The Volunteer in the Palestinian Territories (1-12 Weeks) Program offers an incredible opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture while contributing to the local community. This program allows volunteers to spend anywhere from one week to three months in the West Bank, focusing on improving Palestinians’ conversational English skills and learning about their rich cultural heritage.
Participants can also study Arabic and visit refugee camps, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Palestinians. This unique experience not only fosters cultural exchange but also makes a meaningful impact on the lives of local community members.
Program Inclusions:
- Workshops: Optional organization of weekly workshops on various educational topics such as resume writing, formal email composition, employment skills, and more.
- Teaching: Instructing conversational English to students at the center.
- Interactive Activities: Optional involvement in activities like painting, writing workshops, handicrafts, filming, and photography.
Why Choose GO Palestine?
- Transparent Fees: No hidden or additional costs.
- Weekly Trips: Organized trips to Hebron and Bethlehem areas.
- Arabic Lessons: Three hours of Arabic classes per week with expert teachers.
- Convenient Location: The center is centrally located in Hebron for easy access.
- Flexible Scheduling: Start and end times of the program can be adjusted.
- Comfortable Accommodation: Female participants are matched with carefully vetted host families; male participants stay in a well-equipped 8th-floor apartment with a great view, just a three-minute walk from the center.
- Local Visits: Organized visits to Hebron’s landmarks.
- Comprehensive Support: Full assistance and guidance to enhance participants’ experience.
Program Benefits:
- Educational Impact: Volunteering includes teaching English and participating in educational activities to enhance students’ language skills.
- Cultural Immersion: Engage in the educational, social, and community activities of the Palestinian center.
- Local Exploration: Visit significant sites in Hebron and learn about its history.
- Accommodation Options: Stay with a local host family or in the center’s apartment. Private accommodations are available for an additional fee.
- Arabic Classes: Weekly Arabic lessons with two classes (1.5 hours each).
- Daily Breakfast: Enjoy traditional Palestinian breakfast daily.
- Day Trips: Weekly trips to refugee camps and politically important areas in Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Certification: Receive a participation certificate and a recommendation letter upon completion.
Program Location:
The program is based in Hebron, also known as Al-Khalil, in the southern West Bank. Hebron is a historic city with a population of about 300,000, and another 500,000 in surrounding villages, located 30 km south of Jerusalem.
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 |
Program Duration:
Participants can join the program for a minimum of one week and up to three months. No matter the duration, the program ensures a fulfilling and unique experience in Hebron.
Program Fees:
Fees for the program start at $250 per week. The participation fee includes:
- Accommodation: Either with a host family or in the center’s apartment.
- Arabic Lessons: Three hours per week (two classes).
- Meals: Daily Palestinian breakfast.
- Day Trips: Visits to refugee camps and important areas.
- Sightseeing: Tours of historical and politically significant places in Hebron.
- Certification: A certificate of participation and a recommendation letter at the end.
Language Requirements:
No prior knowledge of Arabic is required. Volunteers will receive three hours of Arabic lessons per week, with the option to choose between Modern Standard Arabic or spoken Arabic (Ammiya).
Application Process:
The program accepts applications year-round, with flexible start and end dates. The minimum participation period is one week, and the maximum is three months (12 weeks).
Weekly Schedule:
- Breakfast: Begins at 9:30 AM with a traditional Palestinian meal.
- Program Content: Starts at 10:30 AM, including teaching and other activities.
- Lunch Break: At 2:00 PM, with various local dining options nearby.
- Arabic Classes: Two weekly classes, either in the morning or afternoon.
- Day Trips and Local Visits: Organized weekly or bi-weekly to refugee camps and Hebron’s landmarks.
- Cultural Activities: Cooking traditional Palestinian dishes and social outings.
Extended Participation:
Volunteers can extend their stay by informing the coordinator at least one week before the end of their current program.
How to Apply:
To apply or request more information, email Mr. Tamimi at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org with the subject line “The West Bank Volunteer Program.” Include your questions and request an application form. The application process involves filling out and submitting the form, an interview via Skype or WhatsApp, and receiving an invitation letter and contract upon acceptance.
For additional details and to start your journey, visit the YouTube link.
