Media & Journalism Internship in Palestine (1-12 Weeks)

I am Sebastian and I came from Spain to spend a short but very sweet week in Palestine. I study architecture and during my summer semester I chose to come to Palestine to teach English and volunteer at refugee camps. After a long search online I stumbled across Go-palestine and quickly came in contact with Mutaz who helped me get an idea of what I would be doing once in Palestine. I was presented with a weekly schedule that included teaching English, learning Arabic, visiting refugee camps and spending time learning about the culture.
Now that this week has passed I can say that it was truly one of the most amazing experiences. The people have been incredibly hospitable and friendly. Through teaching I was able to meet a lot of the locals who quickly took me in and invited me to have coffee or tea. One week was just too short! If you’re thinking about coming I can only reccomend it. Feel free to reach out to me @karreth if you have any questions!

Incredible experience. I spent 3 weeks with GoPalestine on their "Media and Journalism" internship and I honestly think that this is one of the most unique and special experiences you could choose to do. Being with the people at GoPalestine gives you inside access to chat to just about anyone in Hebron, so my time was filled with interesting stories and conversation. I certainly feel like I understand the political dynamics of the region so much more, having experienced it first hand. Teaching English is fun and rewarding. The other volunteers became good friends, and the Palestinians are the most kind, hospitable and trustworthy people you could wish to meet. I was able to explore other cities in my time off including Bethlehem and Jerusalem, and got an authentic experience of Arabic culture, customs and food. I really couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the Middle East. I would love to come back someday, inshallah.

If you're looking for an unforgettable and enriching experience, I highly recommend the Media & Journalism Internship program in Palestine with Go Palestine. As a 27-year-old student who studied media, I can attest to the life-changing impact of this internship.

Throughout my time in Palestine, I had the opportunity to visit local media institutions, including local radio stations and TV studios, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into the media landscape in Palestine. Additionally, I had the privilege of taking Arabic classes with my incredible teacher Shourouk, which helped me better understand the language and culture of the region.

One of the most rewarding experiences during my internship was teaching English to Palestinian adults, which allowed me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Additionally, visiting the refugee camps in Hebron and Bethlehem provided me with a firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by Palestinian refugees and their families.

Staying with a host family during my internship was an exceptional experience that provided me with an authentic and immersive experience of Palestinian culture. This, combined with the opportunity to live and work in Palestine, made for an unforgettable journey that I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the Palestinian culture.

I have nothing to say but this was an exceptional opportunity for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, media, and community. Don't hesitate to apply and embark on a journey of a lifetime!

I am currently studying for my Master's in Conflict Transformation and originally planned to return to Israel-Plaestine through GoPalestine in Summer of 2020. However, I reconnected with GoPalestine this fall and just completed my two weeks with the program, focusing on Palestinian media. I arrived at the center and was placed with a host family. While I’ve only been in Hebron for two weeks, GoPalestine immersed me in the city and unique one-on-one conversations with professionals in the media field. Even my professional meetings have included a deep sense of hospitality. I have felt incredibly welcomed to the city in every interaction with the center, my host family, and the people of the city.
Throughout my internship, I met with media professionals in the local radio stations and worked with students at the center. Before arriving to Palestine, I researched some broader topics about Palestinian media and media functioning within the context of conflict. Most of my questions to the media professionals included questions about occupation, conflict, and pressures from government. I was able to form a better understanding for the specific impact on media in Palestine and walk away with better questions.
The Palestinian culture in Hebron is incredibly generous, welcoming, and grounded in relationship. I never felt unsafe and especially directed all cultural questions to my instructors at GoPalestine. If anyone is interested in learning more about the Palestinian story, situation, and history, GoPalestine will meet you where you are and your interests. I am leaving with a better understanding of the situation and language, as well as many new friends and family in Hebron.
Two weeks is too short a stay to Hebron. In two weeks you can feel at home. You can grow your family and relationship with the world. I will say a temporary goodbye to Hebron in three days, but will carry conversations, connections, and concepts with me as I continue to research, learn, and travel.

My name is Allie, and I am a graduate student studying Media Studies in the United States. My time working with the Palestine Center in Hebron has been exceptional. For three months, I have worked at the center. Because of my extended trip, I was able to participate in several of the Palestinian Center’s programs, including the Media Program, the Conflict Resolution Program, and the Palestinian Refugee Program. I am very thankful to be able to gain a more holistic view of the reality in Palestine through each of these programs. For the programs, we met with experts in each field and conducted field visits to relevant organizations in and around the city of Hebron. We work for five days each week at the center and have two days off per week. Though the week is scheduled ahead of time, it is common for plans to fall through or need to be rearranged, so I encourage all potential volunteers to be flexible! I have learned to embrace a “go with the flow” attitude here.

I took weekly Arabic lessons and taught English a few times each week. My students were engaged and quick to learn and always came to class excited. My Arabic teacher was highly educated and spoke fluent English and we became very good friends!

I was invited to speak at a university in Bethlehem at a media conference. I attended cultural symposiums and movie screenings all over the West Bank. I ate amazing food (my favorite Palestinian dish is maklouba) and gorged myself on kunafa (the best dessert in the world). I learned so much about Palestinian culture and was able to talk at length to my students, professors, and others about culture exchange.

I want to emphasize how safe Hebron is. I never once felt fearful or threatened and as a woman, I was comfortable walking around the city by myself, even at night. Though you often hear of clashes in the news, I never felt threatened as a tourist in Hebron nor anywhere else in Palestine. Furthermore, Palestinians are extremely welcoming and love to meet tourists. I have been invited to many peoples’ homes for dinner, which has allowed me to integrate more deeply into Palestinian culture and lifestyle.

Everyone who works at the center is incredibly kind and welcoming. Meeting volunteers from all over the world was exciting. We frequently had group dinners at the center and became so close that we celebrated my birthday together as well. I am so sad to be leaving the center but entirely sure that I will come back soon to see my Palestinian friends here! I highly recommend volunteering at the Palestinian Center in Hebron!

Loved Hebron and the media Internship that I did for the month of May! Although I wasn’t doing this in uni, I have a keen interest in media and the history of the West Bank. What I got to learn with this program was unbelievable; most of which I couldn’t have done myself. I had the chance to talk to the reporters, owners and managers of some of the regions most influential radio stations, refugee camps, and many independent journalists. I also got so much valuable local knowledge from travelling in Hebron. Also with the 2 days off in the week, I had the chance to visit the other cities and sites in the region.
The programme also offers other chances; with my Arabic lessons and helping students with English development I learned so much about the local youth culture.
I would highly recommend the programme, and would also add that safety was surprisingly not an issue at all. If any problems do emerge, Motaz is happy to tweak your timetable to suit your preferences if possible. If you’re adventurous and would like to learn about media in an occupied territory and the Palestinian culture, this is for you✌️

My name is Lilly McKenzie, and in July and August 2019 I completed the Media in Palestine Program in Hebron with Go Palestine. I'm from Australia, but have spent the last year on a Journalism exchange in Europe. I've always been interested in the occupation, and want to pursue a career as a foreign correspondent covering humanitarian crises. The chance to experience a taste of life in Hebron, and learn about journalism in Palestine was a dream come true.
Coming to Hebron, I had no clue what to expect from the city, but it was more than I could've ever imagined. Go Palestine placed me with a host family in nearby Halhul, and they welcomed me into their family with open arms. Every morning I would come to Go Palestine at 10, and have breakfast with the other volunteers before the day's activities.
The daily schedule varied day-by-day, including meeting with journalists, local NGOs, activists, and grassroots organisations, as well as exploring the city of Hebron with local volunteer guides. Of course the week is never complete without Arabic lessons, and teaching classes. I was lucky enough to teach basic media and journalism skills to both High School and University students. Working among local volunteers, most of whom are university students themselves, it's easy to get a feel for the Palestinian culture. People take great pride in hospitality, and just walking down the street, you will be welcomed to the city by shopkeepers. Everyone will try to feed you, give you tea, coffee, and juice, eager to take care of you.
Walking through Hebron, you can almost forget that you're living in occupied territory, save for some closed streets and empty guard towers. Shopping eating, and just hanging out in Hebron, you feel safe and welcomed everywhere, no matter the time of day or night.
This program has been amazing, and I have made many lifelong friends, and shared fantastic experiences. I hope to come back in the future, Inshallah!

I had an amazing experience with the GoPalestine media program, I visited a refugee camp, radio station, met journalists, tours of the area, got first hand experience of the situation in The West Bank, learned a lot about the conflict and also had a lot of free time to visit the wonderful sites and places of interest to see in Palestine. The people are super friendly and welcoming and the food is great. It is very safe and I never seen any crime. The weather was fabulous and you will get to see some beautiful places. I was able to write articles about my experience in Palestine and it will help a lot towards my future career. I would highly recommend this program for any students or graduates or anyone of any age interested in the West Bank