Engage in the Volunteer in Marginalized Areas & Refugees Camps in Palestine Program, ranging from one week to three months, in the Hebron and Bethlehem Refugee Camps, as well as Palestinian villages and marginalized regions, including Massafer Yatta and Bani Naim.
This program includes dedicating three days each week to stay in the Marginalized areas or a refugee camp in Hebron and Bethlehem. The remaining two days will be spent at a center, where you’ll be teaching English and studying Arabic. Additionally, there will be opportunities for day trips and two days off to explore Hebron city.
The Volunteer in Marginalized Areas & Refugees Camps in Palestine Program immerses you in the heart of Palestine, where you will become an active participant in the lives of marginalized communities and refugees. By joining our educational, social, and interactive endeavors, you’ll contribute directly to the enhancement of these areas.
This experience goes beyond mere volunteering. While participating, you’ll have the unique chance to delve into Palestinian culture, forging a deep connection with the community. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn Modern Standard Arabic or the Palestinian dialect during your involvement. You can even choose to master a blend of both languages. Be at ease knowing that comprehensive curricula and learning resources will be readily available to facilitate your language learning journey.
What’s Included in the Volunteer in Marginalized Areas & Refugees Camps in Palestine:
- Empowerment Through Volunteer Engagement: Embrace our mission to elevate marginalized communities by elevating their English conversational abilities through personalized one-on-one or group English sessions. Your involvement will be a catalyst for positive change, opening doors to communication and growth.
- Engage actively in daily gatherings, offering your support and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, contribute to organizing diverse activities including painting sessions, handcraft workshops, and food preparation, all aimed at enriching their lives and nurturing their talents. Your dedication will make a lasting impact on their growth and well-being.
What makes GO Palestine a great choice?
- Transparency in Fees: No hidden or extra charges.
- Weekly Trips: Organized excursions to various locations in Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Arabic Lessons: 3 hours of weekly Arabic lessons led by experienced instructors.
- Central Location: Our center is conveniently situated in the heart of Hebron.
- Flexible Scheduling: Program start and end times are adaptable.
Please note that I’ve summarized the main points while aiming to retain the essence of each point.
The Volunteer Program Offers the Following Advantages:
- Language Enhancement: Engage in English language educational activities to improve communication skills in camps and marginalized areas.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage in or lead educational, social, and community activities to embrace Palestinian culture and hospitality.
- Local Exploration: Enjoy visits to local sites in Hebron, delving into the city’s vibrant history.
- Comprehensive Accommodation: Reside on-site for three days each week, with three meals provided, while the remaining two days allow you to immerse in Hebron’s offerings, including two Arabic classes and day trips to Refugees camps every Monday.
- Meaningful Local Interactions: Participate in organized visits to places like the old city and engage with Palestinian families in Hebron.
- Recognition: Receive a participation certificate and a recommendation letter upon program completion.
For whom are our volunteer and internship programs suitable?
Go Palestine provides internship and volunteer programs in Palestine that cater to the needs and goals of every visitor. Our programs are open to people between the ages of 18 to 75 years old, including:
- University and college students, as well as graduates and postgraduates.
- Academic and field researchers.
- Students working on Master’s or PhD dissertations related to Palestine or the Middle East.
- Students seeking internship or volunteer opportunities required by their educational institution. University credit is available.
- Gap year students looking to volunteer or intern in Palestine.
- Students of Arabic literature, Arab studies, and cultural studies related to Arab and Middle Eastern culture.
- Students of Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies, or relevant fields.
- Anyone eager to learn about different aspects of life in Palestine is welcome to join our programs.
Where Does the Volunteer Program Take Place?
- The volunteer program unfolds within the heart of Palestine, specifically spanning across Hebron and Bethlehem Refugee Camps, Palestinian villages, and marginalized areas.
- This encompasses regions such as Massafer Yatta and Bani Naim, offering a comprehensive engagement with these diverse communities. Hebron, known as Al-Khalil in Arabic, stands at the center of this vibrant tapestry.
- Positioned in the southern expanse of the West Bank, Hebron is situated about 30 km (19 miles) to the south of Jerusalem. The city itself houses around 300,000 inhabitants, while an additional 500,000 individuals call the surrounding villages their home.
What’s the Maximum Duration for Participation in the Program?
- Our program is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing volunteers to select their desired duration, spanning from one week to three months.
- Irrespective of the chosen duration, our commitment remains unwavering—to provide comprehensive support and guidance to our volunteers throughout their entire sojourn at our center in Hebron.
The fees for the Volunteer in Marginalized Areas & Refugees Camps in Palestine
390$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 3 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
750$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 6 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
1120$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 9 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
1450$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 12 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
1800$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 15 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
2200$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 18 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
2950$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 24 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
4500$
American DollarThis package includes staying in marginalized areas, refugee camps, apartments/host families, along with local tours, 36 hours of personal Arabic classes, meals, day trips, and a participation certificate.
What is included in the Participation Fee?
| Accommodation | During the program, your accommodation offers a variety of options: Refugee Camps and Marginalized Areas: For three days each week, you’ll reside directly within the refugee camps or marginalized areas, immersing yourself in the community. 8th-Floor Apartment or Host Family: During the remaining two days and your two days off, you can enjoy the comfort of our 8th-floor apartment or the warmth of a host family. An additional choice is private accommodation, available for an extra 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 | You’ll enjoy a full Palestinian-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner for three days each week in the refugee camps or marginalized areas. On the other two days, breakfast will be provided. |
| 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: Citizens of exempted countries can get a tourist visa on arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Most Americans and Europeans receive three-month visas upon arrival, valid for 90 days.
- Non-Exemption Agreement: If your home country lacks an exemption agreement with Israel, obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy/consulate in your home country before visiting. Note that many Arab countries don’t accept Israeli passport stamps, so Israel now issues a separate visa card with a barcode for validity. Keep this visa card with your passport at all times. Check your native country’s visa exemption status.
Is Palestine Safe?
Palestine is a secure destination for tourists, ensuring comfort during your visit. Despite occasional safety concerns in the news, the Palestinian Authority prioritizes tourist safety. They work to provide a positive travel experience, and Go Palestine ensures your trip is secure and enjoyable, assisting with safety concerns and creating a hassle-free journey.
NO Arabic Language Requirement
Arabic proficiency isn’t compulsory for volunteers. Yet, our center offers Arabic classes. With 3 hours of lessons per week—two 1.5-hour classes—taught by experienced instructors, you can choose to learn Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic (Ammyia) upon program start.
Our Achievements
- Experience in organizing international volunteer and internship programs for over 12 years
- Hosting participants from more than 42 countries worldwide
- Partnerships with over 30 local community organizations in Hebron and Bethlehem
- Staff and teachers participated in international training & workshops in Europe, Middle East, and Asia.
- Partnership with international organizations such as Go Abroad, Go Overseas, Idealist, Hey Success, and Volunteer Match.
Application Period and Duration
- Application Timing: The Volunteer in the West Bank Program accepts applications throughout the year, with no specific deadline. Feel free to apply at your convenience.
- Flexible Scheduling: Enjoy the freedom to select start and end dates that align with your schedule. Our Volunteer in the West Bank Program accommodates your preferences.
- Duration Options: Participants can opt to volunteer for a minimum of one week to a maximum of 12 weeks (three months). This flexibility ensures you can tailor your experience to suit your availability and aspirations.
| Location of the volunteer program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Fees for the volunteer program | Starting From 380$ – 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 |
Extending Arabic Language Learning
Should you wish to intensify your Arabic language studies, volunteers have the option to extend their instruction hours. You can acquire additional hours at a rate of $20.00 per hour. If this appeals to you, kindly specify your interest when completing your application.
Our Collaborations & Partnerships
At Go Palestine, our collaborations and partnerships hold immense significance. We collaborate closely with a diverse array of entities, including local Palestinian NGOs, academic institutions, and international volunteer agencies. This synergy amplifies our impact and supports the creation of meaningful programs that uplift Palestinian communities.
Our partners and collaborators contribute their expertise, resources, and networks, enabling us to expand our reach, deepen our influence, and establish programs that are sustainable and just. We deeply value these partnerships and are committed to fostering enduring relationships. Together, we work towards a more equitable and peaceful future for all, making a tangible difference in the lives of Palestinians.
Who Can Join the Volunteer in the West Bank Program?
- Global Diversity: The Palestinian Center has been pleased to welcome volunteers from diverse nations, including the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and more.
- Inclusive Eligibility: Our volunteer and internship initiatives are accessible to individuals aged 18 to 75, regardless of their nationality or field of study (no degree requirement).
- Young Applicants: Volunteers under 18 years old can also apply, with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. If you fall under this category, please ensure the parental consent form is completed and signed.
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 |
Extending Your Stay
If you wish to prolong your program experience while in Palestine, you can do so by notifying the center coordinator a week before your scheduled program end.
Program Enhancements – “EXTRAS”
We offer additional opportunities to enrich your volunteer experience:
- Extended Arabic Language Learning: Expand your language skills beyond the standard hours per week with extra Arabic language instruction at $20 per hour.
- Private Tours: Explore more of Palestine with private tours to cities like Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin, and Jericho.
- Airport Transfer: For your convenience, we provide a pick-up and drop-off service from Ben Gurion Airport to Hebron within 90 minutes. The cost is $130 USD (one way).
- Accommodation for Companions: If your friend or partner wishes to join, we offer them accommodation options in Hebron, including our apartment or staying with a Palestinian family.
Application Process
Follow these steps to join the program:
- Request Form: Email us to request the application form.
- Submit Application: Fill out and send back the application form.
- Interview: If selected, attend an interview via Skype or WhatsApp.
- Confirmation: Receive and complete the confirmation form, contract, and invoice for payment.
- Reservation: Secure your place by signing the contract and making the payment.
- Preparation: Get ready with an orientation booklet and travel guide.
- Contact Us: Reach out to the center using the provided coordinator’s contact number for any assistance or queries.
Documents Provided in Our Program
Important Articles to READ – Please Click to Read
How to request more information or apply for the program?
To apply for this volunteer Program, email Mr. Tamimi at info@gopalestine.org with “Volunteer in Marginalized Areas & Refugees Camps in Palestine” in the subject line. In the email, express your interest, ask any questions, and request an application. We will respond to your email shortly.
