The Description of Refugees in Palestine Program
The Refugees in Palestine Program is a unique opportunity for participants to become acquainted with the situation of refugees living in Palestine and understand the nature of their lives inside the West Bank camps. In Hebron, we take you on field trips to the refugee camps. You will meet with families living there.
The purpose of the Refugees in Palestine program is to teach our participants about the daily challenges and difficulties experienced by camp residents. Particularly challenging for the camp residents is the infrastructure, and its educational and health services that are provided by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which services now are reduced. Another challenge for refugees in the camps is the burgeoning population as the camp is not allowed geographical expansion.
The Refugees in Palestine Program will enable participants to listen to the stories of the residents of the camps, especially the elderly who will relate how they came to be displaced into these camps.
Who are the Palestinian refugees?
According to the UNRWA’s operational definition, Palestinian refugees are those persons who resided in Palestine between June 1946 and May 1948, and who lost their homes and livelihoods as a result of the 1948 war. One-third of the Palestine refugees registered with the UNRWA, or more than 1.4 million displaced persons, live in 58 officially recognized refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
- Ten camps were established in the aftermath of the June 1967 war and Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip with the aim of accommodating a new wave of displaced refugees and non-refugees.
- Plots on which the camps were built are government land or, in most cases, land leased by the host government from their original owners. This means that the refugees in the camps do not “own” the land on which their dwellings are built. They have the right, however, to “use” the land for residential purposes.
- Two refugee camps, Al-Arroub, and Al-Fawwar are found in Hebron. Al-Arroub Camp is located north of Hebron, 15 km south of Bethlehem, and 35 km south of Jerusalem. It was established in 1949. Al-Fawwar camp was established on the lands of the city of Hebron. It was named after Ain al-Fawwar, a town in Dura. Al-Fawwar refugee camp is located to the south of Hebron, 8 km away.
Refugees in Palestine Program Program Aspects
Theoretical & Practical
- Field trips through a guide who speaks English to meet with camp residents and families, as well as officials from governmental and non-governmental institutions who work in the camps.
- These field trips address several topics such as the special situation of Palestinian refugees, the living conditions of Palestinian refugee camps at home and abroad, the obstacles facing refugees due to the Israeli occupation, the right of return, UN resolutions on Palestinian refugees, and many more.
Linguistic and Social
- Participants study Arabic as a part of immersion. The center will provide you with weekly language classes and the opportunity to practice the language with native speakers.
- In addition, the program will provide you with the opportunity to participate in the social, educational, and cultural activities organized by the Center that are aimed at targeting the Palestinian community in Hebron. These activities especially target children and youth with an aim to develop their skills in various educational and social fields
The Benefits of the Refugees Program
- Your guide speaks English.
- You will meet camp residents and families, as well as officials from governmental and non-governmental institutions who work there.
- Participants will take field trips to governmental and non-governmental institutions that work in the camps in order to learn about the assistance programs and social development projects.
- A participant will have the opportunity to organize workshops on a topic related to the program; or presenting workshops that teach a variety of skills, such as academic writing, writing biography, drawing, first aid, theater, music, and other skills.
- The participant will engage in the Palestinian community, culture, and daily life.
- Participants will be visiting city historical sites.
- All participants will receive three hours of Palestinian spoken Arabic language lessons per week.
- Accommodation are provided for the length of the program, either residing with a Palestinian host family or at our dorm.
- A Palestinian breakfast is provided every day and enjoyed with other international volunteers & staff.
The Refugees in Palstine Program Fees
350$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 3 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
690$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 6 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
965$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 9 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1200$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 12 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 15 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 18 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1950$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 21 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
1990$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 24 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2500$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 27 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2750$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 30 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
2950$
American DollarsThis includes accommodation, local visits, 33 hours of Arabic classes, daily Palestinian breakfast, day trips, and a certificate of participation.
3150$
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?
The participation fee mentioned above includes:
- A guide who speaks English
- Field visits.
- Accommodation (Host family or at our dorm).
- Local visits include a refugee camp, the Old City with its famous Ibrahimi Mosque, and the souqs, to name just a few.
- Three hours of Arabic a week.
- Daily Palestinian breakfast.
- Certificate of participation and a recommendation letter.
| Information Regarding the Refugees in Palestine Program |
| Place of Program | Hebron, Palestine |
| Program Fees | Starting From 315$ – American Dollar |
| Age | 18-70 Years Old |
| Minimum Duration | 1 Week |
| Maximum Duration | 12 Weeks |
| Starting/Ending Dates | Flexible – Anytime |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline |
| Program Language | English |
| Days off | Two days including Fridays |
| Arabic Lessons | 3 Hours a Week – Standard Arabic Or Ammiya |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
Who can apply? Should I speak Arabic?
Anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 70 is eligible to apply and join the program. No, interns are not obligated to know Arabic in order to participate in the program. We place our participants at the appropriate language level.
Can I add more Arabic hours to my hours in the program?
Yes; however, each extra hour costs $20.00 more. Please mention this in your application.
Can I extend my program duration while I am there?
Yes, interns are allowed to extend their participation period. In this case, interns must inform the Center Coordinator at least one week before the end of his/her current program.
When can I apply to the Program?
Participants decide when they would like to participate. We are very flexible when it comes to starting and ending dates so that the applicant decides to start and end dates for him/herself.
Can I combine this program with another internship program?
Yes, this program can be combined with one or more of the other internship programs the center offers. This means that you choose for example (one week or more regarding this program & one week or more regarding another one). Don’t worry, you only fill out one application.
| Living Cost | Approx. 50$ a Week |
| Meals Provided | Daily Breakfast at the Center |
| Accommodation | At a Host Family or at Our Dorm |
| Weekend | On Friday |
| Wifi Access | At the Center, Host Family & Our Dorm |
| Currency | Israeli Shekel (NIS) |
| Transportation | Taxies & Mini-Vans |
| Weather | Summer (25-30°C), Winter (0-9°C) |
| Airport | Ben Gurion Airport in Israel – No Airport in Palestine |
Do I need a visa to enter Palestine?
Yes. The Israeli government requires a visa for you to enter Israel. Visas are routinely granted upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) if you are a citizen of an exempted country.
They are available also at the Allenby-King Hussein Bridge Israel-Jordan border crossing. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days. Most Americans and Europeans are issued three-month visas upon arrival and clearing customs.
Traveling Solo to Palestine
Traveling to Palestine, whether with someone or alone, is an interesting and once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Safety is always a concern no matter where one travels, but with common sense and planning, your travel can be enjoyable, fun, and worry-free, as well as save you money.
People in Palestine are very friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to help and to talk with people from different cultures and countries. The opportunities to interact with internationals will make a Palestinian’s day, and, in turn, this will make your trip more enjoyable and interesting. If you are traveling alone, your solitariness will make you more approachable than if you are traveling as a group member.
Do not let your fears and apprehensions paralyze you and rob you of the adventure of a lifetime. Come to Palestine as a solitary traveler and experience its fascinations and beauties. It has been said that “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”. Allow yourself to read the whole book – a book you will never forget!
Important Articles to READ – Please Click to Read
What is the application process?
- First, send us an email asking for the application form.
- We send you the application, you fill out the application and send it back to us.
- Our team reviews your application. We may invite you for an interview by means of a Skype/WhatsApp call.
- If you are selected after the interview, we will send you a confirmation form which you fill out and return to us.
- We prepare and send you the Invitation Letter and the Contract. We will also send you the invoice for payment, which will include all the information regarding payment options.
- You will sign the contract and make payment in order to reserve your place in the program.
- We will send you an Orientation Booklet and travel instructions. These two items will provide you with all the information on how to get to Hebron and contact the Center. One of our coordinators will provide his/her contact number within an email sent to you.
IMPORTANT Links/Files
| Our Video Gallery | Get to Know us! (Pdf file) |
| Our Photo Gallery | Our Volunteer Programs |
| Reviews on Go Abroad | Our Internship Programs |
| Reviews on Go Overseas | Study Shami Arabic |
How to apply or get any additional information?
Please send an email to Mr. Tamimi at info@palestineinternships.org. Please type Refugees in Palestine Program in the subject line. We will then contact you back!
Find us online
WhatsApp: +972598172071
The Palestinian Center (Go Palestine) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gopalestinehebron/
The Palestinian Center (Go Palestine) on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go_palestine/
The Palestinian Center (Go Palestine) Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/2RJx2Ya