The Volunteer at a Palestinian University in the West Bank Program offers a dynamic and engaging opportunity for individuals keen on delving into Palestinian culture, lending a hand to the local community, and broadening their perspectives. With a flexible duration ranging from 1 to 12 weeks, participants can tailor their involvement to align with their interests and objectives in the region.

Engaging in the Palestinian University volunteer program opens doors to a multifaceted cultural exploration while contributing meaningfully to the local community. This endeavor promises to enhance both personal and professional spheres, fostering enduring memories and connections that endure well beyond one’s time in the West Bank.

In this program, your main job is to assist English teachers at the university. You’ll mainly help students with their English speaking and writing skills. But you’ll also work with different university departments on various tasks and projects. This means you’ll be a valuable part of the university, not just in the classroom but also behind the scenes, helping the university run smoothly.

Besides your university work, you’ll get to plan and lead workshops for students. These workshops cover different topics like how to communicate well and how to find a job. This is a chance for you to share what you know and help students learn important life skills. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making a lasting impact on the university community.

Advantages of the Palestinian University Volunteer Program

During this program, you’ll contribute to the development of English language skills among students and collaborate with various university departments. You’ll also take charge of organizing workshops focused on communication and job-seeking skills, all while participating in English language sessions to enhance your conversational abilities.
Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, engage with the local community, and experience daily life in the region. Additionally, you’ll explore historical sites within the city and embark on day trips to refugee camps in Hebron, Bethlehem, and other politically significant areas.
To facilitate a deeper cultural connection, all participants will receive three hours of Arabic language lessons per week.
Accommodation throughout the program is provided, with options to stay either with a Palestinian host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available for an additional fee.
Each day, you’ll start with a traditional Palestinian breakfast, shared with fellow international volunteers and staff, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.

Where will the program be held?

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.

How long can I join the program?

Our volunteers can choose to participate in the program for a period of one to 12 weeks. 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.

Is there a specific day I need to start the program?

No, there is no requirement to begin the program on a specific day of the week. You have the flexibility to start whenever it suits you best, whether that’s Saturday, Monday, Thursday, or any other day. The program is designed to accommodate your schedule, so you can choose a starting day that works best for your routine and preferences. There’s no set starting point or restriction on when you can begin.

Hebron Volunteer Opportunities: Partnering with Local Universities

Hebron, situated in the West Bank, is home to a cluster of esteemed universities and educational establishments. Noteworthy among these institutions are:

Hebron University: Renowned as a leading institution in the region, Hebron University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse academic fields. It is esteemed for its commitment to academic excellence and active community involvement.

Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU): PPU, a longstanding educational cornerstone in Hebron, specializes in technical and engineering education. Its offerings include programs in engineering, computer science, and technology-related disciplines.

Al-Quds Open University (Hebron Branch): Al-Quds Open University’s Hebron Branch provides accessible distance learning opportunities to students in Hebron and adjacent areas. Its array of academic programs caters to diverse educational requirements.

These universities significantly enrich Hebron’s educational milieu, providing students with access to top-tier higher education and research opportunities across a spectrum of academic domains.

English Language Support and Collaboration Across Disciplines

This program is designed to enhance English language proficiency for students and staff across various university departments. Participants can improve conversational skills, refine academic writing, and draft research projects during two to three weekly sessions that align with academic schedules.

Additionally, the program supports university staff by assisting with tasks such as correspondence, writing projects, and international communications, fostering collaboration across departments and enhancing administrative and academic operations.

Workshops and Conversational Activities

The program also focuses on empowering students by organizing workshops on communication skills, job-seeking strategies, academic writing, and scientific research. These workshops aim to equip participants with practical tools for their academic and professional journeys.

Complementing this, conversational sessions are held two to three times weekly in small groups, providing a focused and interactive environment to improve English conversational skills. These gatherings take place in designated university halls and feature tailored activities to meet diverse learning needs.

Write for Palestine: Support and Raise Awareness – (Optional)

Write and publish articles about Palestine on our website can play a crucial role in raising awareness and helping the region gain recognition on a global scale. By sharing stories, historical insights, and current realities from a compassionate and informed perspective, writers can bridge gaps in understanding. If you’re someone who is not from Palestine, your voice can provide a unique angle, highlighting the issue from an outsider’s lens while connecting with a broader audience.

Through a collaborative approach, you can also encourage others visiting your platform to contribute their narratives, research, or reflections, amplifying diverse voices and creating a space for dialogue, advocacy, and education.

Learn Arabic while Volunteering in Palestine – Individual Classes

Volunteering in Palestine is a great way to learn the Arabic language and make a difference at the same time. You can choose to learn Modern Standard Arabic or Levantine Arabic, depending on your needs and interests. You will have three weekly hours of Arabic, divided into two classes a week. By volunteering while learning Arabic, you will gain valuable experience while helping out in your community.

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA):

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the standardized version of Classical Arabic, used across the Arab world for official communication, media, and literature. While not spoken in daily life, it serves as a unifying language for formal and academic purposes.

Palestinian/Shami (Levantine) Arabic:

Levantine Arabic, spoken by over 42 million people in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria, is a widely used dialect for daily communication. It features regional variations but remains mutually intelligible across the Levant.

Live with a Palestinian Host Family

Staying with a Palestinian family is a unique opportunity. It helps you learn the language and understand the culture and daily life of your hosts. You’ll get a window into their traditions, values, and hospitality, which enriches your learning experience. It’s a chance to build connections and appreciate Palestinian life even more.

Explore Refugee Camps on Day Trips

We organize day trips to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem. These trips let you see the lives of refugees up close. Spending time in these camps helps you understand their challenges and resilience. It’s an eye-opening experience that broadens your horizons, builds empathy, and deepens your understanding of these locations.

City Tours in Hebron

Our program includes day tours in Hebron. You’ll explore key areas, each with a unique story. These tours let you learn about the city’s history and contemporary life. You’ll also visit local factories to understand the local economy and craftsmanship. This offers a comprehensive experience, helping you appreciate the culture and life in Hebron.

Cook Authentic Palestinian Dishes Together

In our program, you’ll have a culinary adventure. You’ll actively participate in preparing authentic Palestinian dishes. It’s a chance to learn and bond over cooking while enjoying the flavors of the region. This experience helps you connect with the community and create lasting memories.

Explore Beyond Hebron: Two Days Off Weekly

We understand the importance of exploring the region. That’s why we give you two days off each week to venture beyond Hebron. You can discover other enchanting places in Palestine, such as Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jerusalem. These days off are designed to give you the freedom to travel, learn, and create memories beyond Hebron, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience.

200+ Reviews from Past Participants – Gold verified by Go Overseas!

To learn more about the experiences of participants with “Go Palestine,” you can explore reviews on well-known platforms such as Go Overseas and GoAbroad. The organization has consistently received over 200 positive reviews on both websites combined from volunteers and interns worldwide.

These testimonials highlight the exceptional quality, cultural exchange opportunities, and impactful programs offered by Go Palestine. Whether you’re considering volunteering, internships, or Arabic language courses, these reviews provide valuable insights into the organization’s commitment to delivering meaningful and enriching experiences.

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

Our daily schedule at the center commences with a unique Palestinian breakfast served promptly at 9:30 AM and concludes around 10:15 AM. Our breakfast spread includes a variety of ingredients, such as Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. To provide a diverse and evolving breakfast experience, we periodically alter the selection of ingredients among those mentioned.

The Content of the program starts at 10:30

The program starts at 10:30 in the morning and goes until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. You’ll be going to a university in Hebron where you might help with writing projects, fixing papers, and doing English-related tasks. Also, you’ll get to teach Palestinian students how to talk in English.

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.

Individula Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)

Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes (one to one) 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 two weeks, 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.

The Volunteer at a Palestinian University 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
Work at a Palestinian University	You will have the opportunity to collaborate with Palestinian professors and students, as well as university personnel.
Arabic Individual Lessons	3 Hours a Week – Two Classes/ 1,5 hours each.
Meals	Daily Palestinian breakfast at the center
Learning to Prepare a Traditional Palestinian Meal	Every two weeks, we come together to prepare a Palestinian dish as a team. Each person has a specific role, whether it’s chopping vegetables, frying, cooking rice, preparing the salad, and finally, enjoying our meal together.
Day Trips	To Refugees camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance
Sightseeings in Hebron	Historical & politically important sites in Hebron and Hebron factories.
Certificate of Participation	Certificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program.

How to pay the fees? (Payment Options)

You may pay your participation fees either by Bank Transfer or by Western Union or MoneyGram. Payment via Western Union and MoneyGram, you can do the transfer online using your credit card.
Payment of fees and signing of the participation contract must be made to reserve your place in the program.
In participation fees that exceed $800, the applicant can pay 40% in advance and the rest of the 60% must be paid 45 days before the date of participation.
Unfortunately, the participation fees can’t be paid in cash, as we arrange your participation ahead of time.

When should you arrive to begin your program?

We recommend arriving in Palestine one day prior to your selected start date to settle in and prepare for the experience. Additionally, you are welcome to stay an extra day after the program concludes to ensure a smooth and relaxed departure.

What visa do you need to volunteer in Palestine?

To volunteer in Palestine, obtaining an Israeli tourist visa allowing a stay of up to 3 months is necessary. Acquiring a volunteer visa directly in Palestine can be challenging.

Visa Requirements for Palestine

If you belong to a country with an exemption agreement with Israel, you can acquire a tourist visa upon arriving at either Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Typically, citizens from countries like the United States and European nations are granted three-month visas upon arrival, valid for a 90-day period.

However, if your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, it is essential to obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country before your visit. It’s worth noting that Israel now issues visas on a separate card containing a barcode to avoid passport stamps, as some Arab countries do not accept Israeli passport stamps. Ensure to verify whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement.

What if your passport isn’t suitable for a tourist visa?

Regrettably, individuals from countries such as Pakistan and India must obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy in their respective countries if they wish to volunteer in Palestine. This process can be particularly challenging as Israel maintains control over all entry points. Consequently, securing a visa becomes a prerequisite even before initiating the volunteer application.

Is the West Bank safe for volunteering?

Yes, the West Bank is relatively safe for volunteering. Most incidents or conflicts occur in areas far from the main city centers where volunteering programs typically take place. Cities like Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah, where most volunteering programs are hosted, generally maintain a stable and safe environment.

Volunteers often find the local community welcoming and supportive, which adds to the overall feeling of security. Nevertheless, we encourage participants to stay updated on local news and follow any guidance provided by their hosts to ensure their safety.

Is prior experience a requirement for volunteering in Palestine?

Volunteering in Palestine does not require prior experience. Our volunteer programs are inclusive and cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of whether they have any previous experience. Our emphasis is on creating a supportive environment that allows everyone to contribute, learn, and make a meaningful impact, regardless of their prior expertise.

What matters most to us is your enthusiasm and dedication. Our team is committed to guiding and supporting you throughout your volunteer journey in Palestine. Whether you are an experienced volunteer or someone eager to embark on their first volunteering experience, we invite you to join us in making a positive difference in this remarkable region.

Who are our volunteer & internship programs suitable for?

We at Go Palestine seek to provide internship and volunteer programs in Palestine, West Bank that suit everyone & achieve their expectations/goals of visiting and staying in Palestine. Our volunteer and internship programs in Palestine are suitable for everyone between the ages of 18- 75-year-old, which makes it available to:

Students of universities, colleges and institutions of higher education.
Graduates and postgraduates students.
Academic researchers & field Researchers.
Students who are working on writing their Master’s or PhD dissertations on topics related to Palestine or Middle East.
Students are searching for internship or volunteer places in Palestine required by their university or college. University Credit is available.
Gap year students who are looking to do a volunteer or an internship in Palestine.
Students of Arabic literature, Arab studies, and cultural studies related to Arab and Middle Eastern culture.
Students of Middle Eastern studies, Islamic studies, or studies related to the Middle East region or relevant studies.
Anyone who is an eager to learn about different aspects of life in Palestine.

Do I need to know how to speak Arabic?

No, volunteers are not obligated to know Arabic. The center will provide you with 3 hours of Arabic lessons each week with one of our teachers. The participant can choose either to study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (known as Ammyia) once they start their program.

Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?

Volunteers have the opportunity to enhance their experience by adding extra Arabic language instruction to their program. These supplementary lessons are available at a cost of $20.00 per hour and are designed to provide a deeper understanding of the language and culture. If you wish to include this option, kindly specify it in your application to ensure it is arranged in advance.

Place of the Volunteer Program	Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine
Age	18-75 Years Old
Minimum Period	One Week
Maximum Period	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

Is it possible to combine this program with another 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.

Can I extend the term of my Program while I’m there?

Yes, participants 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.

Things to know before visiting 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	Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS). Jordanian Dinar & American Dollars are also used in buying Real estate and land.
Transportations in Palestine	Yellow Taxies & Orange Mini-Vans
Weather in Palestine	Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C)
Nearest Major Airports to Palestine	Ben Gurion Airport in Israel if you travel via Israel Alia International Airport if you travel via Jordan

The Documents you’ll receive from us!

When you join us, you’ll receive a comprehensive set of documents to ensure a smooth and informed experience. Our travel guide will provide detailed instructions on how to reach us in Hebron, including the best transportation options available.

In addition, we’ll give you a weekly schedule booklet, outlining the activities and events planned for each day, so you can make the most of your time. To help you get acquainted with the local culture and surroundings, you’ll also receive an orientation booklet that offers insights into life in Hebron, giving you a deeper understanding of the city and its unique atmosphere.

What can be added to your program? “Add-ons“

Additional hours of Arabic language over the specified hours per week for $20 per additional hour.
Private apartment available as an add-on for $200 per week or $600–$700 per month.
Private tours to other cities in Palestine including Ramallah, Nablus, Jenin and Jericho. Click HERE to learn more about the tours organised by Go Palestine.
Pick-up and drop-off service from Ben Gurion Airport directly to Hebron within an hour and a half. The cost of the service is 160 USD (one way).
A place for your friend or partner to live in Hebron, in our apartment in Hebron, or with a Palestinian family. Click HERE to check our hostel & private apartment in Hebron.

Would you like to join an online Arabic course before joining us?

Learning Arabic before your arrival can significantly enhance your experience in Palestine. By familiarizing yourself with basic Arabic phrases and cultural expressions, you’ll feel more confident communicating with locals, navigating daily life, and immersing yourself in the rich Palestinian culture.

We’re excited to offer you the chance to start this journey with a free trial, which includes your first class completely free! This is a great opportunity to get a taste of the Arabic language and see how it can enrich your time in Palestine. Click Here for more information!

Who can apply to the Volunteer at a Palestinian University 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.

The Volunteer at a Palestinian University in the West Bank program is open to all who are between 18 – 75 years old. All people from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program.
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.

When will I be able to apply to the Program?

The Volunteer at a Palestinian University in the West Bank program has no deadline, which means that you can apply to the program year-round.
You are allowed to choose when you want to start and end the program.
The minimum period of participation in the Volunteer at a Palestinian University in the West Bank program is one week and the maximum amount of time you can volunteer is 12 weeks/three months.

Can I join the program through funding from the university?

Yes, you can join the program with funding from the university. We will assist you in completing all the necessary paperwork, including providing an invitation letter, a contract, and any other required documents. However, please be aware that we do not offer any funding, as our operations are supported by fees from the international programs we run.

Flexible Scheduling with a One-Year Adjustment Window

We understand that convenience is key when planning your trip to Palestine. That’s why we provide a full year to adjust the start of your program and complete flexibility with its timing.

Whether you want to start earlier, extend your stay, or finish sooner, we’re here to adapt to your needs. Your experience is our priority, and we’re dedicated to making your journey smooth, personalized, and stress-free.

How do I register or obtain more information?

Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type “The Volunteer at a Palestinian University in the West Bank” in the subject line. In the body of the email, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. Very shortly, we will reply to you.

What is the procedure for applying?

Step 1	Send us an email asking for the application form.
Step 2	You complete the online application and send it in.
Step 3	We invite you to participate in an interview via WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet (video or voice call).
Step 4	We will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
Step 5	We send you the Invitation Letter, the contract and the invoice.
Step 6	You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
Step 7	We will send you an orientation booklet and travel guide to Palestine.

Fast-Track Application – Within 3 days!

If you’re looking to join us next week or need to make arrangements on short notice, we’ve got you covered with our convenient fast-track application process. This streamlined option is designed to save you time and make it easy for you to get started.

With this process, you can quickly book your flight, submit your application, attend a personalized interview, pay the necessary fees, and secure your place—all within just three days. Whether you’re in a hurry or simply excited to begin, our fast-track system ensures a smooth and efficient onboarding experience.

For more information Chat With us!

WhatsApp or Signal : +972-598172071

We would be delighted to have you join us in Palestine!