Volunteer Opportunities in Palestine: Teaching English, Human Rights, and Refugee Support – Volunteer opportunities in Palestine offer international volunteers a powerful way to contribute to meaningful causes while gaining firsthand insight into the region’s culture and social dynamics. From teaching English to supporting human rights initiatives and assisting refugee communities, Palestine presents a wide range of impactful programs for those seeking purposeful travel. For many foreigners, volunteering here is not just about giving back—it’s about building connections, sharing knowledge, and engaging with communities on a deeper level.

Teaching English in Palestine is one of the most in-demand volunteer roles, providing valuable language skills to students of all ages and helping expand future opportunities. At the same time, human rights volunteering and refugee support programs allow participants to engage with important social issues, offering assistance through education, advocacy, and community outreach. These diverse volunteer opportunities in Palestine make it possible for individuals with different skills and backgrounds to find a role that aligns with their passions and values.

Whether you are planning a short-term stay or a long-term commitment, understanding the available volunteer opportunities in Palestine is essential for making a positive and responsible impact. This guide explores key areas such as English teaching, human rights work, and refugee support, helping you choose the right path for your volunteering journey. With proper preparation and awareness, volunteering in Palestine can become a deeply rewarding and transformative experience.

Where to Volunteer Abroad with Refugees in Palestine in 2026

There are 19 official Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank, housing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians and their descendants. Today, these camps are densely populated areas where generations of refugees live under challenging conditions, often facing poverty, overcrowding, and limited access to resources and opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities in Palestine: Teaching English, Human Rights and Refugee Support

Near Hebron, the refugee camps include Al-Fawwar, Arroub, and Al-Hussein. These camps face unique challenges, including overcrowding, limited infrastructure, and frequent military incursions due to their proximity to Israeli settlements and military installations. For instance, Al-Fawwar Camp, located just southwest of Hebron, is known for its dense population and the severe restrictions placed on residents’ movement, which hinder access to jobs, education, and healthcare. 

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

There are many different ways that international volunteers can help support Palestinian refugees in camps around Hebron: 

Educational Support

Volunteers in Palestine can help teach English or support the development of other skills for children and adults alike. Some volunteers have assisted people with their CVs, conducted specialised training sessions, and delivered presentations in their areas of expertise. These initiatives can help provide an excellent education and better employment opportunities for people within the camps. 

Community Projects

Some volunteers in Palestine organise community projects in the camps, such as health campaigns, clean-up initiatives, and recreational activities for children. Such projects are valuable in helping build community care and cohesion. 

Advocacy

Based on their experience at the camps, many volunteers choose to undertake some form of advocacy to raise awareness of the situation of refugees. This includes sharing their experiences at the camps and the stories of people they meet on their own platforms or through media back in their home countries. 

We invite anyone with skills and experience to share, or even those with an interest in learning more about refugees, to apply to one of our programs and help volunteer in Palestine. 

How to Apply for a Volunteer Program

Because there are many volunteer organisations, selecting the right one is an important decision. It’s essential to choose a program that aligns with your skills, expertise, interests, and the community’s needs. So, how do you pick a good organisation?

Our advice is to look for programs that are created by, or at least primarily run by, people local to where you will be staying. Many international people can have great intentions by setting up programs they think a community might need. Instead, look for programs where the community itself has identified a need. 

Another piece of advice is to not only check the organisation’s website, but also whether they have an online presence elsewhere to verify the experiences of other volunteers. Salam Palestine is registered with Go Overseas, a well-known organisation that helps people from around the world to find meaningful and fulfilling volunteer positions. We currently have a 4.85 (out of 5) rating from over 950 reviews and have received over 20 community awards since 2019, including for 2025. 

Once you’ve decided on the organisation you want to volunteer with and the program you’re interested in doing, the next step is to apply. The application process should be straightforward, and the organisation should be responsive to your request. At Salam Palestine, we ask that people email Info@ecpalestine.org to enquire about their program of choice, when they would like to arrive, and how long they would like to stay.

List of Volunteer Opportunities in Palestine: Teaching English, Human Rights and Refugee Support

1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program

Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Salam Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will involve many people in need of support, and your influence on Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.

Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.

Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.

2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees

Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program is open to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work on Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance offers an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking experience in the human rights field.

Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.

The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals aged 18 to 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help. 

3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program

The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.

Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.

Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life. 

4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Volunteer Program

The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of conditions in the West Bank while learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.

This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers. 

During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.

5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank

The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at the Salam Palestine Center, local community development centers, Palestinian schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.

Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Salam Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.

Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program offers an outstanding opportunity to gain practical experience and strengthen your English teaching skills.

6. Medicine and Healthcare In The West Bank

The Medicine and Healthcare Program in the West Bank will suit many potential volunteers, including medical professionals, pre-med students, medical school students, or those considering a healthcare career. Under the supervision of local professionals, volunteers will gain valuable experience with the Palestinian healthcare system, the work of local hospitals, and the medical and healthcare specializations at local universities. 

Salam Palestine is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible volunteer and internship programs in Hebron, the West Bank. Our programs are designed for both native and non-native English speakers who are eager to contribute to the Palestinian community while learning Arabic. We offer diverse programs, including healthcare, medicine, public health, and Palestinian healthcare initiatives in the West Bank.

Our Medicine and Healthcare In The West Bank program warmly welcomes individuals of all English-speaking backgrounds, including undergraduates, graduates, professionals, and retirees. This program presents a remarkable opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, the Middle East, or the broader Arabic-speaking world.

Palestinian Law and Legal Systems Internship: This legal internship program is ideal for law, social science, and human rights students, as well as anyone interested in the Palestinian legal system as it operates in the West Bank. As an intern, you can enroll for a period of from 1 to 13 weeks, year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The Palestinian Law program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the legislation applicable to the West Bank and Gaza.

During the legal internship program, you will visit local Palestinian lawyers, law faculties, courts, human rights organizations, legal and religious institutions, and legal clinics in the city of Hebron, Palestine. You will witness the enactment of laws, the decision-making process, court rulings, legal negotiations, and mediations in various social settings.

8. Human Rights Internship in Palestine

Human Rights in Palestine Internship Program: Salam Palestine in Hebron offers human rights volunteer opportunities that highlight Palestinian rights and promote personal and professional growth. Students gain experience in international law, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid while enhancing their intercultural and Arabic language skills. Participants will raise awareness about human rights in the West Bank and support local communities through education.

Salam Palestine offers human rights internships and volunteer programs year-round for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates. Participants can learn Ammiya (Palestinian Arabic) and receive 3 hours of Arabic instruction per week from qualified teachers. You’ll engage with Palestinian and international NGOs, professors, students, and human rights activists and participate in excursions to refugee camps and organizations, enhancing your academic work and Arabic skills.

Visa and Travel Requirements for 2026

Currently, to travel to Palestine, you need to secure a visa from Israel. Tourist visas are issued on arrival at the border and can last for up to 90 days. As of January 1st, 2026, you need to fill out an Electronic Travel Authorization before departure. 

There are two key crossings into the West Bank: a land crossing through Jordan at the King Hussein Bridge, or arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport just outside of Tel Aviv. Travel through Jordan is currently highly recommended, as many people have recently faced difficulty entering Israel through Ben Gurion Airport. The way is a bit longer and more complicated, but there is generally a better chance you will be granted entry. Please read our article on traveling from Jordan to Palestine for more information. 

The first thing to know is that preparing to cross the border will almost always sound worse than it actually is. Since 2011, over 1,000 volunteers have come to Salam Palestine without any problems. However, entering Palestine can be more difficult at times than others, depending on the changing security situation. 

There is a chance that you will be pulled aside for questioning when you try to cross the border. The questions will usually be about your intentions in Israel (tourism, visiting friends and family, etc) and why you have decided to travel now. We recommend that you say you are traveling for tourism and prepare some answers, such as where you intend to stay and what you plan to do and see during your trip. It is highly recommended that you do not mention Palestine, the West Bank, or any West Bank cities, or volunteering and learning Arabic.

Living and Working Conditions as a Salam Palestine

Accommodation

Salam Palestine has a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs. Most commonly, volunteers will reside in one of our shared flats near the center. There is one for men and one for women. The apartments are modern, spacious, and equipped with everything you need for daily living. Rooms may be shared depending on the number of volunteers, but you can request a private room if you prefer. Another option (for female volunteers) is to be placed with a Palestinian host family. This immersion is a great way to experience the local culture and language. 

Best Palestinian Law Internships in Palestine in 2026/2027

For our volunteering in a Palestinian refugee camp program, volunteers will be based in Hebron and commute to the camp to work with the community two or three days per week. 

Daily Life

At Salam Palestine, our volunteers’ days usually start at 10 am with a communal breakfast in our kitchen. We have everything you’ll usually find on the breakfast table in a Palestinian home—bread, hummus, avocado, tomato, eggs, za’atar, and olive oil, served with tea or coffee. This breakfast is an essential start to the day, allowing staff and volunteers to mingle, speak about their days, and get to know each other better. 

After breakfast, Arabic classes usually begin with our excellent teachers. The length and frequency of your Arabic classes will depend on whether you are in an intensive course or studying Arabic as part of another program. 

In the afternoon, program-specific activities occur. At the end of the day, volunteers usually like to go out for dinner at one of the many restaurants on bustling Ein Sara Street, sit at a cafe and study together, or return home and cook for themselves. 

Weekends and Getting Around

Weekends in Palestine are Friday and Saturday, while the working week starts on Sunday. On Fridays, most shops and cafes close, and many people like to stay home and spend time with their families. Saturdays tend to be more lively, with people out and about, shopping and dining with friends. 

While there are trains and light rail options in Israel, Palestine’s public transport consists of shared taxis called Services (pronounced Servees). These are usually quite affordable and easy to catch. Many volunteers like to travel on weekends, using local transport to cities such as Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Tel Aviv, and Nablus. Just make sure you agree on a price with the driver before you start the journey! 

Ethical Volunteering and Cultural Sensitivity

Volunteering done without ethics in mind can be detrimental to the community. That is why it’s essential to remember how to volunteer responsibly when you’re in a community and a setting very different from your home. 

One of the most significant considerations for responsible volunteering is respecting the community’s culture and traditions. While there is a mix of religions in Palestine, it is primarily an Islamic society. If you have lived in a Muslim-majority country before, Hebron will feel really familiar. If you haven’t, some things can be a bit different from what you’re used to.

The first thing is the local culture regarding gender. Men and women do not usually shake hands or otherwise show physical affection in public. Some things, like gyms, are separated, often having different opening hours for men and women. Some gyms are just for women, and some are just for men. 

Another consideration is clothing. Hebron is quite a conservative city. For men, this usually means no shorts. For women, it is best to wear long, loose clothing that reaches the wrists and ankles, and to ensure the chest is covered. Women in Hebron tend to be very stylish, so conservative definitely doesn’t have to mean boring! 

Finally, it’s important to remember that even though you’re coming to help the community, the community isn’t helpless. Palestinians are strong, resilient, and hopeful about their future. They have found ways to thrive even under occupation. By volunteering at Salam Palestine, you’ll be working alongside Palestinians and learning as much from them as they learn from you! 

Reviews and Awards

Salam Palestine has been honored with several prestigious Community Awards and recognized as the Best Language School and Top Volunteer and Internship Program Provider for 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. For more details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.

Check out our many excellent reviews here:

Summary

Volunteer opportunities in Palestine—especially in teaching English, human rights, and refugee support—provide a unique chance to make a meaningful difference while gaining valuable global experience. By contributing your time and skills to these important areas, you can support local communities and help address critical social challenges. Choosing the right program and approaching your role with cultural sensitivity ensures that your efforts are both ethical and impactful.

As you consider volunteering in Palestine, it’s important to focus on responsible engagement and long-term value. Supporting initiatives that prioritize community needs and sustainable development will help maximize the positive effects of your involvement. Whether you are teaching students, advocating for human rights, or assisting refugees, your contribution can play a small but significant role in ongoing community efforts.

Ultimately, volunteering in Palestine is about more than just service—it’s about understanding, connection, and shared humanity. The experiences you gain and the relationships you build can leave a lasting impression on both you and the communities you support. By exploring these volunteer opportunities in Palestine, you take an important step toward creating meaningful change while enriching your own personal and professional journey.

If you’re interested in spending time in the West Bank and volunteering with refugees in Hebron, please reach out to Info@ecpalestine.org.

Find Us Online

WhatsApp: +972 599 479 880

Email: info@ecpalestine.org

Website: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/

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