What inspired you to work for Go Palestine?
What inspired me to work at Go Palestine was a strong desire to help my community and make a real difference, especially for people who need support the most. The organization’s focus on social justice, human rights, and building understanding between cultures felt very close to my own values of kindness and social responsibility.
I was also drawn to Go Palestine because its programs bring people together from different backgrounds and encourage personal growth. I believe this is important for building connections and empathy.
I saw that Go Palestine would allow me to use my skills to support projects that empower people and promote education, which is something I care deeply about. Working with international volunteers and interns was another big reason, as it gave me the chance to meet and learn from people from many cultures, helping me grow both professionally and personally.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day at Go Palestine is busy and full of important work. I start by checking emails and messages from volunteers and interns to make sure they have the information they need and to answer any questions.
Then, I meet with the team to talk about our tasks and goals for the day. In the morning, I often join meetings to plan activities for the volunteers, like workshops, cultural sessions, or visits to local communities.
I also work with local partners, such as schools and NGOs, to arrange activities that help the community. Throughout the day, I may lead orientation sessions to help new volunteers settle in and understand our mission.
I also join the volunteers at workshops or events where we talk about Palestinian culture, history, and social issues, helping them learn more about our work.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I care deeply about making a positive difference and helping people, especially those from vulnerable communities. Working with Go Palestine lets me be part of important projects that not only give immediate support but also create long-lasting change through education, cultural exchange, and human rights work.
I believe that community and education are key to building a better future. Seeing the strength and potential of the Palestinian people, especially the youth, inspires me to keep working for social justice and human rights.
My job also helps me learn from others and see the world from different perspectives. What drives me is a strong sense of purpose to create chances for growth, understanding, and empowerment.
Every interaction, whether with a local person, a volunteer, or a partner, is a chance to help build a fairer world. This purpose is what keeps me dedicated to my work at Go Palestine.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing how our programs directly impact people’s lives, both locally and globally. Whether it’s watching a volunteer gain confidence by connecting with the local community or seeing Palestinian youth gain new skills through education, those moments of change are very rewarding.
I also enjoy bringing people from different backgrounds together. Helping create cultural exchange and bridging the gap between international volunteers and local communities is inspiring and fulfilling.
The sharing of ideas, perspectives, and experiences makes everyone involved stronger and deepens mutual understanding. In the end, my favorite part is being part of a team that is truly making a difference, whether through community projects or by supporting the personal growth of our participants.
Contributing to a bigger cause and seeing the positive changes happen is what makes this job so meaningful to me.
During a visit to a Palestinian village with our volunteers.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my education and international background to bring a global view and cultural understanding to my role at Go Palestine. My education has taught me how to think critically and solve problems, which helps me tackle complex social issues and make sure our programs are effective and meet local needs.
It has also given me knowledge in areas like human rights, social justice, and education, which are key to Go Palestine's mission. My international experience helps me understand how to communicate and work with people from different cultures.
Having lived and worked with people from all over the world, I can help connect international volunteers with local communities, creating a respectful and learning-focused environment. This is important because we work with volunteers from many countries and want to make their experience—and the communities’ experience—meaningful and respectful.
Also, my international experience has taught me how to adapt to different cultures, which is important when managing volunteers from different countries and helping them settle into the local community. I use my global background to create a positive, inclusive, and educational environment for everyone in our programs.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the main challenges I face in my role is dealing with cultural differences. Since our programs bring together people from many different backgrounds, it can be hard to adjust to different communication styles and expectations.
To handle this, I focus on clear communication and make sure everyone feels heard and respected. I also run workshops and discussions to help people understand cultural differences and promote mutual respect.
Another challenge is managing logistics, especially in a region with political and social complexities. Whether it’s getting permits, organizing travel, or planning activities in places with limited resources, unexpected issues can come up.
To solve this, I rely on strong relationships with local partners who offer valuable support and knowledge. I also stay flexible and ready to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
Balancing the needs of volunteers, local communities, and the organization can also be challenging, especially when priorities conflict. I focus on setting clear expectations, keeping everyone informed, and encouraging teamwork. This helps us manage resources well and stay focused on our shared goals.
In the end, these challenges are chances to grow. By staying solution-focused and working closely with my team and local partners, I can handle them effectively.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Right now, I’m working on several exciting projects at Go Palestine, all focused on community development, education, and cultural exchange.
One important project is the Teaching English in the Refugee Camps in Hebron program. We’re creating more opportunities for international volunteers to teach English to Palestinian youth, especially in refugee camps.
This project is about more than just language—it’s about giving young people skills that can help them access better education and job opportunities.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
If I could give advice to my pre-travel self, it would be to stay open-minded and patient. I would remind myself not to rush to understand everything, but to let things unfold and learn as I go.
Patience is important—whether it’s adjusting to new places, understanding different cultures, or facing challenges. I’d also tell myself to stay curious, ask questions, and listen carefully.
Some of the best lessons come from just being present and learning from others. Even the tough moments can lead to growth.
What makes your organization special?
What makes Go Palestine special is its focus on cultural exchange, community-led projects, and sustainable development. We prioritize building meaningful connections between international volunteers and local communities, encouraging mutual learning and long-term impact.
We work closely with local partners to ensure our projects meet community needs and values. This grassroots approach helps us make a real difference—whether through education, environmental efforts like Planting for Palestine, or empowering youth with new skills.
Go Palestine also stands out for its emphasis on education and human rights. Volunteers connect with local communities and learn about the challenges Palestinians face, promoting empathy and cross-cultural understanding.
Our adaptability and personalized support for volunteers ensure a transformative experience. Whether working on education, community development, or learning from Palestinians, it’s the combination of impactful work and cultural immersion that makes Go Palestine unique.
During a visit to a refugee camp with our international volunteers.
Why should someone choose Go Palestine over competitors?
Go Palestine stands out because of its unique focus on authentic cultural exchange, community-driven initiatives, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a region with complex social and political challenges.
We ensure our projects meet local needs, providing volunteers with meaningful experiences that foster personal growth and cross-cultural understanding.
With personalized support, including pre-arrival orientation and 24/7 assistance, we help volunteers contribute to impactful projects like teaching, environmental initiatives, and social justice programs.
Our strong local partnerships and commitment to social justice make Go Palestine a truly transformative volunteer experience.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I hope to reach more communities and volunteers, strengthen our partnerships with local organizations, and expand our programs. I want to see our work in education, community development, and cultural exchange grow, creating lasting change for Palestinian communities.
I also aim for Go Palestine to become a model for sustainable, community-driven development, where volunteers and local people work together to tackle challenges.
I hope more international volunteers come to Palestine for cultural exchange and leave as advocates for social justice, human rights, and Palestinian issues.
In the future, I want Go Palestine to be a key force in promoting peace, understanding, and empowerment through education, cross-cultural connections, and real social change.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Go Palestine is expanding our digital education projects by creating online platforms to share Palestinian culture, history, and social issues. This helps us reach a wider global audience.
We’re also strengthening local partnerships to grow programs focused on sustainable development and youth empowerment, like the Planting for Palestine project.
New volunteer opportunities in digital marketing and online education allow people to contribute remotely while staying connected. These efforts show our commitment to growing and making a greater impact in the region.
What makes Go Palestine easy to market to potential participants?
Go Palestine is easy to market because we offer a unique blend of real impact and cultural immersion. Our programs allow participants to contribute to important causes while learning about Palestinian culture, history, and challenges. It provides both personal growth and a meaningful experience.
We also offer personalized support to ensure volunteers feel safe and prepared, making it ideal for first-time international volunteers. With a variety of programs in education, environmental work, and social justice, we appeal to a wide range of interests.
Go Palestine’s strong reputation as a professional and socially responsible organization attracts those looking to make a difference and build global solidarity.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Go Palestine’s mission is to promote cultural exchange, empower local communities, and drive social change through volunteering and education. We focus on issues like education, human rights, and environmental sustainability, aiming to build mutual understanding between international volunteers and Palestinian communities.
We run programs that align with local needs, such as teaching English and planting olive trees, helping youth build better futures. By partnering with local organizations, we adapt to changing needs and ensure our efforts have a lasting impact.
Our work combines direct impact, cultural learning, and social justice to create a fairer world and inspire global solidarity.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants take away a deep sense of cultural understanding, personal growth, and a renewed commitment to social justice from our programs. By immersing themselves in Palestinian culture and working closely with local communities, I want them to gain a broader perspective on global issues—especially those related to education, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Participants should leave with a heightened awareness of the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, as well as a sense of how small actions can create lasting change. I hope they develop empathy, learn the value of cross-cultural exchange, and understand how their skills and experiences can contribute to global efforts for peace and justice.
Ultimately, I want them to feel inspired and equipped to be advocates for positive change in their own communities, carrying the lessons learned in Palestine with them wherever they go.
How do you help support participants?
We support participants by providing personalized guidance before, during, and after their programs. This includes pre-arrival orientation to help them prepare for their time in Palestine and 24/7 assistance if any issues arise while they’re volunteering.
We also offer regular check-ins to make sure participants feel safe, comfortable, and supported throughout their experience. Additionally, we provide clear communication about what to expect, answer any questions they may have, and connect them with local partners to ensure their work is impactful.
Our goal is to make sure every participant has a positive, meaningful experience and feels confident and supported in their role.
Hebron Grape Festival
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If I could participate in one of Go Palestine’s programs, I would choose the Teaching English in Palestine program. Teaching English to local students, especially in refugee camps, would be an incredibly rewarding experience.
It’s an opportunity to help empower young people by providing them with valuable skills that can open doors for their futures. I would love to immerse myself in the community, learn about the students’ lives, and share in their stories.
It would also be an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, history, and the challenges the community faces. I believe that teaching not only provides knowledge but also creates bonds and fosters mutual respect, which is a powerful way to contribute to positive change.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants often ask questions about safety, what to expect during their stay, and how they can make the biggest impact. When it comes to safety, I reassure them that we take it very seriously. We provide pre-arrival orientation, 24/7 support, and clear guidelines. I let them know they’ll have a team to rely on and regular check-ins to ensure everything goes smoothly, so they can feel confident and prepared.
In terms of what to expect, I explain that while the experience may come with challenges, it is ultimately very rewarding. Participants will be immersed in Palestinian culture, interact with local people, and contribute to meaningful projects. I encourage them to stay open-minded and flexible, as the work environment can be dynamic and may require adaptability.
When they ask how they can make the biggest impact, I emphasize that every contribution matters—big or small. Whether they’re teaching, working on environmental projects, or supporting social justice initiatives, their efforts will positively affect the community. I remind them that the relationships they build and the quality of their interactions often have the most lasting impact, encouraging them to focus on these meaningful connections throughout their experience.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It’s important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures because it broadens their perspective and helps them gain a deeper understanding of the world. Traveling exposes individuals to different ways of life, beliefs, and traditions, which fosters empathy and open-mindedness.
It challenges assumptions and helps people realize that there are many different paths to happiness, success, and fulfillment. Experiencing new cultures also encourages personal growth.
It pushes people out of their comfort zones and teaches them how to adapt to new environments, communicate across cultural boundaries, and solve problems in creative ways. It also helps build global connections and solidarity, encouraging people to become more engaged in global issues and work toward positive change.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is key to promoting peace, respect, and collaboration.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is important because it opens up new ways of thinking, connecting with others, and understanding different cultures. Language is not just a tool for communication—it’s also a reflection of how people think and view the world.
By learning a new language, you gain insight into the values, traditions, and history of the people who speak it. That deepens your empathy and understanding.
It also enhances personal growth by improving cognitive skills like problem-solving, multitasking, and memory. Being bilingual or multilingual is also highly valued in many careers.
Most importantly, it helps build bridges between people from different backgrounds, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global collaboration, which are essential in our increasingly interconnected world.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
For anyone thinking about going abroad, my advice is to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Traveling to a new country often means encountering different cultures, norms, and ways of thinking, and it’s important to be flexible and respectful of those differences.
Be ready to step out of your comfort zone, as this is where the most growth happens. I also recommend that you do your research and be prepared—learn about the culture, language, and any challenges you might face so that you can approach the experience with a deeper understanding.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help when needed, and engage with locals in a meaningful way. Finally, remember that travel is about more than just seeing new places—it’s about connecting with people, learning, and making memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
So, take the opportunity to immerse yourself fully, embrace the unknown, and approach the journey with curiosity and humility.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means going beyond just visiting new places—it’s about creating authentic connections, learning from different cultures, and contributing to the communities you engage with. It’s about understanding the challenges people face, respecting their ways of life, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the world’s diversity.
Meaningful travel also involves personal growth—stepping out of your comfort zone, challenging your assumptions, and broadening your perspectives. It’s about engaging in experiences that leave a positive impact, not only on the people and places you visit but also on yourself. Whether through volunteering, cultural exchange, or simply connecting with locals, meaningful travel encourages a sense of purpose and fosters empathy, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
One of our volunteers teaching English to refugees in a camp in Hebron.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don’t line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
A key issue in international education is the lack of genuine community involvement, where organizations focus more on their goals or participants' experiences rather than the local community's needs. This can lead to programs that don't benefit the community or even cause harm by imposing external solutions.
Another issue is over-commercialization, where profit becomes the main focus, often at the expense of educational value and community impact. This results in superficial experiences and undermines the long-term sustainability of programs.
For international education to be truly beneficial, it’s crucial to have authentic partnerships with local communities, respecting their culture, values, and needs. Programs should foster mutual learning and collaboration, ensuring both sides gain from the exchange.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement means building genuine, respectful relationships across cultures, ensuring that both participants and local communities benefit equally.
It involves listening to local needs, acting with integrity, and prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility. The focus should be on creating mutual understanding, supporting positive change, and ensuring that our actions do not exploit or harm others.
Ethical engagement values long-term impact over short-term gains, fostering equity and respect in all interactions.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that the future of international education will focus on more inclusive and equitable exchanges, where both participants and local communities equally benefit. I envision programs that are deeply community-driven, ensuring that local voices shape the learning experience and that the work being done truly addresses their needs.
I hope for an increased focus on cultural sensitivity and mutual respect, fostering deeper connections and understanding between cultures. I believe the future will see a shift towards sustainable, ethical practices, where education providers prioritize long-term impact and responsible partnerships, rather than short-term profit.
Ultimately, I hope international education becomes a tool for positive social change, empowerment, and global solidarity.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)
The most important qualities in program and host community relations are mutual respect, collaboration, and clear communication. It’s essential that both the program providers and the host community understand each other’s needs, values, and goals, and work together to create meaningful, sustainable initiatives.
Transparency is also key, ensuring that both sides have a clear understanding of expectations, roles, and outcomes helps build trust and fosters a positive partnership.
At Go Palestine, we prioritize building genuine, long-term relationships with local communities, focusing on their input and ensuring that the programs are aligned with their needs and goals. This approach creates a shared sense of purpose and ensures that the programs not only benefit the participants but also have a lasting positive impact on the community.
