Volunteers from Australia to volunteer in Palestine (1-12 Weeks) : This volunteer program offers a unique opportunity for Australians to engage with Palestinian culture and make a positive impact on the local community. You can spend anywhere from one week to three months in the West Bank, helping Palestinians improve their conversational English while immersing yourself in the local culture.
Program Highlights:
- Cultural Immersion:
- Engage in teaching English and take part in cultural activities, including Arabic lessons and visits to refugee camps, offering a deep understanding of Palestinian life.
- Volunteer Activities:
- Educational Workshops: Assist in organizing workshops on resume writing, employment skills, and formal communication.
- Conversational English: Help local students enhance their English language skills.
- Creative Workshops: Organize activities like painting, writing, handicrafts, filming, and photography.
Why Choose GO Palestine?
- Transparent Fees: No hidden costs.
- Weekly Excursions: Organized trips to Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Arabic Lessons: Receive three hours of Arabic instruction per week.
- Convenient Location: The center is located in the heart of Hebron.
- Flexible Scheduling: Start and end dates can be tailored to your availability.
- Safe Accommodations: Female participants stay with carefully selected host families; male participants have access to a well-equipped apartment near the center.
- Comprehensive Support: Ongoing assistance to ensure a fulfilling experience.
Benefits:
- Educational Impact: Contribute to improving English language skills and organize educational activities.
- Cultural Engagement: Experience Palestinian hospitality and culture through community involvement.
- Explore History: Visit historical sites in Hebron and learn about its rich heritage.
- Accommodation Choices: Stay with a local host family or in a fully equipped apartment. Private accommodations are available for an additional fee.
- Arabic Instruction: Three hours of lessons per week in either Modern Standard Arabic or the local dialect.
- Daily Breakfast: Enjoy traditional Palestinian breakfasts.
- Cultural Excursions: Participate in local trips and visits to politically significant sites.
- Certification: Receive a certificate of participation and a recommendation letter upon program completion.
Location: The program is based in Hebron, a city in the southern West Bank, approximately 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. Hebron is home to around 300,000 residents, with another 500,000 in nearby villages.
Program Duration: Volunteers can participate for periods ranging from one week to three months, with a commitment to providing a rewarding experience regardless of duration.
Program 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.
The participation fee covers:
- Accommodation: With a host family or in an 8th-floor apartment (private options available at extra cost).
- Arabic Lessons: Three hours per week.
- Meals: Daily Palestinian breakfast.
- Day Trips: Visits to refugee camps and significant political sites.
- Sightseeing: Tours of Hebron’s historical landmarks.
- Certification: Certificate and recommendation letter upon completion.
Arabic Language: No prior Arabic knowledge is required. The program includes three hours of weekly lessons, with options to study Modern Standard Arabic or the Palestinian dialect (Ammiya).
Application Process: The program accepts applications year-round with flexible start and end dates. Volunteers can choose to participate for a minimum of one week and up to 12 weeks.
Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 18 to 75 from any nationality or educational background. Participants under 18 can apply with parental consent.
Sample Weekly Schedule:
- Breakfast: Start the day with a traditional Palestinian meal at 9:30 AM.
- Program Activities: Begin at 10:30 AM, including English teaching and educational tasks.
- Lunch Break: A one-hour break at 2:00 PM.
- Arabic Classes: Two 1.5-hour sessions per week.
- Day Trips: Weekly visits to refugee camps and political sites.
- Local Tours: Bi-weekly tours of Hebron’s historical landmarks.
- Cultural Cooking: Participate in cooking traditional Palestinian dishes every two or three weeks.
- Free Time: From 4:00 or 4:30 PM, you’ll have time to explore Hebron.
Additional Arabic Lessons: Additional lessons are available for $20 per hour, which can be arranged during your application.
Combining Programs: You can combine this program with other volunteer or internship opportunities to create a customized experience.
Important Information Before Arrival:
- Living Costs: Approx. $50-$70 per week.
- Weekend: Fridays are observed as the weekend in Palestine.
- Cuisine: Expect meals with bread, rice, meat, and seafood in coastal areas.
- Wifi: Available in most places.
- 3G Service: Available since January 2018.
- Language: Arabic (Palestinian dialect) is the official language.
- Currency: Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the primary currency, with Jordanian Dinar and US Dollars also accepted.
- Transportation: Yellow taxis and orange mini-vans are common.
- Weather: Summers range from 25-30°C; winters from 0-9°C.
- Airports: Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) and Alia International Airport (Jordan).
Extending Your Stay: Volunteers can extend their stay by notifying the center coordinator at least one week before their current program ends.
How to Apply:
- Request Application: Email to request the application form.
- Submit Application: Complete and return the form.
- Interview: Participate in a Skype or WhatsApp interview.
- Receive Confirmation: Complete the confirmation form.
- Invitation Letter: Receive an invitation letter, contract, and payment details.
- Finalize Enrollment: Sign the contract and make payment.
- Orientation: Receive an orientation booklet and travel guide.
Contact Information: For more details or to apply, email Mr. Tamimi at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org with “The Volunteer in Palestine Program” in the subject line.
Get in Touch: WhatsApp or Signal: +972-598172071
We look forward to welcoming you to Palestine!