Reasons to Volunteer in Palestine in 2026/2027: Are you considering volunteering abroad, but unsure where to go or if you’re ready to leap yet? The planning stage of volunteering abroad can feel overwhelming due to the numerous potential programs and destinations available. While many people take up volunteer opportunities in popular volunteer destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Costa Rica, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Brazil, and Peru, we invite you to consider somewhere off the usual tourist trail – Palestine!
Why volunteer in Palestine? There are many fascinating reasons to visit Palestine as a tourist, but volunteering in Palestine gives you a much deeper insight and an enriching experience that most tourists don’t get to have. Volunteering abroad can feel scary and overwhelming at first, but volunteering in Palestine offers a unique opportunity to experience the extraordinary hospitality, warmth, and kindness of Palestinians, making you feel welcome and at home. Several international volunteers who spent an extended period of time in Palestine have said that Palestinians are the kindest people they’ve ever met.
Volunteering with us in Hebron, Palestine, offers a fantastic opportunity to develop yourself both personally and professionally, while also making friends from Palestine and all over the world with other international volunteers. You can also make a difference in Palestinian’s lives by helping to provide critical educational services to individuals, students, families, and the Palestinian community as a whole. Not only will you get first-hand experience to add to your resume, but you will have the chance to challenge yourself, learn more about yourself, and grow as a person, and that is something that will stay with you forever.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Volunteer in Palestine in 2026/2027
(15) It’s Much Safer Than You Probably Think
When deciding to travel abroad, the first question many people have is, “Is it safe?” While many people think that Palestine is unsafe for international visitors due to misconceptions and misrepresentations in the media, it isn’t true. Palestinians are incredibly hospitable and helpful people, especially when it comes to international visitors. Palestine is a very safe destination in many regards, and sometimes volunteers even feel safer here than in their home countries.
Firstly, you will find that there is a very low level of street crime, and while pickpocketing is a common phenomenon in Europe, it is scarce in the West Bank. Did you know that many Palestinians in the West Bank even leave their front doors unlocked due to the very low prevalence of theft?
Secondly, many of our previous female volunteers have reported feeling very safe and were comfortable walking around Hebron, even at nighttime. Thirdly, due to Hebron being a conservative society, alcohol consumption is not acceptable. Still, you will find this helps you feel safer because you won’t have to worry about drunk drivers or drunk people on the streets.
Finally, many popular volunteering destinations, such as in Africa and Asia, have significant problems with malaria, but Palestine has been a malaria-free country since 1925. However, in case you fall ill while in Hebron, there are several pharmacies and English-speaking doctors you can visit for a relatively low cost.
While it’s essential to exercise standard safety precautions while traveling anywhere, you will find that overall, Hebron and the West Bank are very safe for international visitors and volunteers.
(14) Experience One Of The Oldest And Most Misunderstood Areas In The World
Some of the oldest cities in the world are in the Middle East, and in Palestine, you will find thousands of years of history and civilization. For example, Jericho is recognized as not only the oldest city in the world but also the lowest, and you will have the opportunity to visit on your days off from nearby Hebron.
Hebron is an excellent base for exploring the incredible surrounding Palestinian and Israeli areas. Access to Jerusalem and Bethlehem is relatively easy for most internationals, and other cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, Ramallah, Jericho, or Nablus are also great options to visit on a day or overnight trip. Our international volunteers often find other like-minded volunteers to explore these cities with on their days off.
Visiting these crucial cities and the surrounding countryside not only exposes the volunteer to the natural beauty and history of the area but also gives a better understanding of Palestinian culture and the intricacies of the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian Issue.
Coming to Palestine to volunteer also gives you a gateway to the rest of the Middle East. A number of our volunteers have visited nearby countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Syria before or after their volunteering period.
You will find that Palestine and the Middle East more broadly are much more diverse, ethnically, culturally, and religiously than you were expecting. Many people also have misconceptions about Palestine and the Middle East, but seeing this region with your own two eyes will surely give you a very different perspective and understanding.
(13) Personal Development: Challenge Yourself By Going Outside Your Comfort Zone
Living in a different country and culture challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, which allows you to become a more confident person by learning and improving your skills, from learning to navigate around a new city and country, to learning to communicate with others even though there may be a language barrier, to learning to solve any minor problems you may encounter. Facing and overcoming these challenges will help you become more confident in yourself and in your abilities, and that will stay with you even after you leave Palestine.
You will find that in Palestine and the Middle East more broadly, there is often a different concept of time compared to many Western countries. This means that sometimes 10 minutes is actually 20 minutes, and that sometimes things don’t go as planned or at the time they’re scheduled. This is a good opportunity for character building – to learn to be more flexible, adaptable, and become a more patient person. Sometimes the best memories you make weren’t planned and instead happened because you said “yes” to a spontaneous opportunity.
(12) Professional Development And Enhance Your Employability Through First-Hand Experience
We offer a range of volunteer programs in Palestine tailored to your areas of expertise and interests, which can significantly enhance your resume and employability.
If you are looking to develop yourself professionally and gain real-world experience in your chosen field, this is an excellent opportunity for you. Whether you are a medical or healthcare professional, interested in human and/or women’s rights, a current or aspiring English teacher, journalist, or something else, you are sure to find an ideal volunteering program for you.
Depending on the volunteering program you choose, you will have visits to relevant organizations, and you may get to run projects, classes, or workshops in your chosen field to engage with the local community. Our programs provide an opportunity to develop both hard and soft skills, and are a great chance to enhance your intercultural competence and communication skills.
(11) Learn A New Language Or Improve Your Arabic
Whether you’re already an advanced student of Arabic or don’t speak a word, volunteering in Palestine with Travel to Palestine allows you to learn a new language from scratch or improve your existing Arabic skills.
The journey of learning Arabic will help you learn more about your own native language. You will have the chance to not only learn from individualized Arabic lessons but also to use and develop your Arabic skills every day by engaging with native speakers. Alhamdulillah!
(10) Improve Your English
You might be surprised to learn that volunteering in Palestine is also an excellent opportunity to improve and practice your English. English is an international language and, undoubtedly, an essential tool of communication. As such, our volunteer programs are conducted in English, which allows the many volunteers who join us who speak English as a second language to practice and improve their English daily. You can also help local Palestinians improve their English by letting them practice with you.
Even native English speakers can deepen their understanding of their own language by communicating with others in English or by teaching English to curious and intelligent Palestinian students.
(9) Get To Know Palestine And Palestinians More Intimately Than Regular Tourists Do
Visiting a country as a tourist and living there as a volunteer are two totally different experiences. Many tourists only visit Hebron for the day, but by staying in Hebron for an extended period of time, you will get to experience a side of it that many tourists never see.
During your time volunteering with us, you will get to experience Palestinian daily life and create relationships with Palestinians in the community. You will get to visit sights and places, such as shops, cafes, restaurants, local organizations, nearby villages, and refugee camps that many tourists never see.
You will also have a supportive team at Travel to Palestine who can answer any questions you might have about Hebron or Palestine in general.
(8) Experience A Different Way Of Life And Immers Yourself In Palestinian Culture
If you are looking to take a break from your daily life at home, volunteering in Palestine offers an excellent opportunity, as daily life there is sure to be different from what you’re used to in your home country.
Volunteers with Travel to Palestine have the opportunity to live with host families and truly experience local life in Palestine. They share meals with families, attend weddings, and participate in family outings.
Living within the culture, volunteers are able not only to practice their Arabic but also to gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian life and society.
(7) Palestinian Food…Because Nothing Beats A Friday Lunch In Hebron
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to try real Palestinian cuisine, you know why this is a very legitimate reason to come to Palestine. Volunteering with Travel to Palestine offers numerous opportunities to enjoy local favorites, such as makluba, mansaf, and waraq einab. Even if you have tried Palestinian foods such as hummus and falafel in your home country, you will most likely find they taste so much better in Palestine. Additionally, during your time volunteering with us, you will also get to start each day with a delicious Palestinian breakfast.
In addition to the many invitations to dine with families, Travel to Palestine has also introduced “Food Days” into its English curriculum. These days, you cannot only indulge in Palestinian dishes but also learn their recipes, with your students becoming your culinary teachers.
(6) Cultural Exchange In Palestine
Travel to Palestine values cultural exchange, and volunteers have numerous opportunities not only to learn about Palestinian life and society but also to share their own lives. You will find that Palestinians are often curious about your home country and culture. It is often difficult for Palestinians to travel abroad due to the restrictions imposed on them by the Israeli occupation, so volunteering in Palestine gives you the chance to bring a piece of your country and culture to Palestinians.
English students thrive within this model of mutual exchange, and you will find they are very curious to know more about you, your culture, and where you’re from. Volunteers feel valued as they take on this role of cultural ambassadors, and it gives them the chance to ask students more about their culture. Because after all, who doesn’t like to talk about themselves?
(5) Home Sweet Hebron
Although many associate Hebron with political tension and conflict, volunteers will soon come to know the city for all of its beauty and charm. Hebron is rich in history, and the Old City is both architecturally stunning and culturally fascinating. As for the newer part of Hebron, it’s full of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore.
The people of Hebron are eager to meet foreigners, and volunteers are warmly welcomed by their students and by the many other local Palestinians who will soon become friends.
(4) Affordable Living- Four Shekel Falafel, Anyone?
The cost of living in Hebron is very reasonable, especially for volunteers, who can take most of their meals either at Travel to Palestine or with host families. The cost of local food and transportation is also very affordable by Western European and American standards.
Even when compared with other cities in Israel and Palestine, Hebron is a site of great bargains. Falafel in Hebron, for example, generally costs one-third or one-fourth of what it might in Jerusalem.
(3) Make New Friends And Bond With Other Volunteers
Volunteers in Hebron work closely with their fellow volunteers who come from all over the world. Volunteers can make lifelong friends with other volunteers from their home country, a nearby country, or the other side of the world. The experiences of navigating a foreign culture together and teaching or learning together are conducive to bonding, and volunteers often form lasting relationships. After all, shared memorable moments like floating in the Dead Sea or hiking in the many hills of Palestine are bound to lead to great friendships.
(2) The Travel to Palestine Staff
Volunteers in Palestine will soon find that local Travel to Palestine staff not only make for great co-workers but also great friends. They welcome volunteers to the Center and go out of their way to make sure volunteers are comfortable as they adjust to their lives in Hebron and to their new roles at the Center.
Seriously, they’re the best. Having this kind of support and care as you adapt to living in a different culture is comforting beyond measure.
(1) Palestinian Students
From the Volunteers’ experience, working with Palestinian students at Travel to Palestine usually felt less like a job and more like a privilege. Students are inquisitive about international volunteers and visitors and are motivated and eager to improve their English. Some Palestinian students have never met anyone from a different country before, so they will often be very excited and sometimes a bit nervous to meet you and speak English with you.
Volunteer Programs in Palestine in 2026/2027: Overview
Here is a brief overview of all the volunteer programs available in Palestine in the 2026/2027 season:
1. Volunteer in the West Bank Program
Volunteer in the West Bank: Join us at Travel to Palestine and explore our diverse range of volunteer and internship programs! Any program you choose will have many people needing support, and your influence on the Palestinian communities will be unforgettable. The kind people of Palestine make the opportunity a fantastic and welcoming experience.
Please take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to meet Palestinian people, experience their daily lives, learn Arabic, and gain a unique perspective of the Israel-Palestinian conflict firsthand! Your role as an international volunteer or intern can significantly improve Palestinians’ prospects in various ways, including teaching English, organizing community activities, raising awareness, and informing the world that Palestine is not portrayed as mainstream media sources commonly depict it.
Because of the occupation, Palestinians have not always had the opportunity to offer the world an authentic portrayal of their culture, and they are all keen to share their expertise and encourage international visitors to participate in Palestinian culture. Your experience with us will be fulfilling and gratifying! We offer opportunities throughout the year, with durations ranging from one week to three months, available in all seasons and months.
2. Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees
Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees: This program caters to undergraduate and graduate students, professionals, employees of human rights organizations, retirees, and anyone interested in engaging with the work concerning Palestinian refugees in the West Bank, Palestine. Getting involved in refugee assistance presents an excellent opportunity for university students and recent graduates seeking to gain experience in the human rights field.
Through this project in the West Bank, volunteers will have the opportunity to work with Palestinian children, women, and youths to enhance each other’s skills, create mutual understanding, engage in language exchange, and make a difference in each other’s lives.
The Volunteer with Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 70. People from all countries and majors are welcome to join this program. There are no specific degree requirements. All that is required is a willingness to participate and help.
3. The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program
The Palestinian Women’s Rights Program in the West Bank is a volunteer initiative that allows international visitors to visit Palestine and gain exclusive insight into women’s rights in the West Bank. Located in the vibrant city of Hebron, the project provides participants with many opportunities to meet Palestinian women, visit women’s rights organizations, and engage in educational and cultural activities.
Aimed at educating international participants about the current power dynamics of women in Palestinian society, you will get involved with volunteering with Palestinian women by promoting their rights and empowering them in all spheres of life, including the family, the workplace, and politics, all whilst ensuring they are safe from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.
Altogether, this volunteer program will enable you to gain awareness about gender equality in Hebron (one of the most conservative cities in Palestine) whilst also allowing you to study and practice Arabic, meet other internationals, and experience Palestinian daily life.
4. Media and Journalism in Palestine Program
The Media and Journalism volunteer program in the West Bank is ideal for anyone interested in giving Palestinians a voice on the global stage. As a volunteer, you will help raise awareness of circumstances within the West Bank while also learning about ethical journalistic practices. Although this program would suit many potential volunteers, seasoned and aspiring journalists are especially encouraged to apply.
This volunteer program in the West Bank, Palestine, would also interest students of journalism, mass communication, media studies, communications, political science, English, social work, and other related fields. Recent graduates will welcome the opportunity to gain real-world experience from this program, as cross-cultural communication, travel within the Middle East, and Arabic language acquisition are all highly valued by prospective employers.
During the Media and Journalism program, you will be responsible for conducting video interviews with local Palestinians and writing articles encapsulating the Palestinian refugee experience. You will also participate in center-led activities and become familiar with Palestinians’ daily lives and human rights situations.
5. Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank
The Volunteer to Teach English in the West Bank program offers an eye-opening experience for those who want to visit Palestine and engage with Palestinian youth, children, women, refugees, and community members in Hebron. Volunteers will teach English to Palestinian students at Travel to Palestine Center or local community development centers, Palestinian local schools, governmental or non-governmental organizations, and refugee camps.
Additionally, participants will actively immerse themselves in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, and regional situations. Travel to Palestine hosts volunteers and interns from around the world year-round. This involvement allows you to meet international colleagues at the Center, travel throughout Palestine, and collaborate in teaching English. You will also participate in various social, educational, cultural, and community development activities in Hebron.
Suppose you aspire to pursue a career in TESOL, TESL, TEFL, or related English language teaching roles. In that case, this internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to acquire practical experience and bolster your English teaching skills.
6. Volunteer with Palestinian Children
Volunteer With Palestinian Children Program offers students, professionals, retirees, and teachers an excellent opportunity to work directly with Palestinian children in the West Bank. It welcomes anyone interested in volunteering or interning, regardless of their first language.
Those interested in childhood education can benefit from volunteering or interning with children in Palestine. Participants are immersed in Palestinian culture, daily life, politics, human rights, and education.
Volunteers can join our program for 1 to 13 weeks, with flexible start and end dates year-round. All backgrounds and nationalities are welcome to apply, but participants must be at least 18.
As a volunteer or intern in Hebron, West Bank, you will meet many Palestinian children eager to interact with visitors. Supporting their growth positively impacts their well-being and the future of their country, making a difference in both their lives and yours.
7. Palestinian Community Development Program
The Volunteer in Palestinian Community Development Program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for students, undergraduates, teachers, and others seeking to volunteer or intern in Palestinian community development organizations in Palestine and Israel. If you wish to help Palestinian children and youth, refugees in refugee camps, and other community members in and around Hebron, West Bank, this program is for you. As a volunteer, you will be immersed in Palestinian culture whilst meeting new people (from Palestine and abroad), studying Arabic, and making a difference in people’s lives.
The Palestinian Community Development Volunteer and Internship Program has an essential impact on the Palestinian community. Through this program, you can help empower community members to develop themselves personally, professionally, and economically. At the same time, volunteers gain valuable experience in their personal development by running seminars, giving lectures, offering employment advice, and building interpersonal relationships within the local Palestinian community.
8. Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine
Volunteer in the Environment and Conservation Program in Palestine: You are invited to join us at Travel to Palestine and volunteer in our Environment and Conservation program, aimed at teaching Palestinian youth, refugees, and children about the importance of preserving the environment. In the West Bank, Palestine, there is a pressing need for such programs, as many residents of Hebron are unaware of the harmful effects of littering and environmental neglect on their own lands and streets.
This volunteer program is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, and travelers interested in the environment and conservation in the West Bank. If you’re a university student looking for an environment and conservation program abroad to supplement your studies during your summer break, this program is ideal for you.
By joining our volunteer program in the West Bank, you will have the chance to share your passion for the environment and conservation while experiencing Palestinian daily life and learning about Palestinian culture firsthand. We offer our participants three hours of complimentary Arabic Classes each week, taught one-to-one or in small groups of two to three students, and accommodation during their stay.
9. Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine
Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine: Since its establishment in 2011, Travel to Palestine has maintained high standards in English language teaching with the help of numerous international volunteers. However, to meet the increasing demand for diverse programs, we are excited to introduce a new series of volunteer programs, including the Volunteer in a Sports Project in Palestine.
This volunteer program in the West Bank offers a unique opportunity for current students, postgraduates, gap year students, professionals, teachers, retirees, and anyone interested in sports-related fields to volunteer with the local Palestinian community. As a volunteer, you can share your passion and expertise by organizing workshops, lectures, sporting tournaments, training sessions, summer camps, and more for Palestinian youth.
The Volunteer in a Sports Project in Hebron program is ideal for individuals with a strong interest and background in sports or related fields. Through this program, you can develop your activities and contribute to the local Palestinian community while gaining personal and professional development opportunities and having fun.
10. Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine
Volunteer With Orphanages in Palestine: Hebron City, in the Occupied West Bank, is home to several orphanages that provide essential care and support to thousands of Palestinian children who have lost one or both of their parents. The high number of orphans in the region is mainly due to ongoing conflict, military occupation, economic hardship, and limited access to healthcare. Some children lose their parents to direct violence, such as military raids, airstrikes, and clashes. Others are caused by the impact of long-term instability, including imprisonment of family members, displacement, or lack of access to health services.
There are approximately 7,000 orphans in and around Hebron city, ranging from infants to young adults. These orphanages provide essential services such as housing, education, medical care, and psychological support to children without stable family situations. They often rely on funding from local charities, international donors, and religious organizations to support their operations. Some orphanages also function as social enterprises, operating businesses like kitchens and grocery stores to generate income and further support their work.
What Did A Former Volunteer Say?
“I was continually amazed by their perceptiveness and generosity. I particularly looked forward to my regularly scheduled courses, and due to the interactive nature of the classes, small class sizes, and emphasis on cultural exchange, I was able to feel deeply invested in my students as I learned from them and followed their progress.
The personal satisfaction of sharing in students’ journeys is powerful and inspirational, and perhaps the most significant reason of all to volunteer in Palestine.” Cara VanDusen from the USA, a former volunteer at Travel to Palestine, contributed significantly to writing this article.
To hear more from our former volunteers about their experiences, check out the reviews (insert link here to reviews page) from our former volunteers and volunteer video testimonials (insert link here to video testimonials).
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We Hope To Meet You Soon
We hope you enjoyed the Top 15 Reasons to Volunteer in Palestine and are excited to consider volunteering with us in Palestine. It’s an opportunity to create wonderful memories and lifelong friendships, while developing professionally and personally, and making a difference in the lives of Palestinians, all while experiencing their rich culture and warm hospitality. We would be happy to have you as a volunteer in Palestine, and we hope to meet you soon.
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Tags: Benefits of volunteering in the West Bank, Impact of international volunteers in Palestine, volunteer programs in Palestine 2026/2027, Volunteering in Palestine 2026
