Volunteers from the USA : Volunteer in Palestine Program (1-12 Weeks)

Volunteer in Palestine Program (1-12 Weeks) offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Palestinian culture while making a positive impact on the local community. Spanning from one week to three months, this program allows volunteers to help Palestinians improve their conversational English skills and gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian life and culture.

Unique Learning Experiences

Participants in the West Bank Volunteer Program will also have the chance to study Arabic and visit refugee camps, providing a profound insight into the challenges faced by Palestinians. This program offers a rare and enriching experience, enabling volunteers to fully engage with a new culture while contributing meaningfully to the lives of local Palestinians.

What Does the West Bank Volunteer Program Include?

The program includes the following activities:

Workshops: Assisting in organizing weekly educational workshops on topics like resume writing, employment skills, and formal communication (optional).
Conversational English: Teaching English to students at the center.
Interactive Activities: Helping organize workshops on painting, writing, handicrafts, filming, and photography (optional).

Why Choose GO Palestine?

No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing with no hidden or additional costs.
Weekly Trips: Organized excursions to Hebron and Bethlehem.
Arabic Lessons: Three hours per week with skilled Arabic teachers.
Prime Location: The center is centrally located in Hebron, making it easily accessible.
Flexible Program: Start and end dates can be tailored to your schedule.
Safe Accommodations: Careful selection of host families for female participants; an 8th-floor apartment with all amenities for male participants.
Comprehensive Support: Assistance with all aspects of your stay to ensure a fulfilling experience.

Benefits of the West Bank Volunteer Program

Educational Impact: Contribute to English language education and participate in various educational activities.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Palestinian hospitality and culture through community engagement.
Local Exploration: Visit historical sites in Hebron and understand its rich heritage.
Accommodation Options: Stay with a local host family or in a well-equipped apartment.
Arabic Lessons: Receive three hours of Arabic instruction per week.
Daily Breakfast: Enjoy traditional Palestinian breakfasts each morning.
Cultural Visits: Participate in local visits and day trips to refugee camps and areas of political significance.
Certification: Receive a participation certificate and a recommendation letter at the end of the program.

Location of the Program

The program is based in Hebron, located in the southern part of the West Bank, about 30 km (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. Hebron is home to approximately 300,000 residents, with an additional 500,000 people living in the surrounding villages.

Duration of Participation

Volunteers can choose to join the program for any period between one week and three months. Regardless of the duration, the center is committed to providing a memorable and unique experience.

Program Fees and Inclusions

The participation fee covers:

Accommodation: Either with a host family or in the 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodations are available for an additional fee.
Arabic Lessons: Three hours per week.
Meals: Daily Palestinian breakfast.
Day Trips: Visits to refugee camps and other significant areas.
Sightseeing: Tours of historical and politically important sites in Hebron.
Certification: Participation certificate and recommendation letter upon completion.

Language Requirements

No prior knowledge of Arabic is required. The program includes three hours of Arabic lessons per week, with options to study Modern Standard Arabic or the spoken Palestinian dialect (Ammiya).

Application Details

The West Bank Volunteer Program accepts applications year-round, with no deadline for submission. 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 18 must provide a signed parental consent form.

Weekly Schedule Overview

Breakfast: Starts at 9:30 AM with a traditional Palestinian meal.
Program Content: Activities begin at 10:30 AM, including English teaching and other educational tasks.
Lunch Break: A one-hour break at 2:00 PM.
Arabic Classes: Two sessions per week, each lasting 1.5 hours.
Day Trips: Weekly trips to refugee camps and significant political sites.
Local Visits: Bi-weekly tours of Hebron’s landmarks.
Cultural Cooking: Every two or three weeks, participants cook a traditional Palestinian dish together.
Free Time: Starts at 4:00 or 4:30 PM, offering opportunities to explore Hebron.

Additional Arabic Lessons

Yes, additional Arabic instruction hours can be added at $20 per hour. This option can be selected in your application.

Program Combination Options

Participants can combine this program with other volunteer or internship programs offered by the center. This provides a tailored experience based on your interests.

Things to Know Before Coming to Palestine

Living Costs: Approx. $50-$70 per week.
Weekend Activities: Fridays are the weekend in Palestine.
Cuisine: Hearty meals, often featuring bread, rice, and meat, with seafood in coastal areas.
Wifi Access: Available in most places.
3G Service: Available since January 2018.
Language: The official language is Arabic (Palestinian Dialect).
Currency: Mainly Israeli Shekel (NIS), with Jordanian Dinar and US Dollars also used.
Transportation: Yellow taxis and orange mini-vans.
Weather: Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C).
Nearest Airports: Ben Gurion Airport (Israel) and Alia International Airport (Jordan).

Extend Your Program

Volunteers can extend their stay by notifying the center coordinator at least one week before the end of their current program.

Application Process

Request Application: Send an email to request the application form.
Submit Application: Fill out and return the application form.
Interview: Participate in an interview via Skype or WhatsApp.
Confirmation: Receive and return the confirmation form.
Invitation Letter: The center sends an Invitation Letter and contract along with payment information.
Payment and Contract: Sign the contract and make payment to reserve your place.
Orientation: Receive an orientation booklet and travel guide.