The Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital Program (1-12 Weeks) offers a unique and impactful opportunity for individuals from around the world to contribute to the healthcare system in the Palestinian territories. This program, which can be tailored to last anywhere from one to twelve weeks, provides participants with a hands-on experience in a Palestinian hospital setting.
Volunteers and interns are exposed to a diverse range of medical cases, allowing them to gain invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities within Palestinian healthcare. Whether you’re a medical student looking to enhance your clinical skills or a compassionate individual seeking to make a meaningful difference, this program offers a platform to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on the lives of patients in need.
Participants in this program not only get to work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals but also immerse themselves in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Palestinian territories. They have the chance to engage with local communities, learn about the region’s history and traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare challenges faced by Palestinians.
Through this program, volunteers and interns not only make a tangible contribution to healthcare but also foster cross-cultural understanding and build lasting connections with the Palestinian people. Overall, the “Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital Program” is a rewarding experience that allows individuals to combine their passion for healthcare with a commitment to global solidarity and community service.
What is included in the Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital Program?
The Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital Program (1-12 Weeks) typically includes the following components:
- Hospital Placement: Participants are assigned to a Palestinian hospital where they can volunteer or intern, depending on their qualifications and interests. This placement allows them to work closely with healthcare professionals and gain hands-on experience in various medical departments.
- Cultural Immersion: Participants often have the opportunity to engage in cultural activities and outings to explore the West Bank’s history, heritage, and local traditions. This helps volunteers and interns gain a deeper appreciation for the region.
- Support and Guidance: Program coordinators or local staff typically provide ongoing support and guidance to participants throughout their stay, helping them navigate any challenges and ensuring a meaningful experience.
- Language Support: Language assistance, such as Arabic language classes or interpreters, may be available to help volunteers and interns communicate effectively with patients and healthcare staff.
What makes GO Palestine a great choice?
What advantages does the program offer?
- This program allows them to work closely with healthcare professionals and gain hands-on experience in various medical departments.
- Participate in the Palestinian Center’s educational, social, and community activities to experience Palestinian culture and hospitality.
- The particpants program includes visits to local sites in Hebron to learn about the city’s rich history.
- Accommodation options include staying with a local host family, at our 8th-floor apartment, or private accommodation (with extra fees).
- Two classes of Arabic lessons (1.5 hours per class) are offered per week, for a total of 3 hours.
- Daily Palestinian breakfast is provided.
- Local visits are organized to various places such as the old city, and participants will meet with Palestinian families in Hebron.
- Day trips to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, as well as areas of political importance, are available.
- Upon completion of the program, participants receive a participation certificate and a recommendation letter.
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 is the program located?
The program is based in the heart of Palestine, precisely in the city of Hebron, known as Al-Khalil in Arabic. Hebron is situated in the southern part of the West Bank, approximately 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. The city has a population of around 300,000 residents, with an additional 500,000 living in the surrounding villages.
What is the maximum length of participation in the program?
Our program provides participants with the option to select their desired duration, which can span from one week to a maximum of three months. Irrespective of the duration chosen, we are committed to offering comprehensive support and assistance to our volunteers throughout their time at our center in Hebron.
The fees for the Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital 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.
Obtaining a Visa to Enter Palestine
For citizens of exempted countries, obtaining a tourist visa for Palestine is typically straightforward. You can acquire a tourist visa upon your arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. In most cases, individuals from countries like the United States and Europe are granted three-month visas upon clearing customs. These tourist visas remain valid for a period of 90 days.
However, if your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, you will need to obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country before planning your visit. It’s important to note that many Arab nations do not accept Israeli passport stamps, prompting Israel to issue visas on separate small cards containing a barcode indicating the visa’s validity period. Always ensure that you keep this visa card with your passport. To confirm whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement, check with the relevant authorities.
Safety in Palestine
Palestine is a secure destination for tourists, and visitors can enjoy their stay with a sense of safety and comfort. Despite occasional news reports highlighting safety concerns, the Palestinian Authority places a high priority on the safety and security of tourists. They are dedicated to ensuring that visitors have a safe and positive travel experience.
Additionally, Go Palestine goes the extra mile to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors during their trip to Palestine. They offer excellent services and support throughout the journey, including assistance with any safety-related concerns, ensuring that your visit is memorable and trouble-free.
Arabic Language
Knowledge of Arabic is not a mandatory requirement for volunteers. However, our center offers Arabic language classes for those who are interested in learning. We provide three hours of Arabic lessons per week, divided into two classes of 1.5 hours each, taught by one of our instructors. Once you start your program, you can choose to study either Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (Ammyia) based on your preferences and needs.
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
The application period for the Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital Program is ongoing throughout the year, and there is no fixed application deadline. You are welcome to apply at any time that is convenient for you.
Flexible Start and End Dates
We understand the importance of flexibility, so we offer a range of start and end date options for the Volunteer in the West Bank Program. This allows you to select a timeframe that aligns with your schedule and availability.
Duration Options
Participants in this program have the flexibility to volunteer for a minimum of one week and can extend their participation for up to a maximum of 12 weeks, which is equivalent to three months. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your experience to your preferences and time constraints.
| Location of the program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Fees for the program | Starting From 250$ – American Dollar |
| Age range | 18-75 Years Old |
| Minimum duration | One Week |
| Maximum duration | Three Months – 12 Weeks |
| Volunteering/Interning 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 |
Can I increase my Arabic language instruction hours?
Volunteers and inetrns have the option to add more Arabic language instruction hours to their program. Additional hours can be purchased for $20.00 per hour. If you are interested in adding extra Arabic language instruction, please specify this in your application.
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
Eligibility for Participation
The Volunteer in the West Bank Program is open to a diverse range of individuals from around the world, including countries such as the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and many others.
Age Requirement
Our volunteer and internship programs are accessible to individuals aged 18 to 75, irrespective of their nationality or academic background. A formal degree is not a mandatory prerequisite for participation.
Under 18 Applicants
Applicants who are under the age of 18 may also apply, provided they have the consent of a parent or legal guardian. In such cases, the parent or legal guardian is required to complete and sign a parental consent form, affirming their support for the applicant’s participation in the program.
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
The program activities kick off promptly at 10:30 in the morning and typically wrap up around 1:30 in the afternoon. During this time, participants will be actively engaged at the hospital, providing invaluable assistance to the medical team in various healthcare tasks and responsibilities.
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 Programs: A Possibility
For those seeking a more diverse experience, it is entirely feasible to blend this program with other internship or volunteer opportunities provided by our center. You have the flexibility to opt for a one-week or longer duration in this program and then seamlessly integrate another week or more of an alternative program. Simplifying the process, you only need to complete one application, and we will work closely with you to coordinate and customize your schedule to accommodate your preferences.
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 Program Stay in Palestine
For participants seeking to prolong their program experience, it is possible to extend your participation period while in Palestine. To do so, kindly notify the center coordinator at least one week before your originally scheduled program end date. This will allow for proper arrangements and ensure a smooth extension of your stay.
What can be added to your program? “EXTRAS“
What is the application process?
- Request the application form by emailing us.
- Fill out and send back the application.
- Attend a video interview via Skype/WhatsApp.
- Receive and complete the confirmation form, contract, and invoice for payment.
- Sign the contract and make payment to reserve your place in the program.
- Receive an orientation booklet and travel guide.
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 the Volunteer Program, email Mr. Tamimi at info@gopalestine.org with “Volunteer or Intern at a Palestinian Hospital Program” in the subject line. In the email, express your interest, ask any questions, and request an application. We will respond to your email shortly.
