The Volunteer in Palestine/West Bank Program, which spans from one week to three months, offers Canadians a remarkable chance to volunteer in Palestine. Through this program, participants can fully engage with Palestinian culture and contribute to the local community. Volunteers have the flexibility to choose a duration that suits them, whether it’s a short stay of one week or an extended period of up to three months. During their time in Palestine, they assist locals in improving their conversational English skills while gaining a profound understanding of Palestinian life and traditions.
In addition to volunteering, participants have the option to study Arabic and visit refugee camps, providing them with a deeper insight into the challenges faced by Palestinians. This program offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while immersing oneself in a new and enriching cultural experience.
What The Volunteer in Palestine, West bank Program includes?
The West Bank Volunteer Program includes the following activities:
Organizing Weekly Workshops: Assist in organizing optional weekly workshops for Palestinian students on various educational subjects, such as resume writing, formal email writing, employment skills, and educational writing skills.
Teaching Conversational English: Teach conversational English to students at the center, helping them improve their language skills through engaging and interactive lessons.
Organizing Interactive Activities: Help organize optional interactive activities, including painting workshops, writing workshops, handicrafts, filming, and photography, to foster creativity and cultural exchange.
Why choose GO Palestine?
We do not have any hidden or additional fees.
We organize trips every week to areas in Hebron & Bethlehem.
We offer 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week – Two classes with our best Arabic teachers.
Our center is located in the heart of the city of Hebron, which makes it easy to reach, whether for our Palestinian students or for our international participants.
We are very flexible about changing the start and end times of your program.
We meticulously search for families that our female participants feel comfortable with during their stay in Hebron.
We organize local visits to get acquainted with the most famous landmarks of the city of Hebron.
We provide all kinds of assistance to our participants and guide them to make their experience more enjoyable.
We also have an 8th-floor apartment for our male participants with a great view. It has everything they need in addition to being very close to the center (three minutes walking to the center).
What are the benefits of Volunteer in the West bank Program?
Volunteering at our center includes teaching English to students and organizing various educational activities to improve their language skills. Volunteers also have the opportunity to organize and participate in workshops on topics such as resume writing, formal email writing, and employment skills.
The program features interactive activities like painting, writing, handicrafts, filming, and photography, offering a well-rounded experience for both volunteers and students. We welcome all americans and others to join us, bringing diverse perspectives and skills to our program.
By engaging in the center’s educational, social, and community activities, volunteers gain a deep understanding of Palestinian culture and hospitality. They can explore Hebron’s rich history through visits to local sites and participate in day trips to refugee camps and areas of political significance.
Volunteers are provided with accommodations, either with a local host family or in our apartment, with private options available for an additional fee. The program includes three hours of Arabic lessons per week, daily Palestinian breakfast, and opportunities to meet local families. Upon completion, volunteers receive a participation certificate and a recommendation letter. Americans have the unique chance to immerse themselves in this enriching experience while making a meaningful impact on the local community.
Where does the program take place?
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.
From One Week up to three Months
Volunteers can choose to participate in the program for a period of one week up to three months.
Whatever length of time you choose, we will support you so that you have a great and unique experience at our center and in this wonderful city of Hebron.
The West Bank Volunteer Program’s Fees
250$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
480$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
595$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
690$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
845$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1070$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1215$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1450$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1630$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1810$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1990$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2250$
American Dollar
This includes accommodation, local visits, 36 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
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 refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance
Sightseeing
Historical & politically important places in the city of Hebron
Certificate
Certificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program
Do I need to know how to speak Arabic?
Volunteers are not obligated to know Arabic. The center provides you with 3 hours of Arabic lessons/two classes each week with one of our teachers. Volunteers can choose either to study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (known as Ammyia) once they start their program.
When can I apply to the program?
The Volunteer in the West Bank Program has no deadline, which means that you can apply to the program year-round.
Volunteers are allowed to choose when they want to start and end the program.
The minimum period of participation is one week and the maximum amount is 12 weeks/three months.
Place of Volunteer Program
Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine
Age
18-75 Years Old
Minimum Period of The West Bank Volunteer Program
One Week
Maximum Period ofThe West Bank Volunteer Program
Three Months – 12 Weeks
Volunteering Hours
4-5 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 Degree
Not Required
University Credit
Available
Can I add more Arabic hours?
Yes, volunteers can add additional Arabic language instruction hours. Each extra hour costs $20.00. Please mention this in your application.
Who can apply to Volunteer in the West bank Program?
The Palestinian Center has hosted people who have come from a myriad of countries, such as the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and many more.
Anyone between the ages of 18 to 75 can register and participate in our volunteer work or internships. All nationalities and university majors are welcome (no university degrees are required).
Those who are younger than 18 years old can also apply, but with one condition. One of your parents has to fill out and sign a parental consent form.
What does your weekly schedule look 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 where 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 cafes and parks not far from the center, as the center is located on one of the most lively streets in the city.
Combine this Program with Other 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. Don’t worry, you will fill out one application.
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
Living Costs in Palestine
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
MainlyIsraeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land.
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 application process?
First, send us an email asking for the application form.
We send you the application, and you fill out the application and send it back to us.
Our team reviews your application. We invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
We will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
We prepare and send you the Invitation Letter andthe contract. We will also send you the invoice for payment, which will include all the information regarding payment options.
You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
We will send you an orientation booklet and travel guide to Palestine. These two items will provide you with all the information on how to get to Hebron and contact the Center. One of our coordinators will provide his/her contact number within an email sent to you.
Documents you’ll receive from us!
How to apply or ask for additional information?
Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type “The Volunteer in the West bank 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.
