Medical Volunteers Palestine
Due to the current situation in Gaza, our programs in the West Bank are now closed until further notice.
There are few areas in the world with as much history, unrest and turmoil as Palestine. The people here are in dire need of quality medical care and attention, which is where you can help. Volunteers on this program will be working in the old city of Nablus on the West Bank. The clinic here serves 30,000 people, many of whom are impoverished and for whom life is a struggle. The clinic desperately requires volunteer medical doctors, nurses and dentists, in addition to mental health and physical therapy specialists. This is a truly remarkable program set in one of the most historic and interesting environments one could ever experience. While the program will undoubtedly be challenging it also promises to be one of the most rewarding and beneficial projects a medical volunteer could ever participate in. Become a Love Volunteer today and play your part in helping care for those less fortunate in Palestine.
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the prospects of the people of Palestine
- Provide quality medical care to the impoverished people served by this project
- Provide an opportunity for students to learn and observe
- To create a better cultural understanding between all participants
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program will find they are working in an extremely busy clinic with a variety of patients. The qualified medical volunteers will be treating patients directly with the local doctors and clinic employees. Generally only observation opportunities will be guaranteed for non-medical professionals, however they will be able to assist with other tasks in the clinic. Volunteers provide much-needed volunteer labor, ensuring that more patients can be cared for and a higher level of care is given. While volunteers will be helping to make a difference in a facility that is extremely underfunded and sharing their knowledge and ideas with local staff, they will also gain an amazing opportunity to experience life on the West Bank. Volunteers will find a placement on this program to be an extremely beneficial addition to both their medical careers and their life experience.
Volunteers contribute in many ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Assist doctors, nurses and health care workers in the treatment of patients as appropriate to the volunteer’s skills and training
- Interact with patients and provide support
- Assist with administrative duties where required
- Help with medical care
Requirements
This program offers an amazing opportunity for suitable applicants who are 18 years and over to work alongside qualified medical professionals and gain first-hand insight into the Palestinian healthcare system. It is open to those with experience and qualifications in the field of medicine. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with patients and staff, though this is not a pre-requisite. Naturally, all applicants must also have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Medical Qualification
- Passport
- Resume
Project Location
As one of Palestine’s largest cities, Nablus has lots to offer! Famous for its bustling markets, Nablus’ rich history lies in its Old City with its distinct stone facades, beautiful architecture, narrow streets and old urban spaces. The population of the old city today number around 20,000. There are two churches, twelve mosques and a Samaritan synagogue in around the densely populated residential areas. The Sooq is a typical colorful and loud Palestinian vegetable market located right in the center of town. Simply look for the tent roofs!
The cities of Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho see large numbers of tourists including those on one of the many organized tours. Due to the travel time, these cities would be best suited to a weekend trip. The local project staff will happily advise volunteers about things to see, and the best transport method.
The areas in and around Nablus are filled with sites to visit. The Palestinian village of Sebastia lies some 12 kilometres north of Nablus. Other major Palestinian cities such as Jenin, Tulkarem and Qalqilya are also near Nablus in the north of the country. The village of Yasoof is the perfect spot for hiking, and is full of beautiful orchards and fresh water springs.
Because of ongoing conflict in this area of the world, travelers should take notice of travel advisories issued by various embassies before undertaking travel here. Relatively large numbers of international tourists and volunteers visit the West Bank without any incident. However, the situation has the potential to deteriorate. We recommend you consult travel advice regularly.
Start Dates & Duration
Our programs in the West Bank are currently closed until further notice.
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
There are no direct international flights into Palestine (West Bank). Volunteers usually fly into Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel (CODE: TLV), then make their way into The West Bank via one of several Israeli-controlled entry points. Full details of these crossing points, along with advice about how to make this crossing via each option, is provided to all registered volunteers in their Volunteers Dashboard.
Once volunteers have successfully entered The West Bank they must make their way to the local project office in Nablus. Again, full step-by-step instructions about how to do this are provided via the Volunteer Dashboard.
After they arrive at the local project office in Nablus, volunteers will be brought directly to the volunteer house to meet the local Project Manager and settle in to their accommodations. The following morning, an orientation is held and the itinerary presented. This includes a walking tour of the local area and also covers details of the social, health and educational needs of the local community. Your project manager will also address safety and health points, organizational rules and “do’s and don’ts” of living and working comfortably in Palestine. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv, Israel (CODE: TLV)
- (Volunteers must plan to arrive in Nablus between 9am and 3pm on Saturdays)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated in a large, historic home in Nablus, conveniently located opposite the program offices. All standard amenities are available in the house including a well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, communal areas for relaxing, bathrooms and even free Wi-Fi!
Rooms are split by gender and typically shared between two or three, but this will depend on volunteer numbers for your dates.
The accommodation on this program is self-catering (meals are not included in the program fees) and volunteers can make use of the kitchen facilities in the Volunteer House to prepare meals by purchasing groceries locally or may like to dine out at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants located within easy reach of the house.
Be sure to try the traditional dish, Magloubeh, meaning ‘upside down’. A delicious main meal of rice, eggplant, lamb or chicken that are layered for cooking and inverted to serve.
Fees
That’s just USD 20 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.