The Media and Journalism volunteer program of Salam Palestine is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving a voice to Palestinians on the global stage. Volunteers in this program will help raise awareness of human rights and political circumstances within the West Bank, while also learning about ethical journalism practices.
Volunteers may be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians or writing articles to encapsulate the Palestinian refugee experience. Volunteers will conduct research on Palestinian issues, fact-check articles, and enhance Palestinian representation in media through various platforms.
Salam Palestine offers cost-effective and inclusive volunteer and internship programs in Hebron, West Bank. Our programs welcome both native and non-native English speakers who are eager to support the Palestinian community while acquiring Arabic language skills. We provide a diverse selection of programs, including the field of communication, media, and journalism in the West Bank.
The Media & Journalism Program is available to individuals of all English-speaking backgrounds, regardless of their academic level or professional experience. This program presents an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering in Palestine, the West Bank, Israel, the Middle East, or the broader Arabic-speaking world.
Who Is This Program Best Suited To?
The Media & Journalism program welcomes diverse volunteers, with a special invitation to seasoned and aspiring journalists. It’s also suitable for students in related fields like journalism, mass communication, and political science. Recent graduates benefit from real-world experience, valued by employers for cross-cultural skills and Arabic proficiency.
Photographers with an interest or experience in photojournalism are also encouraged to apply. Volunteers with this specialization will have the opportunity to participate in photography missions in Hebron and the surrounding areas which will document Palestinian daily life. Salam Palestine offers you the chance to work in a fascinating and energetic environment and an experience that is created to be immersive, genuine, and holistic. Anyone interested in journalism, media, and the effects of global news practices on Palestine is welcome to apply.
Documenting Daily Life In Palestine
By volunteering in Media and Journalism in the West Bank, program participants will help elevate Palestinian voices on the global stage where they have historically been denied representation. This has in turn led to the misrepresentation of Palestinians, making it all the more important for journalists to use correct language and accurate depiction when reporting on Palestinian issues.
We Aim To Connect Palestine To The World
Salam Palestine aims to connect Palestine to the world through the work of international visitors, where participants can experience for themselves the diversity of perspectives and identities among Palestinians.
In addition to participants learning about Palestine, Palestinians in turn will be able to gain a greater understanding of the world through their interactions with the participants. In this way, exchanges between Palestinians and their visitors can become a mutually beneficial and symbiotic process.
Work With Local News Agencies
Throughout the program, volunteers and interns will support local Palestinian news agencies in presenting the Palestinian viewpoint to Arabic-speaking audiences. Palestinian news agencies, unlike major organizations such as Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, face resource constraints in reaching wider audiences.
By volunteering with Salam Palestine in the West Bank, participants can help these news organizations gain acknowledgment and respect from a larger regional and international audience.
Program Overview
Participants are encouraged to make connections and build relationships with people from all over the world while working to aid refugees and the local community of Hebron. Here you will become acquainted with Palestinian culture and the Arabic language.
At the same time, you will learn about the relationship between media and Palestinians and document the lives of locals and Palestinian refugees in the West Bank. In addition, you will have the chance to design and conduct workshops to educate Palestinians on journalism and media.
Commitment And Flexibility Is Required
However, volunteering with Salam Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. This program can last from 1 to 5 weeks, with each week broken up into stages. On average, volunteers are expected to work approximately 30 hours per week from 10 am to 5 pm. Participants will have two days off per week, one on Friday (when our center is closed) and another day of the participant’s choosing.
Start Your Day With Breakfast
Every morning (except Fridays), our center offers breakfast comprising traditional Palestinian staples like bread, olive oil, za’atar, hummus, and more. Staff and participants enjoy these communal breakfasts together. We insist on sharing a breakfast to create a stronger, familial bond between the staff and the participants.
The First Week, Arabic Lessons And Palestinian Hospitality
The first week of the program will be spent adapting to life in Hebron and preparing for service in the volunteer’s field of expertise. As with all our programs, volunteers will be entitled to 3 hours of classes on Palestinian culture and the Arabic language, thus enabling them to better interact with locals.
Palestinians are traditionally hospitable and welcoming people, and will certainly appreciate any effort that volunteers make to speak Arabic, as this shows a genuine interest in their lives, is seen as a mark of respect for the culture, and is one that will be noted by all those you meet.
Media And Journalism Workshops
Throughout their stint, volunteers will grasp the nuances of media and journalism in Palestine, conducting workshops for locals. These workshops can come in different forms, tackling various topics. Workshops in the past have focused on safe internet navigation, ethical sourcing of information and materials, intellectual property, ethical reporting standards, media production, and the effect of news media on world affairs and public opinion. Workshops can evolve into diverse topics, with Salam Palestine providing guidance. For example, social media volunteers educate on responsible usage.
Excursions In Hebron And Free Time
Salam Palestine’s center also facilitates regular excursions into Hebron throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and Palestinian community organizations. Evenings and weekends are free time, and give volunteers the chance to explore the City of Hebron and its many restaurants, cafes, shops, and historical sites, or even neighboring cities such as Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jerusalem on their own or with colleagues.
Why Take Part In This Program?
Salam Palestine’s Media and Journalism Program can help aspiring journalists sharpen their media skills while they immerse themselves in the many facets of Palestinian culture. Because the program is located in Hebron, participants will inevitably gain an understanding of daily life in Palestine.
Volunteering in the Media and Journalism is an excellent way to learn the ins and outs of ethical journalism, the process of publishing in the media, and the real-life impact of world news in the communities being featured. Furthermore, as part of the program participants will take part in community festivals, visit areas of historical and political significance, and work closely with the local community of Hebron.
After the program, volunteers in the Media and Journalism Program will be able to share the knowledge that they have acquired with Palestinians here in Hebron. In this way, they can ensure that the local community will be able to discern ethical journalism for themselves as they analyze news media and create their own.
Living In Palestine: Accommodation In Hebron
When staying in Hebron, you will have the option of residing with a Palestinian host family (guaranteed only for female volunteers) or in a dorm (guaranteed for male volunteers). There are advantages to both of these options. If staying in a dorm, you will have more time to become acquainted with other participants and volunteers. Furthermore, the dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunities for exploring the city, either on your own or in the company of your colleagues.
The second option available to participants is to reside with a Palestinian host family. This option will give participants an intimate view of the daily life, customs, and culture of Palestinians while giving them a chance to familiarize themselves with family structures as well as taste some delicious Palestinian cuisine. It is also likely that participants residing with a host family will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience!
However, host families can only be guaranteed to female participants, and is subject to change. Whichever housing option participants choose, their time in Palestine is sure to be enriching and memorable!
Interacting With Palestinian Culture
Palestine is located at the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean). Many people are unaware of the cultural diversity of Palestine and the Levant, having only a crude understanding of the heritage of these lands. Although the situation in Palestine can at times be difficult, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open and that Palestine in general is a safe place to visit.
Participants will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. For instance, if participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are simply delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture. Palestine also provides ample opportunities for learning about an interesting culture and visiting important historical and religious sights. By enrolling in this program participants will take part in something unique, an experience that is sure to be remembered throughout their lives. Additionally, participants will be immersed in the Arabic language and culture while living in Hebron.
Impact and Benefits of Volunteering in Palestine
Our Journalism programs in the West Bank are comprehensive, offering insights into Palestinian life, media, culture, and human rights. Through volunteering or interning in Hebron, participants can make a tangible impact on both themselves and the local community. The program aims for a lasting difference through mutual understanding. As for the volunteers, they receive various benefits during their time, enhancing their experience.:
- Live in Hebron and visit sites of cultural, historical, and religious importance
- Understanding of Palestinian politics and experience of human rights and occupation in the West Bank.
- Learn spoken Arabic from native speakers and use it to communicate with locals
- Accommodation with a Palestinian host family, if available
- Visits to Palestinian universities, local institutions, and organisations specialising in culture and education
- Local Palestinian foods and delicacies
- Educational, cultural, social, and community development activities through the center
- Cultural nights which feature entertainment and activities in Hebron’s social hubs
- Travel to historical locations and nearby cities including Jerusalem, Jericho, Ramallah, Nablus, and Bethlehem in your free time
Weekends in Israel
Moreover, weekends of exploring famous historical cities such as Jericho, Jerusalem, Akko, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Eilat, Tiberias, Nazareth, Be’er Sheva, Ashdod, and Masada are awaiting you! Travel to Jordan’s most ancient sites in Petra, Amman, Wadi Rum, Irbid, and Aqaba, and broaden your experiences in the Middle East!
Travelling between Palestine and Israel is easy and inexpensive for international visitors and our volunteer programs provide our participants with plenty of free time to discover the area, even ensuring you make some new Palestinian friends along the way!
Flexible Booking
At Salam Palestine, we understand that things change. As such, our programs are incredibly flexible in case you need to alter travel plans or just simply have a change of heart. As programs begin at our center year-round (with flexible start and end dates), you decide your arrival.
We accept applications the entire year, and opportunities are available anywhere from one week to three months. Furthermore, you’re able to change your start date entirely free of charge if requested at least two weeks beforehand.
Summer Volunteer Programs In Palestine
For people looking for Media and Journalism volunteer opportunities in Israel, the West Bank, Palestine, or the Middle East over the summer months, Salam Palestine offers a summer program that runs from June until August. While this program is available throughout the entire year, the summer is an especially popular and significant time to visit.
This program is ideal for students looking for Journalism Internships during the summer break or for anyone looking to volunteer during an extended visit to the region. The summer volunteer programs combine the Arabic language focus with full immersion and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Palestinian refugee camps, local villages, and community centers.
Volunteer Requirements
Salam Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis. Salam Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds and identities
- Age 18 years or over
- Able to communicate in English
- Patience and enthusiasm to work with a diverse team
- Eagerness to learn
What You Don’t Need:
- Ability to speak Arabic
- Travel or work experience
- To be a native English speaker
- A degree in journalism
General Information Regarding The Program
| Program Location | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Fees | €750 per month €250 per week |
| Age Limit | 18-70 years old |
| Duration | 1-13 weeks |
| Program Components | Ethical journalism Media and Journalism workshops News media in Palestine Assisting local Palestinian news organizations |
| Number of Arabic Lessons per Week | 3 hours in total |
| Duration of Arabic Lessons | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Participants | Varies |
| Qualifications required | None |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
Traveling To Hebron
Getting to Hebron, Palestine can entail a lot of traveling, but it need not be arduous. Although there may be some obstacles to overcome, Salam Palestine has compiled a list of resources that will help you reach us in an efficient, safe, and practical manner. Please read our articles below on planning your trip, flying to Palestine, the different routes to Hebron, and Israeli and Palestinian taxi services:
- How to fly to Palestine
- How to get to Hebron, Palestine
- Planning your trip to Palestine
- How to get from the Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) to Hebron
If you have any further inquiries about travel to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page.
How to Apply
If you want to take part in our Media and Journalism Program, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org and CC Mr. Rafat Shantir at Rafat@excellencenter.org.
We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days. In the subject line of your email write “Volunteer in Media and Journalism.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you can fill out and return to us to begin the process.
Reviews and Community Awards
Salam Palestine in Hebron, West Bank has been offering volunteer programs since 2011. During this time, we have hosted more than a thousand international visitors. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission has not changed. We aim to connect, teach, and develop individuals within the local and international community.
In 2022 we ranked as one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022. Additionally, our participants ranked us as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits”. We also ranked as one of the top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we ranked one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice awards from Go Overseas in the categories “best language school., Our participants also described us as best in “fun” and “instruction”.
In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge Engage in Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Engage in Palestine continues to be a highly-rated travel organization across its selection of programs
Check out our reviews and testimonials from previous participants, linked below, to see if we are the right language school for you.
- 748+ Reviews (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- 150+ Reviews (94%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
Summary
The Volunteer in Media and Journalism Program in the West Bank, Palestine will present you with a unique opportunity to help elevate Palestinian voices in the media. Palestinian voices have often suffered during periods of rising tensions while others chose to disregard them. Especially considering the historical and continuous misrepresentation of Palestine and Palestinians in the international media. That is why ethical journalism is of crucial importance here.
Volunteers will have various opportunities during their stay, including aiding Palestinians with media, organizing educational sessions, and engaging in journalism. This program caters to those passionate about human rights and ethical journalism. Thus, we would be happy to have you here with us and we are looking forward to hearing from you!
Related Programs
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Website: https://ecpalestine.org/
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