Program Overview
The Volunteer at a Palestinian University in the West Bank Program offers a dynamic and engaging opportunity for individuals keen on delving into Palestinian culture, lending a hand to the local community, and broadening their perspectives. With a flexible duration ranging from 1 to 12 weeks, participants can tailor their involvement to align with their interests and objectives in the region.
Engaging in the Palestinian University volunteer program opens doors to a multifaceted cultural exploration while contributing meaningfully to the local community. This endeavor promises to enhance both personal and professional spheres, fostering enduring memories and connections that endure well beyond one’s time in the West Bank.
In this program, your main job is to assist English teachers at the university. You’ll mainly help students with their English speaking and writing skills. But you’ll also work with different university departments on various tasks and projects. This means you’ll be a valuable part of the university, not just in the classroom but also behind the scenes, helping the university run smoothly.
Besides your university work, you’ll get to plan and lead workshops for students. These workshops cover different topics like how to communicate well and how to find a job. This is a chance for you to share what you know and help students learn important life skills. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn and grow while making a lasting impact on the university community.
Hebron Volunteer Opportunities: Partnering with Local Universities
Hebron, situated in the West Bank, is home to a cluster of esteemed universities and educational establishments. Noteworthy among these institutions are:
- Hebron University: Renowned as a leading institution in the region, Hebron University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across diverse academic fields. It is esteemed for its commitment to academic excellence and active community involvement.
- Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU): PPU, a longstanding educational cornerstone in Hebron, specializes in technical and engineering education. Its offerings include programs in engineering, computer science, and technology-related disciplines.
- Al-Quds Open University (Hebron Branch): Al-Quds Open University’s Hebron Branch provides accessible distance learning opportunities to students in Hebron and adjacent areas. Its array of academic programs caters to diverse educational requirements.
These universities significantly enrich Hebron’s educational milieu, providing students with access to top-tier higher education and research opportunities across a spectrum of academic domains.
Program Roles Overview:
- English Language Support Across University Disciplines:
- Enhance conversational proficiency, writing skills, and academic research drafting in English language classes.
- Active participation in two to three weekly sessions, adaptable to academic schedules.
- Collaboration Across University Departments:
- Assist university staff in various departments with tasks like correspondence, writing projects, and international communications.
- Engage in administrative and academic duties related to English language support.
- Student Workshop Organization:
- Organize workshops for students on topics such as communication skills, job-seeking, academic writing, and scientific research.
- Empower students with practical skills for their academic and professional journey.
- Conversational Sessions:
- Improve conversational skills through English language conversational gatherings.
- Small group sessions with tailored activities held two to three times per week in designated university halls.”
Advantages of the Palestinian University Volunteer Program
- During this program, you’ll contribute to the development of English language skills among students and collaborate with various university departments. You’ll also take charge of organizing workshops focused on communication and job-seeking skills, all while participating in English language sessions to enhance your conversational abilities.
- Furthermore, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, engage with the local community, and experience daily life in the region. Additionally, you’ll explore historical sites within the city and embark on day trips to refugee camps in Hebron, Bethlehem, and other politically significant areas.
- To facilitate a deeper cultural connection, all participants will receive three hours of Arabic language lessons per week.
- Accommodation throughout the program is provided, with options to stay either with a Palestinian host family or at our 8th-floor apartment. Private accommodation is also available for an additional fee.
- Each day, you’ll start with a traditional Palestinian breakfast, shared with fellow international volunteers and staff, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange.
The Volunteer at a Palestinian University Fees
325$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
620$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
890$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1050$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1370$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1520$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1790$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2070$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2300$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2550$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2990$
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?
How to Obtain a Visa for Entry into Palestine
Visas for entering Palestine are typically granted in two main ways:
- Upon Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or Allenby-King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing:
- If you are a citizen of a country exempt from visa requirements, you can usually obtain a visa upon arrival.
- Tourist visas are generally valid for 90 days. Most American and European travelers receive three-month visas upon arrival after clearing customs.
- It’s important to note that the border crossing in Gaza with Egypt is controlled by Hamas.
- Obtaining a Visa from the Israeli Embassy/Consulate:
- If your home country does not have a visa exemption agreement with Israel, you will need to apply for a visa from the Israeli embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip.
- Due to concerns about Israeli stamps in passports not being accepted by many Arab countries, Israel now issues visas on separate cards with a bar code indicating the visa’s validity period.
- Please make sure to keep this visa card with your passport at all times.
You can check whether your native country participates in a visa exemption agreement to determine if you need to obtain a visa in advance.
Who can apply?
The Palestinian Center welcomes applicants from a diverse range of countries, including the USA, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Colombia, France, Japan, China, Chile, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and more.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 75 to apply for the program.
When can I apply to the Program?
Application Flexibility:
- Applicants have the flexibility to choose when they want to join the program as a volunteer.
- We offer adaptable starting and ending dates to accommodate individual schedules.
- Applicants can also select the duration of their participation, ranging from a minimum of one week to a maximum of three months.
What does your weekly schedule look like?
Breakfast starts at 9:30 am
The Content of the program starts at 10:30
Lunch Break starts at 2:00 pm
Individula Arabic Language Classes (MSA and Levantine/Colloquial)
Day Trips to Refugee Camps in Bethlehem & Hebron
Local Visits to Learn about the Landmarks of the city of Hebron
Prepare & Cook a Traditional Palestinian Dish
Free Time starts at 16:00 or at 16:30
Information Regarding the Volunteer at a Palestinian University in Hebron
Do I need to speak Arabic?
Things to know before you come to Palestine!
Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Exploring Palestine on Your Own
Visiting Palestine, whether you’re traveling alone or with someone, is a unique and unforgettable adventure. Safety is important no matter where you go, but with some common-sense planning, your trip can be enjoyable, fun, and worry-free, while also saving you some money.
The people in Palestine are incredibly friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to connect with people from different cultures and countries. Meeting international travelers makes the day of many Palestinians, and this, in turn, can make your journey more enjoyable and interesting. If you’re traveling solo, being on your own can actually make you more approachable than if you’re in a group.
Don’t let your worries and fears hold you back and keep you from experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. Come to Palestine as a solo traveler and discover its fascinating beauty. Someone once said, “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Give yourself the chance to read the entire book – a book you’ll never forget!
What can be added to your volunteer program? “EXTRAS“
How to Apply?
- Begin by sending us an email requesting the application form.
- Once you’ve received the application, fill it out and send it back to us.
- Our team will carefully review your application, and if necessary, we may schedule an interview via Skype or WhatsApp.
- After reviewing your application and interview (if applicable), we will send you a confirmation form. Please complete and return this form to us.
- Once we’ve received your confirmation, we’ll prepare and send you the Invitation Letter and Contract. Alongside these documents, you will also receive an invoice with payment details and options.
- To secure your spot in the program, sign the contract and make the required payment.
- Prior to your arrival, we’ll provide you with an Orientation Booklet and travel instructions. These resources will contain all the information you need to reach Hebron and contact our Center. You’ll also receive contact information for one of our coordinators via email.