient for you.
- We offer flexible start and end dates for our Volunteer Program, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.
- Participants in the Family Volunteer in Palestine Program can choose to volunteer for a minimum of one week and a maximum of 12 weeks (three months).
| Location of the volunteer program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Fees for the volunteer program | Starting From 230$ – American Dollar |
| Age range | 18-75 Years Old |
| Minimum duration for volunteering in Palestine | One Week |
| Maximum duration for volunteering in Palestine | Three Months – 12 Weeks |
| Volunteering Hours | 4-5 hours a day – 5 days a week |
| Starting and ending dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays & Thursdays or Saturdays |
| Arabic language lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational qualifications | Not Required |
| University credits | Available |
Our Partners & Collaborators
Our partners and collaborators play a critical role in supporting and enhancing the work we do at Go Palestine. We work closely with a diverse range of organizations and individuals, including local Palestinian NGOs, academic institutions, and international volunteer agencies, to create meaningful and impactful programs that benefit Palestinian communities.
Our partners and collaborators contribute their expertise, resources, and networks to help us expand our reach, deepen our impact, and build more sustainable and equitable programs. We value these partnerships deeply and are committed to building strong, long-term relationships with all of our partners and collaborators. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of Palestinians and help create a more just and peaceful future for all
Overview of weekly schedule
At GO Palestine, we aim to provide a diverse, organized and enriching weekly schedule for our volunteers. This includes a range of educational, social and entertaining activities, which will make your time in Palestine a unique and unforgettable experience
Breakfast starts at 9:30 am
Our center’s day commences with a unique Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 am and concludes around 10:15 am. Our breakfast consists of several ingredients, such as 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 change periodically to vary the breakfast.
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
Program content commences at 10:30 am and lasts until 1:30 or 2:00 pm, involving conversational English teaching to Palestinians (school students, university students, and community members).
Lunch Break starts at 2:00 pm
Lunch break commences at 2:00 pm and lasts an hour, allowing you to purchase lunch from a restaurant next to the center. Nearby restaurants offer meals like shawarma, falafel, fried chicken, traditional Palestinian meals like Maqluba, Hebron’s Qidreh, Chicken Mansaf or Lamp Mansaf, and other dishes. Additionally, several nearby supermarkets/malls provide options to purchase ingredients and cook at the center.
Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)
Weekly, participants receive two one-and-a-half-hour Arabic language classes taught by qualified teachers, held at various times during the day. Participants can choose to learn Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya), or both.
Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron
A weekly day trip to the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem and politically significant areas is organized, offering the opportunity to learn about Palestinian refugees’ circumstances, converse with them, and hear their stories. Departing at 10:45 am from the center, the trip concludes around 2:00 or 3:00 pm.
Local Visits to Learn about the Landmarks of the city of Hebron
Local visits to Hebron’s historical and economic landmarks occur once every two weeks, including visits to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, Al-Shuhada Street, and factories 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
Once your time at the center is finished, you’ll have free time to spend with fellow international participants and locals you’ve met in Hebron. You can explore the city by going to a nearby café or coffee shop, or relax in one of the many parks. The center is situated on one of the liveliest streets in the city, so there are plenty of options for you to enjoy your evenings.
Combining the Program with Others: Is it Possible?
It is possible to combine this program with other internship or volunteer programs offered by the center. You can choose to complete this program for one week or more, and then add another week or more of a different program. You only need to fill out one application, and we will help you plan your schedule accordingly.
Important Information before Coming to Palestine
| Palestine Living Expenses | Approx. 50-70$ a Week |
| Weekend in Palestine | On Friday |
| Food in Palestine | The 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 Palestine | At houses, cafes, restaurants – Almost everywhere |
| 3G Service in Palestine | Available since Jan 2018 |
| The official language in Palestine | Arabic – Palestinian Dialect (One of the Levantine dialects) |
| Currency in Palestine | Mainly 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 Palestine | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Nearest Major Airports to Palestine | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan |
What can be added to your volunteer program? “EXTRAS“
Documents Provided in Our Program
Eligibility and Application Process
The program is open to families with children under 18 years old. Interested families can request the application form by emailing info@gopalestine.org with “Family Volunteer in Palestine Program” in the subject line. Once completed, applicants will attend a Skype/WhatsApp interview before finalizing their participation.