Lawyers in Palestine Internship Program is a program that gives you the opportunity to know, understand, and engage with the Palestinian legal system. As a participant in this program, you will be able to learn about the judicial system and how the courts operate in Palestine.
Lawyers in Palestine Internship Program is offered at the Palestinian Center in Hebron. The program is for individuals who want to become acquainted with Palestinian law and learn how judges, prosecutors, and lawyers handle the diversity of cases that are received by the courts in Palestine.
The Legal Situation in Palestine
In comparison to the rest of the world, the legal situation in Palestine is both complex and rare.
- This is because of the multiple parties that have ruled Palestine throughout its history. Palestine’s complicated history has affected its current political and legal structure.
- In 1948, the division of Palestine led to the emergence of different legal systems in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and the occupied parts of Palestine.
- There are applicable laws that go back to the era of the British mandate, the Jordanian administration, the Egyptian administration, and also the Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank.
- In Palestine, some of the applicable laws issued in 1930 still exist in Palestinian courts. All of this has contributed to the current state of the legal system in Palestine that we see today.
Where do the Lawyers in Palestine program take Place?
- It takes place in the heart of Palestine, which is located in the center of the Middle East, 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 participate in this Law program in Palestine?
Our participants can choose to participate in the program for a period of one to 12 weeks/three months. Whatever length of time you choose, we will support you so that you have a great and unique experience at our Center and in this wonderful city of Hebron.
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| Reviews on Go Abroad | Our Internship Programs |
| Reviews on Go Overseas | Study Shami Arabic |
The Lawyers in Palestine Program Aspects
This program focuses on two main aspects: Theoretical-Practical & Linguistic-Social :
Theoretical & Practical
- This program includes field visits through a guide who speaks English to meet with lawyers and trainee lawyers working in courts in Hebron city in order to illustrate their role in resolving people’s problems and their influences on the legal system in Palestine.
- Participants will visit courts, law firms, and legal organizations to aid in understanding the role of law in an occupied country such as Palestine.
Linguistic & Social
- Participants study Arabic as a part of immersion. The center will provide you with weekly language classes and the opportunity to practice the language with native speakers.
- In addition, the program will provide you with the opportunity to participate in the social, educational, and cultural activities organized by the center that is aimed at targeting the Palestinian community in Hebron including teaching individual or group English classes. These activities especially target children & youth with an aim to develop their skills in various educational and social fields.
What does your weekly schedule look like?
We at GO Palestine are keen to make your weekly schedule diversified, rich, and organized. Thus, it will contain a number of educational, social, and fun activities that will make your experience in Palestine special and unique.
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. The ingredients are changed (among the mentioned ingredients) from time to time to diversify the breakfast.
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
The content of your program begins at 10:30 in the morning and continues until 1:30 or 2:00 in the afternoon. This may include field visits, meetings with different institutions related to the chosen program, or teaching conversational English to a number of Palestinian students. This differs depending on the program you are joining.
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)
Weekly, you will get two Arabic language classes for an hour and a half each. These classes are taught by one of our skilled/qualified teachers. Arabic language classes are held at different times, either in the morning or, in most cases, in the afternoon. The student can choose whether 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
Once every two weeks, local visits are organized to the historical and economic landmarks of the city of Hebron. This includes a visit to the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street as well as visiting a number of factories in the city, such as keffiyeh, glass, and ceramic factories.
Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish
Once every two or three weeks, all our 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 some vegetables depending on the dish to be 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 Benefits of the Lawyers in Palestine Program
By participating in this program, you will get the following:
- Meet Palestinian local lawyers who will tell you (with a translator) about their profession in the law field, cases they work on, and the difficulties they face during work.
- Visit Palestinian courts in Hebron with a guide who show you and explain how the courts function in Palestine.
- A chance to make workshops or to be a guest lecturer in Hebron university – Faculty of Law or at the legal clinic where you can meet, interact and discuss with the law students and professors at the university.
- Engaging in the Palestinian community, culture, and daily life.
- Participants will be visiting city historical sites.
- Day Trips to refugee camps in Hebron & Bethlehem and some areas of political importance.
- All participants will receive 3 hours of Arabic language lessons per week.
- Accommodation is provided for the length of the program, either residing with a Palestinian host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available with extra fees.
- A Palestinian breakfast is provided every day and enjoyed with other international volunteers and staff.
Who Can Apply?
- 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.
- Lawyers, judges, prosecutors, law professors, law students, and anyone who is interested in the legal sphere is welcome to apply to the Lawyers in Palestine program. Individuals from 18–75 years old are eligible to participate in this program.
Information regarding the lawyers in Palestine Program
| Place of Lawyers in Palestine Program | Hebron (H1 – Under Palestinian Control), Palestine |
| Program Fees | Starting From 395$ – American Dollar |
| Age | 18-75 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration of the Lawyers in Palestine Program | One Week |
| Maximum Duration of the Lawyers in Palestine Program | Three months – 12 Weeks |
| 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 |
Duration of Participation in the Law Program
The minimum period of participation is one week up to 12 weeks. This minimum requirement allows for our participants to receive the most out of their time learning about the legal system in Palestine.
395$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips and certificate of participation.
760$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips and certificate of participation.
1150$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips and certificate of participation.
1395$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips and certificate of participation.
1650$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1900$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
3600$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 36 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
What does the Participation Fee include?
| Accommodation | Host family or at our 8th-floor apartment Private accommodation is available with extra fees |
| Feild Visits/Meetings | To visit courts/law organizations & meet lawyers/trainee lawyers |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Two Classes/ 1,5 hours each. |
| Meals | Daily Palestinian breakfast at the center |
| Day Trips | To Refugees camps in Hebron & Bethlehem & some areas of political importance |
| Sightseeings in Hebron | Historical & politically important sites in Hebron and Hebron factories. |
| Certificate of Participation | Certificate of participation & recommendation letter at the end of the program |
Do I need to speak Arabic?
- No, participants are not obligated to know Arabic in order to participate in the program.
- We place our participants at the appropriate language level.
Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?
Yes, however, each extra hour costs $20.00 more. Please mention this in your application.
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Yes, participants are allowed to extend their participation period. In this case, participants must inform the center coordinator at least one week before the end of the current program.
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
| Living Costs in Palestine | Approx. 50-70$ 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 |
Can I combine this program with another program?
Yes, this program can be combined with one or more of the other programs the center offers. This means that you choose for example (one week or more regarding this program & one week or more regarding another one). Don’t worry, you only fill out one application.
When can I apply to the Lawyers in Palestine Program?
Participants decide when they would like to participate. We are very flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates so that the applicant decides to start and end dates for him/herself.
How to apply or get any additional information?
Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org. Please type Lawyers in Palestine Program in the subject line. We will then contact you back!
Documents you’ll receive from us!
