Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program of Salam Palestine caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.
Through this Volunteer With Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank project, 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 is open to all individuals between the ages of 18 and 70 years old. 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.
Support Palestinian Refugee Camps
Palestinian refugees fall under the purview of the United Nations, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency–more commonly referred to as the UNRWA–supporting 19 Palestinian refugee camps within the West Bank alone. Conditions in these camps such as Al Fawwar or Al Arroub are notoriously cramped and uncomfortable, lacking necessities, services, and infrastructure including hospitals and enough schools to accommodate the camp populations adequately.
These Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank originally began as expansive tent cities, however as time went on and it became clear a return would not happen anytime soon, stone structures gradually replaced tents, causing cramped, concrete quarters. Palestinian Refugee camps, therefore, have an exceptionally high population density where people often experience housing shortages and overcrowding.
About Displaced Peoples In Palestine
Many are surprised to learn that there are, in fact, Palestinian refugees within Palestine itself. The Palestinian diaspora is the largest group of displaced peoples in the world, with approximately 7.1 million dispersed globally. This phenomenon finds its roots in two key years within the mid-20th century. The first is 1948 during the Nakba when Palestinians fled from their homes to escape Israeli militias, and the second is 1967 during the Six-Day War which ended in Israel occupying the Syrian Golan Heights, the West Bank, Gaza, and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, while also illegal annexing Jerusalem. While Jordan and Egypt had administered the West Bank and the Gaza Strip respectively between the time of the Nakba and the Six-Day War, these territories both fell under Israeli control thereafter.
Over 700,000 Palestinians who fled during the Nakba from what was to become the new state of Israel to territories under Jordanian or Egyptian control thereafter became refugees, and their children to this day are still assigned refugee status. Palestinians also fled to other parts of the region as well including Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, however, the latter was the only country in the world to offer citizenship to the newly displaced refugees. Additionally, many eventually also migrated to other parts of the world such as Europe and the Americas.
Stay Between 1 and 13 Weeks in Hebron
Volunteers with Palestinian refugees can stay in Hebron from 1-13 weeks. They can choose their preferred start and end dates. The center hosts volunteers year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter) for all individuals interested in working with Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, have an interest in political sciences, human rights, or the political situation of the Middle East, wish to pursue a career in teaching, or are simply looking for ways to give back to the community.
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugee Children
This Volunteer With Palestinian Refugees In The West Bank program is specifically geared towards helping and supporting children in both an educational and a vocational capacity, giving them both practical life skills and helping in their academic progress.
Volunteers in this program will have opportunities to work with refugee children in local schools and Palestinian community centers within refugee camps. Workshops run by previous volunteers have included:
- Drama for Palestinian refugees
- Fun days for Palestinian kids in the refugee camps
- Conversational English language for Palestinian kids
- Arts and music for disabled Palestinian children
- Media training for Palestinian school students
- Environmental camps for young school students
- Mathematics lessons
- Journalism workshops for high school students
- Medicine (First Aid Courses)
In addition to these courses, volunteers will have opportunities to work with children in the local refugee camps. This is very important, as they often suffer from a lack of schooling and educational support. You will have the chance to organize fun and exciting projects in which they can immerse themselves and build their self-esteem.
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the Summer
While we operate our Palestinian Refugees Program year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring), we also have summer volunteer programs specifically designed for students looking for opportunities to go abroad while also gaining university credit.
Through a partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Education, Salam Palestine can offer academic credit to our currently enrolled university students. This makes for the perfect opportunity to travel to Palestine/Israel during your summer, gain hands-on experience in a related field, and work towards your degree all at the same time.
Our Programs Make a Great Impact
We meticulously researched and precisely tailored our Volunteer and Internship programs in the West Bank, Palestine. They offer profound insights into daily Palestinian life, the rich Palestinian culture, the Levantine Arabic language, as well as legal affairs and human rights. They are a perfect fit for anyone who seeks these experiences. Our goal is to effect lasting change within the Palestinian local community by fostering the exchange of ideas and promoting the concept of “walking in each other’s shoes.”
Volunteering and interning in Palestine represents an exceptional opportunity to genuinely transform not only your life but also the lives of others, including Palestinian children, women, refugees, youth, and community members in the West Bank, Palestine. Your contributions hold the power to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Palestinians you engage with during your time at Engage in Palestine.
Volunteer Program Opportunities:
At Salam Palestine, there are a wide variety of volunteering opportunities available for volunteers from all countries and backgrounds. Our range of programs is designed so that each volunteer can focus on a personal passion or area of expertise. All programs are 1 to 13 weeks long and are paired with Arabic language classes provided by the Center. Volunteers also have the chance to combine different programs as part of their stay.
For volunteers interested in coming to Palestine, especially those keen on working with refugees, we highly recommend the following volunteering opportunities:
| Internship in Palestine Program (1-3 months) | Palestinian Laws & Legal Practices Internship |
| The Palestine and Israel in Context Program | Human Rights Program in West Bank |
| Women’s Rights in Palestine Internship Program | Medicine & Healthcare in the West Bank |
| Teach English in the West Bank internship | Volunteer & Study Arabic in Palestine |
| Volunteering with Palestinian Children in the West Bank | Volunteer in Local Schools in Palestine |
| Teach for Palestine Program (2-3 Months) | Volunteer in a Journalism Program in Palestine |
Arabic Lessons for All Our Volunteers
All our international volunteers in Palestine receive 3 hours of Arabic classes a week, or 12 hours a month, with one of our experienced Palestinian teachers.
Additionally, all volunteers will have the opportunity to interact regularly with Palestinians to learn and practice their Arabic speaking skills. Volunteers can freely choose what kind of Arabic they would like to learn during their time at Salam Palestine.
Arabic Dialects to Study
All volunteers will receive a choice of Arabic dialects to learn during their time in the West Bank. As part of your volunteer placement, we offer a choice of:
- Shami or Levantine Arabic (Amiyya dialect)
- Colloquial Palestinian Arabic
- Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
- a mixed Program: (Modern Standard Arabic & Shami Arabic)
- We can help you choose which Arabic dialect to study if you are unsure.
Who Can Participate?
Salam Palestine does not discriminate on any basis. This includes a person’s nationality, ethnicity, religious standing, gender, sexual orientation, or any other discernable means. We have a long history of welcoming people from around the globe.
Participants have visited Palestine through Salam Palestine from the following countries: The United Kingdom, the United States of America, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Singapore, South Korea, Ireland, China, and New Zealand! All people with a passion for helping refugees are welcome!
Salam Palestine has over 13 years of experience in welcoming international volunteers. Since opening in 2011, we have welcomed a broad range of applicants to participate in our volunteer with Palestinian refugee program. These include:
- University students who wish to have experience in the Palestine and Israel area
- Gap Year Students
- Older or retired people seeking adventure
- People who are interested in studying and practicing Arabic
- Participants who would like to know more about Israel/Palestine and the political and humanitarian situation there
- College Students who wish to write articles or conduct research in Palestine
- People who are interested to spend a short time in a community and family setting
- Everyone willing to help Palestinians and make a difference in the area
One thing all our volunteers share is an open mind and a willingness to learn and engage with the Palestinian culture and customs. They arrive with a smile on their face, and we do our best to ensure that they are still smiling when they leave, returning home with fond memories.
Stay with a Palestinian Host Family
When residing in Hebron, Palestine, volunteers will have the option to either live in a dorm or with a Palestinian host family – there are advantages to both cases. For those who reside in a dorm, there is extra time to become acquainted with the other participants and volunteers of Salam Palestine. Further, the dorms are located next to Hebron’s metropolitan center, providing ample opportunity to explore the City of Hebron with fellow dormmates which holds many new and exciting experiences!
The second option available to participants is to stay with a Palestinian host family. The benefit of this option is that participants receive a firsthand view of Palestinian life, customs, and culture. In addition, residing with a Palestinian host family provides ample opportunities to become acquainted with Palestinian home cuisine and family structures. Further, participants residing with a Palestinian host family will likely be invited to family gatherings and cultural events, guaranteeing a cultural immersive experience!
Interacting with Palestinian Culture
Volunteers in Hebron, West Bank, will find that the majority of Palestinian people are incredibly friendly and open to foreigners. When participants utilize their Arabic skills, no matter how developed, they will find that most Palestinians are enthusiastic and patient communicators – eager that people have taken an interest in their language and culture.
Additionally, Palestine sits at the heart of the Levant, the area associated with the eastern Mediterranean, offering ample opportunities to visit cultural sights, historical monuments, and other landmarks! Although Palestine faces difficult circumstances, participants will find that the Palestinian people are friendly and open – and that Hebron itself is a safe place to learn, intern, and volunteer!
Daily/Weekly Schedule for Volunteers
Volunteering with Palestinian refugees through Salam Palestine requires commitment and flexibility. Volunteers are expected to work approximately 30 hours a week between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday). Volunteers will have two days off per week, one mandatory day off, Friday, and another of their choice.
The Center will provide breakfast for every workday morning, offering a diverse range of food groups to prepare volunteers for the day ahead. Additionally, all the Center’s staff, volunteers, and interns will share breakfast. This aims to create stronger communal bonds throughout the Center and allows participants to touch base on their experiences and ambitions for the coming day. The Center will also run regular excursion trips around Hebron and neighboring cities throughout the week, connecting volunteers with local activists and organizations. Evenings are usually free, allowing volunteers the chance to explore the city of Hebron, its many restaurants, shops, and historical sights.
In addition to their daily work-related tasks, volunteers will have their Arabic language courses which will require much study and preparation. Participants’ schedules fill up quickly and their time in the program will go by quickly. However, volunteers are here to complete a mission and all their work will be towards that stated goal.
Traveling to Hebron, Palestine
Traveling to Hebron, Palestine will be a long journey, however, there are many feasible options available to international volunteers – and Salam Palestine is happy to assist. Although there are some hoops when traveling to Hebron, the Palestinian Salam Palestine has all the resources you need to travel in an efficient, safe, and practical manner. Please read our articles below on flying to Palestine, getting to Hebron, planning your trip, and Israeli/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
Language of the Program
Our volunteer programs focus on English speakers. However, to immerse participants more fully, higher levels of Arabic lessons will involve speaking less English. Participants must use their Arabic skills to the best of their ability while navigating through Palestine to create a fully immersive experience.
General Information Regarding Program Costs and Components:
| Place of Program | Hebron, West Bank, Palestine |
| Program Fees (Per Week) | Students of Middle Eastern studies Arabic studies Political sciences Human aid workers Anyone interested in the human rights situation in the West Bank |
| Area of volunteering | Volunteer with Palestinian children Volunteer with Palestinian refugees Work in Palestinian refugee camp |
| Suitable for | Students of Middle Eastern studies Arabic studies Political sciences Human aid workers Anyone who is interested in the human rights situation in the West Bank |
| Age | 18-70 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Week |
| Maximum Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Weekly Arabic hours | 3 hours per week |
| One Teaching Hour | 45 Minutes |
| Number of Volunteers | Variable (3-5 Volunteers) |
| Class periods | Morning (9:30 – 12:30)Afternoon (12:30 – 17:00) |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Reviews | Reviews and Ratings on Gooverseas Reviews and Ratings on Goabroad Video testimonials |
| University Credit | Available |
| Program Language | English |
Program Fees Cover:
- Housing in Hebron
- Arabic Language courses
- Center’s operating costs
- Breakfast (Mon – Fri)
- Group excursions
Program Reviews
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 also 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 on “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:
- +730 reviews (94%) on gooverseas.com
- +150 reviews (96%) on goabroad.com
- Video testimonials
The Palestinian Refugees Volunteer Program, in particular, is perfect for anyone looking to become involved in improving the health, education, and rights of refugees in the West Bank, Palestine.
To Conclude
There is a great need and many ways in which you can assist local Palestinian refugees through Salam Palestine. If you still need guidance, feel free to contact us by email or on our social media accounts.
How to Apply
If you would like to take up one of our volunteer opportunities in Palestine, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should respond to your initial inquiry within 1 – 2 business days.
In the subject line of your email, indicate “Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees.” Upon replying to you we will attach an application form. You will need to fill it out and return it to us to begin the onboarding process.
Related Volunteer Programs
How To Get Further Information
For more information, please visit our website: https://ecpalestine.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Volunteer in Palestine: https://volunteerinpalestine.org/
Study in Palestine: https://studyinpalestine.org/
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter
Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/RafatECHebron
Watch us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsQSLdFZWZcBm6Uj0XMYuKg
Visit and Explore Palestine: https://www.facebook.com/ExplorePalestine
