The West Bank Volunteer Program (1 Week – 3 Months) is an amazing opportunity for people to experience the Palestinian culture and help the local community. It allows volunteers to spend one week to three months in the West Bank, helping Palestinians improve their conversational English skills and learning about the Palestinian culture.
The West Bank Volunteer Program also gives you the chance to study Arabic and visit refugee camps, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by Palestinians. This program provides a unique experience that not many people get to have and is a great way for volunteers to immerse themselves in a new culture while making a difference in Palestinians life.
Where will The West Bank Volunteer 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 West Bank Volunteer program?
The West Bank Volunteer program offers flexible participation ranging from one to 12 weeks, making it ideal for individuals seeking meaningful volunteer experiences in Palestine. Whether you’re staying short-term or long-term, we provide full support to ensure your time in Hebron is enriching and unforgettable. From cultural immersion to impactful activities, The West Bank Volunteer program is your gateway to connecting with local communities and making a real difference while exploring the heart of the West Bank.
Is there a specific day I need to start the West Bank Volunteer program?
No, there is no requirement to begin The West Bank Volunteer 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 accommodates your schedule. You can choose a start date that fits your routine and preferences.There’s no set starting point or restriction, giving you full control over when you’d like to begin your journey with The West Bank Volunteer experience.
What are the advantages of volunteering with Go Palestine?
- Experience the hospitality of Palestinians and discover the beauty of the Palestinian culture by interacting with Palestinian families and refugees.
- Daily Palestinian breakfast at the center.
- 3 hours of Arabic Individual lessons per week – Two classes -1,5 hours a class.
- The program provides you with a chance to visit local sites in Hebron and get to know the rich history of the city.
- Accommodation, including either staying with a local host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available with extra fees.
- Day trips to refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem and some areas of political importance.
- At the completion of the program, you will get a participation certificate and a recommendation letter.
What is the West Bank?
The West Bank is a landlocked territory in the Middle East, located west of the Jordan River. It is part of the historical region of Palestine. It is currently recognized as a disputed area under Israeli occupation. Despite this, it remains home to a predominantly Palestinian population. The region holds cultural, religious, and historical significance and has been central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
What is the difference between the West Bank and Gaza?
The West Bank and Gaza are two distinct territories in Palestine. The West Bank is a larger, landlocked area with a mix of cities, towns, and rural villages, while Gaza is a smaller, densely populated coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea.
Politically, the Palestinian Authority primarily governs the West Bank. Gaza is controlled by Hamas. Both regions face significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict but differ in geography, administration, and living conditions.
Teach English to Palestinian Kids and Youth
Join The West Bank Volunteer program, where you’ll have the opportunity to help Palestinian children and youth improve their English conversational skills. As a participant, you’ll lead or assist in engaging group sessions that encourage natural, everyday conversations in a relaxed and supportive setting. These sessions focus on practical communication, not formal classroom instruction. This makes the West Bank Volunteer experience both meaningful and impactful.
No prior teaching experience is required. This program welcomes anyone passionate about making a difference. We provide all necessary materials and resources, so you can focus on inspiring confidence and building connections with students. This is your chance to contribute to their educational growth while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience.
What Else Can I Do as a Volunteer Besides Teaching English?
- As part of The West Bank Volunteer program, you can also organize workshops, seminars, or lectures on topics you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. Whether it’s at the University of Hebron or hosted at our center, we’ll support you with all the necessary arrangements to ensure your event is impactful and smoothly executed.
- Through the West Bank Volunteer program, we’ll connect you with the university or host your event at our center, targeting local Palestinian participants. Workshops can last one, two, or three days, or be customized to fit your preferred timeframe.We handle announcements, logistics, and participant coordination, so you can focus on your materials and delivering an engaging session.
- Our center is fully equipped with everything you need, including a screen, projector, whiteboard, laptop, and more. You’ll have all the support required to deliver an impactful, engaging session.
Write for Palestine: Support and Raise Awareness – (Optional)
As part oft the West Bank Volunteer program, you can write and publish articles about Palestine on our website. This is an impactful way to raise awareness and help the region gain global recognition. Share stories, historical context, and present-day realities with a compassionate, informed voice. Volunteers can bridge cultural and political gaps. If you’re not from Palestine, your perspective offers a powerful outsider’s view, highlighting key issues and resonating with an international 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 Joining the West Bank Volunteer program – Individual Classes
The West Bank Volunteer program is a great opportunity to learn Arabic while making a meaningful impact in the local community. You can choose to study Modern Standard Arabic or Levantine Arabic, based on your goals and interests. The program offers three hours of Arabic lessons each week, split into two engaging sessions. By combining language learning with volunteer work, you’ll gain hands-on experience, improve communication skills, and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture.
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
The West Bank Volunteer program offers a unique cultural immersion experience through staying with a Palestinian host family. This incredible opportunity helps you learn the Arabic language, understand the daily life and traditions of your hosts, and experience their genuine hospitality. Living with a local family allows you to build real connections, deepen your cultural understanding, and gain a more meaningful perspective on Palestinian society.
Explore Refugee Camps on Day Trips
As part of The West Bank Volunteer experience, we organize day trips to refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem. These visits offer a chance to see the lives of Palestinian refugees up close, gaining a better understanding of their challenges and resilience. Spending time in these camps is eye-opening, helping you build empathy and expand your global perspective while deepening your understanding of the region’s complex realities.
City Tours in Hebron
The West Bank Volunteer program includes guided day tours in Hebron, allowing you to explore key historical and cultural areas—each with its own unique story. These immersive tours give you the chance to learn about the city’s rich history and modern-day life. You’ll also visit local factories and workshops, offering a deeper look into the local economy and Palestinian craftsmanship. This well-rounded experience helps you better appreciate the culture and everyday life in Hebron.
Cook Authentic Palestinian Dishes Together
As part of the West Bank Volunteer program, you’ll enjoy a culinary adventure that brings you closer to Palestinian culture. You’ll actively participate in preparing authentic Palestinian dishes, learning from locals and bonding through shared cooking experiences. It’s not just about food—it’s about connection, culture, and community. This flavorful journey helps you create lasting memories while embracing the rich traditions of Palestine.
Explore Beyond Hebron: Two Days Off Weekly
At the West Bank Volunteer program, we understand the value of exploration. That’s why we offer two days off each week, giving you the freedom to travel beyond Hebron. Take this opportunity to visit iconic Palestinian cities like Bethlehem, Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, and Jerusalem. These off days allow for personal discovery, cultural immersion, and the chance to create unforgettable memories during your stay.
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 West Bank Volunteer program weekly schedule look like?
At The West Bank Volunteer program, we at GO Palestine create a diversified, rich, and well-organized weekly schedule. We fill your time with educational, social, and fun activities to provide a truly special and unique experience in Palestine. This balanced structure helps you learn, engage, and enjoy every aspect of your journey.
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. We change the ingredients from time to time to diversify the breakfast.
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
The content of your West Bank Volunteer 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, such as school students, university students, and community members. The exact schedule may differ depending on the program you are joining, so please read the program’s description for more details.
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)
Each week, you will have two Arabic language classes, each lasting an hour and a half. One of our skilled, qualified teachers will lead these classes. Arabic language classes are held at different times, usually in the afternoon, but sometimes in the morning. You can choose 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
Every two weeks, we organize local visits to Hebron’s historical and economic landmarks. These include visits to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street. You’ll also visit several factories in the city, such as keffiyeh, glass, and ceramic factories.
Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish
Once every two or three weeks, all the West Bank Volunteer participants—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 vegetables. The specific tasks depend on the dish being 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 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 of West Bank Volunteer program 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 |
When should you arrive to begin The West Bank Volunteer program?
For participants in The West Bank Volunteer program, we recommend arriving in Palestine one day before your chosen start date. This allows time to settle in and prepare for the experience ahead. Likewise, you’re welcome to stay an extra day after the program ends to ensure a smooth, relaxed, and stress-free departure.
What visa do you need to join the West Bank Volunteer program?
To join The West Bank Volunteer program in Palestine, you’ll need to obtain an Israeli tourist visa, which permits a stay of up to three months. Please note that getting a volunteer visa directly in Palestine can be difficult, so securing a tourist visa before arrival is the most practical option.
Visa Requirements for Palestine
If you plan to join The West Bank Volunteer program and you’re from a country that has a visa exemption agreement with Israel, you can easily obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at either Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. Most citizens from the United States and European countries typically receive a three-month visa on arrival, valid for a 90-day stay.
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 home countries in order to participate in The West Bank Volunteer program. This process can be especially challenging, as Israel controls all entry points into Palestine. Securing the visa is a required step even before you apply for the volunteer program.
Is the West Bank safe for volunteering?
The West Bank is relatively safe for volunteering. Most incidents or conflicts occur in areas far from major city centers where The West Bank Volunteer programs usually take place. Cities like Hebron, Bethlehem, and Ramallah host most of our volunteer programs. These cities generally maintain a stable and safe environment for international participants.
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. The West Bank Volunteer program is designed to be inclusive and open to individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of whether they’ve volunteered before. We emphasize a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can contribute, learn, and make a meaningful impact, no matter their level of experience.
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.
Do I need to know how to speak Arabic?
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 West Bank Volunteer program?
The West Bank Volunteer participants have the opportunity to enhance their experience by adding extra Arabic language instruction to their program. These supplementary lessons, available for $20.00 per hour, are crafted to provide a deeper understanding of both the Arabic language and Palestinian culture. If you’re interested in this enriching option, please mention it in your application so we can arrange it in advance.
| Place of West Bank Volunteer Program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Age | 18-75 Years Old |
| Minimum Period | One Week |
| Maximum Period | Three Months – 12 Weeks |
| Volunteering Hours | 4-5 hours a day – 5 days a week |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays & Thursdays or Saturdays |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
Is it possible to combine this program with another Program?
The West Bank Volunteer program can be combined with one or more internship or volunteer programs offered by the center. For example, you may choose to participate in this program for one week or more and then combine it with another program for an additional week or longer. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience and gain a wider perspective during your stay.
Can I extend the term of my Program while I’m there?
Participants in the West Bank Volunteer program are allowed to extend their participation period if they wish to stay longer. In such cases, volunteers must inform the center coordinator at least one week before the end of their current program to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated extension.
Things to know before visiting Palestine!
| Living Costs in Palestine | Approx. 50-70$ 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 the West Bank Volunteer program, you’ll receive a comprehensive set of documents designed to ensure a smooth, safe, and informed experience. Our detailed travel guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to reach us in Hebron, highlighting the best transportation options available for your journey.
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“
- Private apartment available as an add-on for $200 per week or $600–$700 per month.
Would you like to join an online Arabic course before joining us?
As part of your journey with the West Bank Volunteer program, 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!
How do I register or obtain more 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, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. Very shortly, we will reply to you.
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.
- The West Bank Volunteer 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 under 18 years old can also apply for the West Bank Volunteer program, but with one condition: one of your parents must fill out and sign a parental consent form.
When will I be able to apply to the West Bank Volunteer program?
- The West Bank Volunteer program has no deadline, which means that you can apply to the program year-round.
- One of the great advantages of the West Bank Volunteer program is the flexibility to choose your own start and end dates. This allows you to tailor the experience to your personal schedule and goals.
- The minimum period of participation in the West Bank Volunteer 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 West Bank Volunteer program with funding from your university. We are happy to assist you in completing all the necessary paperwork, including an invitation letter, a contract, and any other required documents. However, please note that we do not offer financial support, as our operations are sustained through participation fees from the international programs we run.
Flexible Scheduling with a One-Year Adjustment Window
At the West Bank Volunteer program, we understand that convenience is key when planning your trip to Palestine. That’s why we offer a full year of flexibility to adjust your start date, along with complete freedom to choose the timing that works best for you.
Whether you want to start earlier, extend your stay, or finish sooner, the West Bank Volunteer program is designed to adapt to your needs. Your experience is our priority, and we’re committed to making your journey smooth, personalized, and stress-free.
What is the procedure for applying to West Bank Volunteer program?
| 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 the West Bank Volunteer program 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 saves you time and makes it easy to get started quickly.
With the West Bank Volunteer fast-track 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.