The Christmas Volunteer Program in Palestine (1-12 Weeks) offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Palestinian culture while making a meaningful impact in the local community. Spanning from one week to three months, volunteers will stay in the West Bank, assisting Palestinians in improving their conversational English and gaining firsthand insights into their rich heritage.
Participants can also take the opportunity to study Arabic and visit refugee camps, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges Palestinians face. This program provides a unique cultural exchange experience, allowing volunteers to make a positive difference while engaging with a way of life that few have the chance to experience.
What Does the West Bank Volunteer Program Include?
The West Bank Volunteer Program offers a variety of enriching activities, including:
- Facilitating Weekly Workshops (Optional): Assisting in organizing workshops for Palestinian students on topics like resume writing, crafting formal emails, employment skills, and academic writing.
- Teaching Conversational English: Supporting students at the center in improving their spoken English skills.
- Organizing Interactive Activities (Optional): Helping create engaging activities such as painting, writing workshops, handicrafts, filming, and photography.
This program provides volunteers with diverse opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the local community.
Why choose GO Palestine?
What are the benefits of The West Bank Volunteer Program?
- Volunteering at our center by teaching our students, organizing, and participating in several types of educational activities aimed at enhancing students’ English skills.
- Experience the hospitality of Palestinian people and Palestinian culture by being part of the Palestinian center’s educational, social, and community activities.
- The volunteer program provides you with a chance to visit local sites in Hebron city and get to know its rich history.
- Accommodation, including either staying with a local host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available with extra fees.
- 3 hours of Arabic lessons per week – Two classes/1,5 hours a class.
- Daily Palestinian breakfast.
- Local visits to different places e.g. old city, and meeting with Palestinian families in Hebron city.
- Day trips to refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance.
- At the completion of the program, you will get a participation certificate and a recommendation letter.
Where does the program take place?
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.
From One Week up to three Months
- Volunteers can choose to participate in the program for a period of one week up to three months.
- 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.
The West Bank Volunteer Program’s Fees
250$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
480$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
595$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
690$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
845$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1070$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1215$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1450$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1630$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1810$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1990$
American DollarThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2250$
American DollarThis 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 |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Two Classes/ 1,5 hours of Arabic lessons each |
| Meals | Daily Palestinian breakfast |
| Day Trips | To refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance |
| Sightseeing | Historical & politically important places in the city of Hebron |
| Certificate | Certificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program |
Do I need to know how to speak Arabic?
Volunteers are not obligated to know Arabic. The center provides you with 3 hours of Arabic lessons/two classes each week with one of our teachers. Volunteers can choose either to study Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) or Spoken Arabic Language (known as Ammyia) once they start their program.
When can I apply to the program?
- The Volunteer in the West Bank Program has no deadline, which means that you can apply to the program year-round.
- Volunteers are allowed to choose when they want to start and end the program.
- The minimum period of participation is one week and the maximum amount is 12 weeks/three months.
| Place of Volunteer Program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Age | 18-75 Years Old |
| Minimum Period of The West Bank Volunteer Program | One Week |
| Maximum Period ofThe West Bank Volunteer Program | 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 |
Can I add more Arabic hours?
Yes, volunteers can add additional Arabic language instruction hours. Each extra hour costs $20.00. Please mention this in your application.
Who can apply to The West Bank Volunteer 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.
- Anyone between the ages of 18 to 75 can register and participate in our volunteer work or internships. All nationalities and university majors are welcome (no university degrees are required).
- 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.
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
The day at our center starts with a special Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 in the morning and ends at approximately 10:15. Our breakfast contains a number of ingredients, including Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. The ingredients are changed (among the mentioned ingredients) from time to time to diversify the breakfast.
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
The content of your program begins at 10:30 in the morning and continues until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. This includes teaching conversational English to Palestinians (school students, university students, and community members). This differs depending on the program you are joining, please read the program’s description.
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.
Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)
Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes 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 week, 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.
Combine this Program with Other 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. Don’t worry, you will fill out one application.
Things to know before you come to 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 |
Extend your Program while you are in Palestine
Yes, volunteers 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.
What is the application process?
- First, send us an email asking for the application form.
- We send you the application, and you fill out the application and send it back to us.
- Our team reviews your application. We invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
- We will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
- We prepare and send you the Invitation Letter and the contract. We will also send you the invoice for payment, which will include all the information regarding payment options.
- You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
- We will send you an orientation booklet and travel guide to Palestine. These two items will provide you with all the information on how to get to Hebron and contact the Center. One of our coordinators will provide his/her contact number within an email sent to you.
Documents you’ll receive from us!
How to apply or ask for additional information?
Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type “The West Bank Volunteer Program” in the subject line. In the body of the email, tell us of your interest, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. Very shortly, we will reply to you.
