Would you like to volunteer in the West Bank? Are you a professional teacher, or are you a lay person who would like to gain experience teaching English? Would you like to teach English to Palestinians? Would you like to be immersed in the Palestinian culture? Does the idea of living with a Palestinian host family fascinate you? If your answers are yes, then read on for more details.
People world-wide are eager to visit Palestine in order to have the unique opportunity to witness the daily circumstances of Palestinians living under occupation. Many visitors are eager to help Palestinians to develop English language skills, particularly focusing on the conversational aspect.
Palestinians are a receptive audience to English language learning since they wish to study abroad, obtain overseas employment, or simply because they are intellectually curious to learn the culture and language of another people.
Where can I be a volunteer as an English teacher in Palestine?
The Palestine Center in Hebron offers you the opportunity to teach English to Palestinians through a program called “Teach English in Palestine”. The Palestine Center offers English classes to children, adults, and community members who want to learn English and speak it fluently.
What does the Teach English in Palestine program include?
The Teach English in Palestine program is designed for those who are or who are not experienced in teaching English. For those who have little or no teaching experience, this program provides the opportunity for gaining valuable experience in teaching with the assistance of the Palestine Center’s qualified and experienced teachers.
The program offers English lessons to children aged 7-13-year-old, adults, and community members. English conversational abilities are concentrated on through the use of interactive activities.
The program includes rooming with a Palestinian host family. A volunteer becomes a member of the family and engages in family daily life. In this way the volunteer learns Palestinian culture and customs on a first hand basis. Additionally, volunteers are given the opportunity to study the Arabic language with three hour per week lessons; living with a Palestinian family also strengthens what is learned in the weekly lessons.
The Teach English in Palestine program includes arranged visits to selected sites within the city of Hebron. Program participants together enjoy a daily Palestinian breakfast at the Palestine Center. At the conclusion of each program, participants receive a certificate of participation and a recommendation letter.
How long can I be a volunteer English teacher in Palestine?
The Teach English in Palestine program is flexible. You can apply anytime throughout the year according to your scheduling needs. Whatever time of year you plan to attend The Teach English in Palestine program, you can customize your program from a minimum of three weeks up to a maximum of three months (the time allotted on the valid Israeli visa).
Do I need to speak Arabic to participate in the Teach English in Palestine program?
No, as a volunteer at the Palestine Center, you are not required to have any knowledge of Arabic. You need only English fluency. All teaching materials are provided by the Palestine Center.
Do I need a visa to enter Palestine?
Upon arrival at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport, or other border crossing such as the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, Israeli visas are issued by the Israeli government. If you are an American, Australian, or a citizen of one of many of the European countries, you will receive the visa for 3 months automatically. If you are the citizen of any other country, you should make a special effort to learn visa requirements for your nationality.
Click here to know more about the Teach English in Palestine program!