Volunteers from the United Kingdom to volunteer in Palestine (1-12 Weeks) : The volunteer programs offer a remarkable chance to engage with Palestinian culture while making a meaningful impact on the local community. This program allows volunteers to spend anywhere from one week to three months in the West Bank, assisting Palestinians in improving their conversational English skills and gaining a deep understanding of the local culture.
Immersive Learning Opportunities
In addition to teaching, volunteers have the opportunity to study Arabic and visit refugee camps, providing an in-depth look at the challenges faced by Palestinians. This program is a rare and enriching experience, offering a unique way to immerse yourself in a new culture while contributing positively to the lives of local people.
What Does the Volunteer in Palestine Program Offer?
The program includes the following activities:
- Educational Workshops: Assisting in the organization of weekly workshops on topics like resume writing, employment skills, and formal communication (optional).
- Conversational English Teaching: Helping students at the center improve their English skills.
- Creative Activities: Organizing workshops in painting, writing, handicrafts, filming, and photography (optional).
Why Choose GO Palestine?
- Transparent Fees: No hidden or additional charges.
- Weekly Excursions: Organized trips to Hebron and Bethlehem.
- Arabic Lessons: Three hours of Arabic instruction per week with experienced teachers.
- Central Location: The center is conveniently located in the heart of Hebron.
- Flexible Scheduling: Start and end dates can be adjusted to fit your needs.
- Safe Accommodations: Female participants are carefully matched with host families; male participants can stay in a fully equipped 8th-floor apartment close to the center.
- Comprehensive Support: Ongoing assistance to ensure a positive and enriching experience.
Benefits of the Volunteer in Palestine Program
- Contribute to Education: Engage in teaching and organizing educational activities aimed at improving English language skills.
- Cultural Engagement: Experience the hospitality and culture of Palestine through active participation in community life.
- Explore Local History: Visit historical sites in Hebron and gain a deeper understanding of its rich cultural heritage.
- Accommodation Options: Stay with a local host family or in a well-equipped apartment, with private accommodations available at an extra cost.
- Arabic Lessons: Receive three hours of Arabic lessons per week, with options for Modern Standard Arabic or the local dialect.
- Daily Breakfast: Enjoy traditional Palestinian breakfasts each morning.
- Cultural Excursions: Participate in local visits and day trips to refugee camps and sites of political importance.
- Certification: Receive a certificate of participation and a recommendation letter upon completion.
Location of the Program
The program is based in Hebron, a city in the southern part of the West Bank, approximately 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. Hebron is home to around 300,000 residents, with another 500,000 living in nearby villages.
Program Duration
Volunteers can choose to participate for any period ranging from one week to three months. Regardless of the duration, the center is committed to providing a rewarding and unique experience.
Program Fees and What They Cover
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 includes:
- Accommodation: Either with a host family or in an 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodations are available at an additional cost.
- Arabic Lessons: Three hours per week.
- Meals: Daily Palestinian breakfast.
- Day Trips: Organized visits to refugee camps and significant political sites.
- Sightseeing: Tours of historical and politically significant locations in Hebron.
- Certification: Participation certificate and a recommendation letter upon completion.
Arabic Language Requirements
No prior knowledge of Arabic is required. The program includes three hours of Arabic lessons per week, with options for studying Modern Standard Arabic or the Palestinian dialect (Ammiya).
Application Process
The West Bank Volunteer Program accepts applications year-round, with no deadlines. Volunteers can choose flexible start and end dates, with a minimum participation period of one week and a maximum of 12 weeks.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to individuals aged 18 to 75, from any nationality or educational background. Participants under the age of 18 can apply with a signed parental consent form.
Sample Weekly Schedule
- Breakfast: Traditional Palestinian breakfast starts at 9:30 AM.
- Program Activities: Begin at 10:30 AM, including English teaching and other educational tasks.
- Lunch Break: A one-hour break starting at 2:00 PM.
- Arabic Classes: Two sessions per week, each lasting 1.5 hours.
- Day Trips: Weekly trips to refugee camps and areas of political importance.
- Local Visits: Bi-weekly tours of Hebronās historical and economic landmarks.
- Cultural Cooking: Every two or three weeks, participants cook a traditional Palestinian dish together.
- Free Time: Starting at 4:00 or 4:30 PM, offering time to explore Hebron.
Additional Arabic Lessons
Yes, volunteers can opt for additional Arabic instruction at $20 per hour. This can be arranged in your application.
Combining Programs
This program can be combined with other volunteer or internship programs offered by the center, allowing you to create a customized experience based on your interests.
Important Information Before Arrival
- Living Costs: Approx. $50-$70 per week.
- Weekend: Fridays are observed as the weekend in Palestine.
- Cuisine: Meals often feature bread, rice, and meat, with seafood common in coastal areas.
- Wifi Access: Available in most places.
- 3G Service: Available since January 2018.
- Language: The official language is Arabic, specifically the Palestinian dialect.
- Currency: The Israeli Shekel (NIS) is the primary currency, with Jordanian Dinar and US Dollars also used.
- Transportation: Yellow taxis and orange mini-vans are common.
- Weather: Summer temperatures range from 25-30Ā°C, while winter temperatures range from 0-9Ā°C.
- Nearest Airports: Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) and Alia International Airport (Jordan).
Extending Your Stay
Volunteers can extend their participation by notifying the center coordinator at least one week before their current program ends.
How to Apply?
- Request Application: Send an email to request the application form.
- Submit Application: Fill out and return the completed application.
- Interview: Participate in an interview via Skype or WhatsApp.
- Receive Confirmation: Complete and return the confirmation form.
- Invitation Letter: Receive an Invitation Letter, contract, and payment details.
- Finalize Enrollment: Sign the contract and make payment to secure your place.
- Orientation: Receive an orientation booklet and travel guide.
Contact Information
For more details or to apply, email Mr. Tamimi at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org with āThe Volunteer in Palestine Programā in the subject line.
Get in Touch!
WhatsApp or Signal: +972-598172071
We look forward to welcoming you to Palestine!