Volunteer in the West Bank & Teach English to Palestinians

Volunteering in the West Bank and teaching English was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The focus on conversational English made the classes feel natural and alive. We talked about daily life, culture, traditions, and personal experiences, which helped students feel more relaxed and less afraid of speaking English. At the beginning, many students were shy, but little by little their confidence grew. They started speaking more freely, laughing, and sharing their opinions without worrying too much about mistakes. One moment I will never forget was when we were practicing everyday conversations and a student confidently said, “Yesterday I cooked my phone instead of my food.” The whole class burst into laughter, including the student, and it turned into a great lesson about mistakes being part of learning. What stayed with me the most was the genuine connection with the people. Sharing stories, jokes, and small moments during class created a strong sense of trust and mutual understanding. This experience was not just about teaching English, it was about learning from each other and growing together. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to do something meaningful, connect on a human level, and truly understand daily life in the West Bank.

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The vidit was very usefull. I had the opportunity to enter in contact with many Universities in Hebron, and I'll build future collaborations on these contacts. This was possible thanks to the support from the Center and their contats.

I really appreciated this experience. I was much better than expected. I had the opportunity to establish many contacts with various Universities, and I hope to built future collaboration on these first contacts. I visit the city and I meet many wonderful people.

My time in Hebron was a life-altering experience. In the course of my volunteer activities, the opportunities to meet and interact with Palestinian people brought me so much joy and gratification. My primary volunteer activity was speaking English with conversation partners in sessions lasting one and a half hours. However, they often continued much longer. The conversation partners were all able to speak confidently in English, allowing us to have relaxed and frank conversations across a range of subjects. I especially enjoyed meeting with the conversation partners more than once a week, even several times a week when they were available. I left Hebron with a feeling of sadness at leaving my new friends behind, but with resolute determination that I will see every one of them again. Exploring Hebron, a Palestinian city with a rich history, was how I spent most of my free time. The Old City is no longer what it once was due to regrettable circumstances, including divisions that make it incomplete. Still, it is an enchanting, magical place where one can walk while imagining what a magnificent place it was when it was filled with residents and shops, creating a vibrant and thriving city. Finally, walking the streets of Hebron let me experience the warmth, kindness, and generosity of the Palestinian people. I looked forward to my evening strolls, and they never disappointed. I met more people than I can count, and I am so grateful to have met each and every one.

I had an incredible time, I have tried to come for a while but had scheduling problems that they were always understanding of. I came for two weeks and saw many things. The locals were incredibly hospitable and I was often invited to stay at the homes of others.

Volunteering at GO Palestine was an incredible opportunity for me to immerse myself in Palestinian culture, connect with locals, and gain a deeper understanding of their daily struggles, resilience, and traditions.

Last summer, I spent three weeks in Palestine. I dedicated my days to teaching English twice daily and attended Arabic classes twice a week. Fridays and Saturdays marked the weekend, and there was always something exciting to do, whether it was exploring a new Palestinian city or enjoying a social gathering in Hebron, where someone would eagerly offer to show me around. The Palestinians I met were incredibly warm and hospitable, always happy to invite me for dinner, take me bowling, guide me through the old city, or share other engaging activities. Initially, I was concerned that Palestine might feel too traditional for me, but this worry quickly faded. Everyone I encountered was respectful and understanding of cultural differences, including those related to religion.

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Hi, I'm Ingrid. I spent 3 weeks in Hebron and had a great experience. My schedule was busy but allowed time to make friends, connect with my host family, Abu and Umed, and participate in teaching activities. Hebron is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. We visited the Koffiya factory, the IIM mosque, and local businesses. It’s a financial hub with shops, food, and unique cultural sites. I felt very safe here—people walk freely, even at night, and the community is very warm people. If you’re considering a trip to Palestine, I highly recommend it.

Hello, I'm Li Wei from Thailand. I spent time volunteering in Hebron, Palestine, where my days included Arabic and English classes, one-on-one conversations with Palestinians, and cultural tours. We visited places like the Ibrahimic Mosque and refugee camps. Hebron is a beautiful city with welcoming people. I felt safe here, even as a woman traveling alone. The city’s rich history and the warm hospitality made this experience unforgettable.

My time in Hebron was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Palestinian life. I had the chance to explore Hebron's Old Town, meet local people, and learn about the region’s rich culture and history. This experience provided me with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the local community, while also giving me a greater appreciation for their resilience. Overall, it was an interesting journey that left me with valuable insights into Palestine.

Hey everyone! I’m Céline, I’m 18 years old, and I’m from Canada. I finished high school last year, so I’m out exploring the world now. One of the places I really wanted to visit was Palestine, and I’m so glad I got the chance to come to Hebron. My days at the center usually started with a delicious breakfast, shared with everyone, which was always so tasty! After that, I had English lessons, but they weren’t traditional lessons, it felt more like a cultural exchange. I loved how I could ask so many questions about Palestinian culture and daily life, and I got to learn so much in a relaxed, one-on-one setting. Sometimes I had Arabic lessons or another English discussion, and there were also trips to different places around Hebron, factories, universities, and more. One of the highlights for me was the weekly trip to the refugee camp on Mondays. Hebron is such a lively city, and I really enjoyed it. It’s the biggest city in the West Bank, so there’s always something happening, and there are lots of nice restaurants and cafes to visit with friends. The old city is stunning, and the markets are full of life. Don’t miss out on the Ibrahim Mosque, it’s beautiful! The food here is amazing, I can’t say enough about how much I loved it. Everything I tasted was so flavorful and fresh. Overall, I felt safe during my time in Hebron, and the people here are incredibly kind and welcoming, especially towards foreigners. At first, you might find it surprising how often people invite you for tea or want to get to know you, but it’s just part of their hospitality, and it’s really heartwarming. Everyone is eager to learn about other cultures and countries. To anyone thinking about coming here: definitely do it! Come with an open heart and an open mind, and be ready for some spontaneous adventures. The best experiences I had were often unplanned – whether it was someone inviting me to see something or showing me a hidden gem of the city. That’s the best way to experience Hebron. I’m so glad I came, and I highly recommend it!

My visit to Hebron, Palestine, was a great experience. We started every day with a nice breakfast, and Mondays were usually spent on day trips, like visiting refugee camps. On other days, we met with different groups, such as journalists, youth organizations, and people from the old town. In the afternoons, we had discussions, including English talks, which helped us learn more about the area. Hebron is a special place because it's safe and has a lot of history and culture. The old town is full of interesting sights, and the settlements nearby add a different side to the city. The people here are very friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to connect with others. I definitely recommend visiting Palestine. It’s a country with rich culture, history, and great food, and the people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. Be sure to visit the Go Palestine Center to learn more about the region and meet interesting people. On weekends, you can explore other towns in the West Bank, each with something unique to offer.

My time in the Palestinian West Bank was a wonderfully rewarding experience. The hospitality shown by the people and the volunteer organisation was wonderful, and the cultural immersion was beyond easy as the locals are just as curious about you as you are of them.

I traveled from the Netherlands to volunteer in Palestine, teaching the English to university students, and it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Over the course of a week, I was deeply immersed in Palestinian culture, interacting with the people and gaining insights into their way of life. I was particularly struck by their incredible hospitality and friendliness, which left a lasting impression on me. During my time, I visited Hebron University and a refugee camp, witnessing firsthand the impact of the Israeli occupation. It was both a heartbreaking and eye-opening experience, helping me better understand the daily challenges faced by Palestinians. Despite this, I always felt safe. The Palestinian Center ensured my safety was a top priority. While I personally didn’t feel the fear that many Palestinians experience due to soldiers and checkpoints, seeing their struggles has deepened my empathy and awareness. I strongly encourage anyone interested in cultural exchange, teaching English, or sharing their skills to consider volunteering with Go Palestine. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to experience the warmth, resilience, and generosity of the Palestinian people. Come to Palestine – you won’t regret it!

My daily schedule was filled with memorable activities and learning opportunities. I would start each day with breakfast, enjoying traditional Palestinian food at the dormitory. Walking to the center, I'd often chat with locals, adding a personal touch to my mornings. My main activities included teaching conversational English and learning Arabic. The Arabic lessons were particularly enriching. I learned greetings, introductions, days of the week, and basic vocabulary, which gave me a solid foundation to continue learning. We also went on trips to places like Bethlehem, where I visited a refugee camp, an experience that was truly eye opening. It’s a long trip but absolutely worth it. The experience is both rewarding and educational, but it’s essential to stay flexible and open minded. Traveling to the Middle East can be a cultural shift for many, but if you use common sense, listen to the staff at Go Palestine, and engage with the locals, you’ll have an incredible, safe, and transformative journey.

After spending the previous year in Lebanon studying Arabic, I was eager to continue improving my Levantine dialect. Naturally, Palestine felt like the perfect next step. Don’t let the occupation discourage you, Hebron is one of the most captivating cities in the West Bank. I enjoyed exploring both sides of the city, one under Israeli control and the other governed by the Palestinian Authority. The diversity of activists and humanitarian organizations working on the ground was fascinating to witness. The center became my anchor during my stay, offering a sense of routine and comfort. Sharing breakfast with the same group of people each morning helped me feel more settled in a new place where I didn’t know anyone. I joined several tours and meetings organized by the center, including visits to Shuhada Street, which remains famously shut down, the last Keffiyeh factory in the West Bank, various glass and pottery factories, and insightful discussions with professors, lawyers, and journalists. Guided tours of Hebron’s Old City are a must, and the center is always happy to arrange one for you. My experience was quite unique since I documented the center’s activities through photography and video. I also taught English and contributed to their website. The center is flexible and open to adapting your role, so even if you sign up for one program, you can explore other opportunities by simply talking to the staff. Palestinians are known for their incredible hospitality, so don’t be surprised if you’re invited in for coffee or even a full meal. Accepting these invitations can offer a break from shawarma and falafel, although both are absolutely worth trying! Throughout my time in Hebron, I always felt safe. Locals were friendly and excited to meet foreigners, and I found they respected personal boundaries. However, I acknowledge that as a man, my experience may differ from that of women, who face different forms of harassment. It’s wise to take basic safety precautions, such as traveling with a companion at night, but overall, Hebron isn’t a dangerous city. In fact, I highly recommend visiting. There’s always something to do, but I think it’s important to stay proactive meet people and stay engaged. The center here offers great support and helps provide a sense of structure to your experience.

I have been in Hebron for 2 weeks, teaching English at the Palestinian Centre. The organisation before I came was efficient as Mutaz generally answered my questions quickly. The working days start with an excellent breakfast which includes hummus, falafel and eggs with bread and tea or coffee. This is a good opportunity to build relationships and share experiences with the other volunteers who come from across Europe and America. The volunteers are in their 20s and I am older, but they have made me feel welcome. After breakfast, I have had a mixture of teaching English and learning Arabic. The English sessions are conversations with a variety of people who want to improve their skills for academic and employment purposes. The 'students' are always polite and enthusiastic as they value education as a means of self development. Despite their vulnerability as Palestinians living in the West Bank, I have been impressed by their resilience and determination to rise above their circumstances. I am aware of my privilege in being able to travel freely around the world, but the Palestinians hold no resentment of me, but tolerate the limitations with remarkable equanimity. I have been taken on an outing to a local refugee camp, where the children followed us with smiling curiosity about our football preferences (Messi or Ronaldo?!) and then on to meet a woman who is running a very successful beauty business. Another day I went to Susya, a small village where the people live simply, having had their original homes demolished. The children, aged 5 to 14 loved the opportunity to join in my games and lessons. I had 2 days free to travel, exploring old Hebron with its historic sites. Bethlehem and Jerusalem are also easily and cheaply visited via shared taxis. Everywhere, people have been welcoming and happy to talk. My accommodation is in an apartment shared with 2 other volunteers. There is access to a washing machine. Apart from breakfast, we self cater. I have frequently walked alone through Hebron, including in the evenings and have always felt safe. When I thanked 1 new friend for his travel advice, he shrugged and said, "you are family". I shall miss my 'family' when I return to England and will continue to pray for peace in this very troubled land.

The sense of duty that I feel to help the less fortunate is always boiling inside my heart. This opportunity to teach English, visit and spend time with my brothers and sisters who live in refugee camps in the West Bank, was one I could not pass up. Growing up in a third world country myself, I often wished I had more opportunities. I craved the potential that seemed to be everywhere but where I resided. Leaving my family, to visit a potentially dangerous place was anything but easy. I love my family, and I receive an endless supply of support from them. Going without this was my first struggle. Upon arrival, and meeting the people in this wonderful land, I found myself having the same feeling that I would around my family. Love, support, and an undying belief in me and what I can bring to the table. Never have I been hugged so genuinely, felt so invited and wanted, or made to feel so special for just being myself. The view from social media, from the news and from the first world countries, would lead you to believe that there isn’t anything here. A place to be forgotten… but they could not be more wrong! I’ve visited places on all continents, and Palestine is like no other. The weather is hot, the political atmosphere is tense, but the people here will make you feel like none of this matters. The smiles that I see, come from the deepest parts of the heart. It is contagious and you can’t help but feel serene. I recommend anyone who has the time, to come and experience this for themselves. If you bask in the experience that is offered, you will surely leave with growth. As they say in Palestine, Ma’a Salaama ?

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I did the „volunteer in the west bank“ program and had a great time overall. I got to have conversational english classes with palestinians, that tought me a lot about life and culture here. We also made trips to different refugee camps, universitys and other institutions. These trips were very meaningful. I enjoyed the life in Hebron, there are a lot of nice Cafes and Restaurants where you can go with friends. I was living in an apartment with 4 other internationals, close to a guest family. We saw them every few days but lived independently. During my stay here I felt safe most of time, still you will get a lot of attention as a foreigner and you maybe have to get used to it. I was able to learn a bit of arabic during my 3 weeks here, which was really nice. I would recommend this program to everybody that wants to spend a few weeks in palestine, learn about life here and get to know a lot of people. it is a great opportunity for sure :)

I had a great experience with Go Palestine. Everyone felt like a family taking care of each other. I got a chance to teach student which was very fulfilling and had an opportunity to visit the Hospital. I recommend everyone to come once in their lifetime.