The Palestine Civil and Criminal Law Internship Program, which spans from 1 to 12 weeks, presents a distinctive chance to acquire practical legal expertise while immersing yourself in Palestine’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. This initiative offers an exceptional platform for law students and recent graduates to enhance their legal acumen, amass international exposure, and broaden their global perspective.
The program’s flexible duration allows participants to tailor their internship to their individual schedules and objectives. As an intern, you will collaborate with seasoned attorneys and legal experts on authentic cases and projects, affording you the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Palestinian legal framework and invaluable insights into the adversities confronting the Palestinian populace.
Beyond your legal responsibilities, you will also have the chance to study the Arabic language and deeply engage with the local culture by residing with a host family. This immersive experience offers a unique window into daily life in Palestine, the customs and traditions of the local populace, and the challenges encountered by Palestinian households.
As part of the program, you’ll get a chance to visit refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem. These visits let you see firsthand how the ongoing conflict and occupation affect the lives of Palestinian refugees. It’s an eye-opening experience that helps you understand the situation in Palestine and how it impacts regular people.
Throughout your internship, our experienced team will support you with training and resources to make sure you do well. You’ll also have opportunities to take part in cultural activities and trips, giving you a well-rounded view of the country and its people.
In a nutshell, interning at a Palestinian law firm is a great way to gain legal experience while immersing yourself in Palestine’s culture and history. If you’re interested in a law career and want international exposure, this program is an excellent choice.
The Legal System in Palestine
The legal system in Palestine is a mix of different laws that have developed over time. It’s designed to deal with the unique challenges faced by Palestinians. Despite ongoing issues, Palestine has worked on creating a modern legal system.
Palestine’s legal system combines Islamic law, Ottoman law, and British common law. The Palestinian Basic Law acts like a constitution, explaining the rights and duties of citizens, how the government works, and how different parts of the government interact. Palestine’s legal system has two main parts: the courts and the legal professionals. The courts decide legal matters, while the legal professionals, like lawyers and judges, make sure justice is served.
The Palestinian courts are divided into three levels: first instance courts, appeals courts, and the Supreme Court. The first instance courts handle regular cases, appeals courts review decisions made by the first instance courts, and the Supreme Court is the highest court in Palestine, dealing with the final appeals.
Besides the courts, the legal profession in Palestine is overseen by the Palestinian Bar Association. This organization ensures that lawyers follow professional standards in their work.
Despite some improvements recently, the Palestinian legal system still faces several difficulties. The ongoing conflict and occupation create big hurdles for delivering justice effectively. Plus, limited resources and funding can make it hard to offer proper legal help to everyone.
All in all, the legal system in Palestine is intricate and changing, adapting to the needs and issues of the Palestinian people. While there are still many challenges, Palestinian legal professionals’ dedication and support from the international community give hope for a fairer future for all Palestinians.
Where does the law program take Place?
This program happens in the center of Palestine, specifically in the city of Hebron. Hebron, known as Al-Khalil in Arabic, is situated in the southern part of the West Bank, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) to the south of Jerusalem. Hebron is home to around 300,000 people living in the city, with an additional 500,000 residing in the nearby villages.
How long can I participate in this Law internship in Palestine?
You can choose to join our Law internship program for a duration of one to six weeks. Regardless of the length you select, we’re committed to ensuring you have a fantastic and distinctive experience at a Palestinian law firm in the captivating city of Hebron.
Key Aspects of the Law Internship in Palestine Program:
Theoretical & Practical:
- Work Experience: You’ll work at a Palestinian law firm in Hebron, engaging in activities five days a week.
- Field Visits: These visits and meetings, conducted by English-speaking lawyers, aim to introduce you to lawyers and trainee lawyers working in Hebron’s courts. You’ll gain insight into their roles in resolving people’s legal issues and their impact on Palestine’s legal system.
- Court and Legal Organization Visits: You’ll visit courts and legal institutions to understand the role of law in an occupied region like Palestine.
Linguistic & Social:
- Arabic Language Study: As part of your immersion experience, you’ll receive weekly language classes and the opportunity to practice Arabic with native speakers.
- Social, Educational, and Cultural Activities: You can participate in activities organized by the center, primarily targeting the local Palestinian community, particularly children and youth. These activities aim to enhance their skills in various educational and social areas.
Benefits of the Palestine Civil & Criminal Law Internship Program
Participating in this program offers several benefits:
- You will be working at a Palestinian law firm in Hebron for three days every week.
- Have a guide/lawyer (English-speaking) accompany you during your stay.
- Meet local Palestinian lawyers who will share insights into their legal profession, cases they handle, and the challenges they encounter.
- Visit Palestinian courts in Hebron with a guide explaining their functioning.
- Opportunities to conduct workshops or be a guest lecturer at Hebron University’s Faculty of Law or legal clinic, allowing you to interact and engage with law students and professors.
- Immerse yourself in Palestinian community, culture, and daily life.
- Explore historical sites and visit refugee camps in Hebron.
- Receive three hours of Arabic lessons per week.
- Accommodation, either with a Palestinian host family or in a dormitory.
- Enjoy a daily Palestinian breakfast with other international volunteers and staff.
What’s your weekly schedule like?
At GO Palestine, we’re dedicated to ensuring your weekly schedule is diverse, enriching, and well-organized. It encompasses a variety of educational, social, and enjoyable activities to make your experience in Palestine truly special and distinctive.
Breakfast Commences at 9:30 AM
Your day at our center kicks off with a unique Palestinian breakfast at 9:30 in the morning, concluding at around 10:15. Our breakfast spread includes an assortment of items such as Palestinian thyme (Zaatar), labneh, tomato and cucumber slices, falafel, hummus, mortadella, olives, yellow cheese, jam, pita bread, boiled or fried eggs, and French fries. We periodically vary the ingredients within this selection to provide a diverse breakfast experience.
The Program Content Begins at 10:30 AM
Your program’s content starts at 10:30 in the morning and lasts until 1:30 in the afternoon. The designated lawyer will arrive at the center to collect you, and together, you will head to the court, including the Sharia court, as well as various legal departments related to the lawyer’s cases. This involves attending court hearings, analyzing cases, and visiting different departments, including the Palestinian Land Authority, Hebron Municipality, Finance Department, Police, and Hebron Interior Directorate.
Lunch Break Starts at 2:00 PM
The lunch break begins promptly at 2:00 in the afternoon and lasts for a full hour. You have the option to purchase your lunch from a restaurant adjacent to the center. In close proximity, you’ll find several eateries offering a range of meals, including shawarma, falafel, fried chicken, and traditional Palestinian dishes like Maqluba, Hebron’s Qidreh, Chicken Mansaf, or Lamb Mansaf, along with various other options. Additionally, there are several supermarkets and malls nearby where you can buy groceries and prepare your own meals at the center.
Arabic Language Classes
Every week, you’ll participate in two Arabic language classes, each lasting an hour and a half. These classes are conducted by our experienced and qualified instructors. Arabic language classes are scheduled at various times, either in the morning or, more commonly, in the afternoon. You have the flexibility to choose whether you’d like to focus on Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial Arabic (Ammiya), or both.
Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron
Once a week, we arrange day trips to the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem, and we also seize the chance to visit politically significant areas when available. These trips provide a unique opportunity for you to gain insights into the circumstances of Palestinian refugees, engage in conversations with them, and hear their personal stories. These excursions typically commence at 10:45 am from the center and conclude around 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon.
Local Visits to Explore Hebron’s Landmarks
Every two weeks, we arrange local visits to explore the historical and economic landmarks within the city of Hebron. This includes tours of significant sites like the Ibrahimi Mosque, the Old City, and Al-Shuhada Street. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit various factories in the city, such as those producing keffiyeh, glass, and ceramics.
Free Time Begins at 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM
Once your activities at the center conclude, you’ll have free time to socialize with fellow international participants and the locals you’ve connected with during your stay in Hebron. You can opt to relax at a café or coffee shop or visit a nearby park to enjoy your evening. There are numerous cafés and parks conveniently situated not far from the center, as it is positioned on one of the liveliest streets in the city.
Who Can Apply?
The Palestinian Center has welcomed individuals from a wide array of countries, including the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and many others.
The Lawyers in Palestine program welcomes applications from lawyers, judges, prosecutors, law professors, law students, and anyone with an interest in the legal field. Eligibility for this program extends to individuals ranging from 18 to 75 years old.
Information Regarding The Palestine Civil & Criminal Law Internship Program
| Place of Program | Hebron, Palestine |
| Program Fees | Starting From 395$ – American Dollar |
| Age | 18-70 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration | One Week |
| Maximum Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
Duration of Participation in the Law Internship Program
The minimum duration of participation in the Law Internship Program is one week, with the flexibility to extend it up to a maximum of 12 weeks. This minimum requirement is designed to ensure that our participants can make the most of their experience in learning about the legal system in Palestine.
The Palestine Civil & Criminal Law Internship Program Fees
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 in Hebron to attend hearings and meet lawyers/trainee lawyers. You will also work on cases and visit law organisations. |
| 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? Can I add more Arabic hours?
No, proficiency in Arabic is not a prerequisite for program participation. We will assess your language level and place you accordingly. If you wish to include additional Arabic language hours, each extra hour is available at an additional cost of $20.00. Please specify your preference in your application.
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Yes, interns have the option to extend their program duration. To do so, please inform the center coordinator at least one week before your current program’s scheduled end date.
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
| Living Costs in Palestine | Approx. 50-70$ 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 |
When can I apply for the program?
You have the flexibility to choose your preferred start and end dates for the program. We accommodate your schedule, allowing you to decide when you’d like to participate.
How Do I Get A Visa To Enter Palestine?
Visas are readily issued upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv if you are a citizen of a exempted country or at the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge border crossing. In the case of Gaza with Egypt, the border is controlled by Hamas. Tourist visas are typically valid for 90 days, with most Americans and Europeans receiving three-month visas upon arrival after clearing customs.
If your home country does not have an exemption agreement with Israel, you will need to obtain a visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country before your visit. Israel now issues visas on a separate card with a barcode indicating the visa’s validity, particularly because many Arab countries do not accept Israeli passport stamps. It’s essential to keep this visa card with your passport at all times. You can check whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement.
How to apply or get any additional information?
Please email Mr.Tamimi, at info@govolunteerinpalestine.org, with “The Palestine Civil & Criminal Law Internship Program” in the subject line. In the email body, express your interest, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. We will respond promptly to your email.
Documents you’ll receive from us!
