The Israeli-Palestinian conflict constantly sparks debate over what land is technically considered “Palestine.” According to locals, the Palestinian territories lie in two regions: the beautiful West Bank and the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as the state’s capital. The regions are isolated geographically. Gaza tends to be completely off-limits to tourists, while West Bank is a popular location for internships in Palestine.

West Bank is located between Israel and Jordan, bordering the Dead Sea. This sunny region is filled with friendly markets, historical churches, and lively cities that serve as the perfect location for interns abroad. In West Bank, you can explore the busy Arab markets (souks), eat world-renowned falafel, and float in the Dead Sea, treating your skin to a salt bath that will leave you feeling like you’ve just come from the spa. You can also tour the birthplace of Jesus at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where they celebrate Christmas three times a year!

Hebron is one of the most popular destinations for internships in Palestine. Located in the south of West Bank with 200,000 citizens, Hebron is the second largest city in Palestine. It is considered the cradle of organized religion, as it is overflowing with major Jewish, Islamic, and Christian holy sites. Although this city still has palpable religious tension, Hebron is flourishing as a commercial hub among Palestinian communities. In your free time, you can take history tours through the desert, admire glasswork even more impressive than that of Venice, or throw on your swimsuit and pool hop around the luxurious hotel pools that are open to most visitors.

Nablus, another popular location for internships in Palestine, is a major economic and cultural hub located 30 miles north of Jerusalem in northern West Bank. Nablus has a vibrant Old City that is comparable to Jerusalem’s, but has not been swept up by tourism. Surrounded by lush valleys filled with olive trees, you will be able to find endless supplies of olive-oil soap and olive-wood carvings. Blend in with the locals as you explore the narrow alleyways covered in colorful flags and banners honoring Palestinian martyrs, and treat yourself to the world’s most delicious kanafeh, one of Palestine’s most famous pastries made of wheat shreds and goat cheese soaked in sugary syrup. While interning in Nablus, you will experience the true Palestine.