Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those wanting to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in the city of Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students, either at Salam Palestine or in local community development centers, Palestinian local 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 provides you with the opportunity to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in a wide range of social, educational, cultural, and community development activities during your time in Hebron.
If you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.
This English teaching internship in the West Bank is an excellent fit for you if you possess strong colloquial fluency in English and are intrigued by the Middle East, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Furthermore, it is a good fit if you are eager to actively participate in a volunteer program while exploring the West Bank, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jaffa, and numerous other fascinating locations.
General Program Overview
| Program Location | Hebron, Palestine |
| Program Fees | 750€ per month 250€ per week |
| Age Range Of Participants | 18-70 years old |
| Minimum Duration | 1 week |
| Maximum Duration | 13 weeks |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible to fit participant’s schedule |
| Application Deadline | No deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Program Focus | Reviews, Ratings, And Testimonials |
| Time Off | Between Friday and Sunday |
| Number of Arabic Lessons Per Week | 3 hours in total |
| Educational Degree Teaching Certificate Requirement | Not required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Reviews, Ratings And Testimonials | Reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com Reviews (96%) on goabroad.com Video testimonials |
Program Components
Participants in the Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank will also enroll in 3 hours of Arabic language classes per week. These classes will further immerse you as a volunteer in Palestinian culture, while also allowing you to communicate with your students and the local population of Hebron.
This teaching internship program can last from 1 to 13 weeks, depending on your preference. During your stay, you will live with either a local Palestinian host family or in an all-male dorm, depending on availability. Either way, volunteers will be based in the bustling city of Hebron, giving you countless opportunities to practice your Arabic skills and become immersed in Arabic and Palestinian culture.
Arabic Classes
Learning Arabic is an integral part of the Teaching English program. Interns will receive 12 hours of conversational Arabic lessons each month, which can be spread out as 3 hours per week. You have the flexibility to choose the form of Arabic you wish to study:
- Shami or Levantine Arabic (Amiyya dialect)
- Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
- Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
- A mixed schedule, such as Modern Standard Arabic and Shami Arabic, can also be arranged
Teaching English for a Short-Term Period
This teaching internship for Palestinians caters to individuals who are looking for a unique, short-term English teaching opportunity. Volunteers are welcome to stay for a duration ranging from 1 to 13 weeks, allowing you the freedom to select your preferred starting and ending dates.
Teaching English Over the Summer
For people looking to teach English over the summer months in the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, or Israel, Salam Palestine offers great volunteer teaching opportunities from May to August. These volunteer and internship programs are ideal for students, native English speakers, or anyone looking to volunteer on a summer break.
The summer teaching volunteer programs combine an Arabic language focus with engagement in Palestinian culture, politics, and history. It includes visits to Bedouin areas (Susiya), Masafer Yatta, Palestinian refugee camps, local villages, and community centers in Hebron.
NO Prior Experience In Teaching English Needed
This volunteer program for teaching English presents an exciting internship opportunity, suitable for both those with or without prior teaching experience.
Additionally, our Palestinian teachers hold degrees in teaching English, English literature, and teaching methods. We also have very experienced Palestinian English teachers on our team who are highly skilled at conducting classes for non-native English speakers. They are available to guide volunteers during the program.
Furthermore, we also organize workshops on teaching English and offer teaching manuals and activities. Our staff is always willing to provide tips and advice on teaching English to Palestinians.
English Classes Size
At Salam Palestine, volunteers will conduct one-on-one tutoring English sessions in addition to teaching full classes which can have from 10 to 20 Palestinian students in attendance. The students’ ages can vary between 6 and 40, as Palestinians of all ages are eager to learn new languages and connect with the outside world.
Moreso, you will be giving Palestinians the tools to express themselves which is incredibly important. Western media often portrays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in an unfair and biased manner, where Palestinians are usually assigned blame and denied their representation. As an English teacher, you can help turn the tide and combat this bias. You will also help them to communicate with an audience that has historically viewed them through a Western-centric and Orientalist lens.
Activities In The Program:
- Conducting conversational English classes for Palestinian children and youth in the West Bank
- Assisting local public schools in Hebron
- Teaching classes of between 15 and 20 students at the Salam Palestine Center
- Conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions with students at the Center
- Helping manage after-school programs
- Participating in excursions to Hebron and the rest of the West Bank
- Attending Arabic language classes for 3 hours/week
Requirements For Our Volunteers
To intern as an English teacher in the West Bank, you will need to:
- Be 18+
- Have a Bachelor’s degree, or high school diploma, or be a current undergraduate student
- Be fluent in English
- Commit to at least 1 week (3 months at most ) as a volunteer
You Will NOT Need To:
- Speak Arabic
- Have travel experience
- Have teaching experience
- Be a native English speaker
After finishing the Teaching English in the West Bank Program, Salam Palestine will award you with a certificate and a letter of recommendation that you can include on your résumé and use to earn university credits.
Who Can Participate?
Salam Palestine does not discriminate on any basis. This includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or anything else. Salam Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and identities. All are welcome!
Previous participants in Salam Palestine’s programs have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US!
Who Is This Program For?
The Teach English in the West Bank Program is suitable for anyone wishing to assist Palestinians while also gaining valuable teaching experiences. The program is also ideal for those interested in the Arabic language and the Middle East, especially about the Israel – Palestine situation, and for people with an interest in issues of human rights, linguistics, and second language acquisition. Furthermore, it’s great for those wanting to dedicate some of their time to helping others.
University students and recent graduates will find this program helpful in building their skill sets while exploring topics related to political science and refugee aid. In partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, Salam Palestine can provide university credits for students.
In summary, the program is suitable for:
- University students studying English and wish to teach abroad for a semester for university credits
- People who intend to work as English teachers
- People willing to help Palestinians learn conversational English
- Those interested in immersing themselves in the daily life and culture of Palestine- particularly students who are studying Political Science, Middle Eastern, or Palestinian and Israeli history
- People who want to study and practice Arabic with native speakers
Reminder: This Program Does Not Have The Same Requirements As Other English Teaching Programs.
- Volunteers do NOT need to have previous teaching experience
- Volunteers are NOT required to have a teaching qualification or degree such as CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL, etc.
- Volunteers will be provided with a teaching manual and the necessary materials by Salam Palestine
- Our staff will be available to assist volunteers in their training and during classes
- Volunteers will interact closely with refugee communities
- Classes will be one-on-one basis or in small groups
- This program is available year-round
Why Is This An Excellent Opportunity?
Volunteering as an English teacher in the West Bank is a great opportunity to gain teaching experience, support human rights in Palestine, immerse oneself in a new culture, and aid refugees in the West Bank. Altogether, these activities are sure to make this program a rewarding experience.
One of the most rewarding aspects of your time here will be watching your students improve their English language comprehension. The students in turn will educate you about Palestinian culture, the Arabic language, and their lives and experiences growing up under occupation. Volunteering as an English teacher in the West Bank is truly an immersive exchange, as well as being a two-way street between different cultures, languages, and peoples.
What Do You Get From Salam Palestine?
- 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week
- Accommodation with a Palestinian host family or shared flat
- Breakfast with other participants
- Support before your departure and during your time in Palestine
- Visits to various sites in Hebron, including refugee camps, the Old City, and different factories
- An understanding of Palestinian politics and the experience of the occupation in the West Bank
- Opportunity to learn more about the human rights situation while helping Palestinian refugees
- Engagement in educational, social, and community activities
- Experiencing Palestinian hospitality and a pleasant environment
- Living in one of the most politically divisive regions of the Middle East
- Opportunity to visit unique tourist attractions from a native perspective, including Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Tulkarm, Qalqilyah, Jenin, and the Dead Sea
- Access to nearby cities such as Akko, Herzliya, Beersheva, Eilat, Tiberias, Netanya, Safed, Haifa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Masada, Amman, Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Nazareth
- Assistance from well-qualified Arabic teachers with excellent educational backgrounds
- A certificate upon completion
Program Impacts
We have thoroughly researched and tailored our Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank Program. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a deeper understanding of daily life, culture, and human rights in Palestine.
Furthermore, our primary objective in the Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program is to create a lasting impact on the lives of the local Palestinian community through the exchange of ideas and the practice of “walking in each other’s shoes.” Volunteering and interning present a unique opportunity to make a profound impression, impacting not only your own life but also the lives of many Palestinians in the local community.
Support People in Vulnerable Communities
Volunteering as an English teacher in Hebron, West Bank presents an excellent opportunity to assist Palestinians in vulnerable communities. These include Palestinian children in Palestinian refugee camps and school kids in rural areas like Dura, Bani Nuaim, Halhul, Masafer Yatta, Susya, Tafuh, Kharas, and other local Palestinian villages. They are very eager to enhance their academic and professional prospects.
Interacting With Palestinian Culture
Participants will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. If participants utilize their Arabic skills, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators who are delighted that people have taken an interest in their language and culture.
In addition, Palestine is located in the heart of the Levant (the area associated with the Eastern Mediterranean), providing ample opportunities to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, and other landmarks. Although the situation in Palestine can be difficult at times, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open and that Palestine is generally a safe place to visit!
An Opportunity To Explore Palestine
In addition to teaching English to the community here in Hebron, volunteers will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic land of Palestine.
Salam Palestine regularly conducts excursions into Hebron, and you will also have the opportunity to make your way to neighboring cities such as Bethlehem, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Jericho, Jenin, Nablus, Nazareth, and Jerusalem. These excursions are meant to immerse program participants in Palestinian history and to give volunteers a well-rounded understanding of the people and culture that have existed here for thousands of years.
Program Costs And Information
Salam Palestine is priced competitively in comparison to other English language teaching programs, with the price of 750 euros a month or 250 euros a week. Program costs cover the language courses, accommodation, complimentary breakfast each day the participant attends the center, operating costs, and group excursions. There are no additional or hidden fees applied to these programs.
Program Fees Cover:
- Accommodation
- Arabic Language courses
- Operating costs
- Complimentary breakfast
- Group excursions to Hebron
Accommodation
When staying in Hebron, you will have the option of residing with a Palestinian host family or in a dorm. For those staying in a dorm, you will have extra time in which to become acquainted with other participants and volunteers. The dorms are located in Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunities to explore the city, either on your own or with others.
For those staying with a Palestinian host family, you will have an intimate view of daily Palestinian life, customs, and culture. You will also become familiar with family structures, and get to taste delicious Palestinian cuisine. It’s also likely that you will be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a culturally immersive experience!
Whichever housing option you choose, your time in Palestine is guaranteed to be immersive, enriching, and memorable!
Traveling To Hebron, Palestine
Traveling to Salam Palestine’s center in Hebron might seem challenging, but we’re here to make it easier for you. We’ve compiled valuable resources to assist you in reaching Hebron with convenience, safety, and comfort of mind.
To prepare for your journey to the West Bank, explore the articles below. These resources provide insights into topics like air travel to Palestine, transportation options to reach Hebron, and taxi services in both Israel and Palestine.
- 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 traveling to Palestine, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page.
How To Get A Volunteer Visa For Palestine
Most of our international participants get a tourist visa for three months when they fly to Israeli airports or cross from Jordan to the West Bank.
Generally, no prior visa is required for Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans to enter Palestine. However, please refer to the visa exemption agreement for additional information. Upon your arrival at the Israeli Airports of Tel Aviv or Eilat, you will receive a tourist visa valid for 90 days. This visa is ample for participating in Salam Palestine’s programs and allows you to travel around Palestine and Israel freely.
Reviews And Ratings
We continue to strive towards excellence. In 2022, we were rated 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. Salam Palestine was also recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”.
In 2021, we were rated 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”, and voted best in“fun” and “instruction.”
In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Awards” to acknowledge Salam Palestine’s impact on the community of travelers around the world. Salam Palestine continues to be a highly rated travel organization across its selection of programs.
Check out our many great reviews here:
- 748+ reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- 160+ reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
- Video testimonials
Summary
The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program is perfect for those who want to teach English to non-native speakers, study Palestinian/Levantine Arabic, and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture and daily life. Teaching English to Palestinians offers a unique chance to create an impact while experiencing personal growth in a new environment.
By volunteering in the West Bank, participants will broaden their understanding and knowledge of Palestinian culture. They will get to hear new perspectives on global affairs and life under occupation, inspiring them to change their outlook on the world. If this teaching English program description has piqued your interest, please do not hesitate to apply, and we can begin the process with you today!
How To Apply
If you’re interested in joining the Volunteer to Teach English In The West Bank Program, please email us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We aim to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-2 business days.
In the subject line of your email, please write “Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank.” Upon responding we will attach an application form which you will fill out and return to us to begin the application process. We hope to hear from you soon!
Related Internship Programs
How To Get Further Information
For more information, please visit our website: https://excellencenter.org/
Engage in Palestine: https://ecpalestine.org/
Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
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Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
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Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
