The Internship in Syria Program: This program offers international participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in daily life in Damascus, Syria, and to learn about Syrian culture, the situation of Syrian refugees, and education. The internship opportunity involves participating in a highly respected community development initiative run by Volunteer in Syria.
To facilitate a deep cultural experience, the Center organizes visits to various institutions, including both Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Syrian governmental organizations, factories, and Syrian refugee camps around Damascus. This firsthand exposure provides an exciting opportunity for interns to gain insight into daily life in Syria. The program offers various internships at the Center that cater to different interests and career goals.
In addition, interns enrolled in the Internship in Syria program may study either Modern Standard Arabic or Ammiyya (spoken Arabic dialects). They can also interact with Syrian locals, stay with a Syrian host family, and better understand the rich Syrian culture.
The Internship in Syria caters to students, graduates, professionals, retirees, and individuals passionate about supporting Syrian refugees and children. Volunteer in Syria welcomes people worldwide and strives to foster connections between individuals worldwide and Syria.
The Internship In Syria Program in 2026-2027
We are thrilled to announce that registration and applications are now open for the Internship Program in Syria for 2026-2027! This unique program offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in Arabic culture, contribute to meaningful community projects, and gain invaluable firsthand life experience in Syria.
Whether you are a student, professional, or passionate individual seeking an internship in Syria and looking to make an impact, this program has something for everyone. Join us and be part of a transformative journey in 2026-2027!
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Intern and Volunteer With Syrian Children
In the last two stages of the internship, you will have the chance to intern and volunteer with Syrian children in Damascus and local refugee camps. This unique experience will shape participants’ perspectives for years to come.
Interns will have the opportunity to create their own workshops for Syrian children. Previous workshops have included:
- Drama for Syrian refugees
- Fun days for Syrian kids in the refugee camps
- Conversational English language for Syrian kids
- Arts and music for disabled Syrian children
- Media training for Syrian school students
- Environmental camps for young school students
- Journalism workshops for high school students
- Medicine (First Aid Courses)
- And more!
Accessible Internship Programs
Volunteer in Syria offers accessible internship programs for international participants. The internships take place for between one and three months. They are perfect for individuals interested in helping the Syrian community and learning either Syrian, Levantine, or Modern Standard Arabic.
We provide an engaging environment for interns to make a difference in a safe and meaningful way, from teaching English as a foreign language to studying Arabic and exchanging information about culture, education, and many other topics in Syria. As part of the various programs, you will be offered visits to local sites, lectures, and discussions to deepen your understanding of the respective internship and to support cultural exchange.
The Internship in Syria Program is available year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring) and is ideal for international students from all backgrounds with an interest in Syrian culture, as well as those wishing to broaden their life experience while learning a new language.
Internship In Syria Impact
Our Volunteer and Internship programs in Syria are well-researched, targeted, and suitable for anyone who wants to gain insights into daily Syrian culture and communities. We aim to make a long-term difference for the Syrian local community by exchanging ideas and “walking in each other’s shoes”.
Volunteering and interning are unique opportunities to genuinely impact your life and others, including Syrian children, refugees, youth, and community members in Syria.
Reviews And Community Awards
Volunteer in Syria has proudly earned several Community Awards, including recognition as the Best Arabic Language School overseas, one of the best Online Programs for Syrian Colloquial Arabic Providers, and the Top Provider of Volunteer and Internship Opportunities abroad for the years 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. For further details, please visit our profiles on GoOverseas.com and GoAbroad.com.
- +950 reviews (96.8%) on gooverseas.com
- +190 reviews (93%) on goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
- Our Awards
Summer Internships In Syria
For people looking for an internship over the summer in Syria or the Middle East, Volunteer in Syria offers internships that span from June to September. These internship programs are ideal for students, native English speakers, or any individuals looking to intern on an extended visit.
These summer internship programs combine an Arabic-language focus with full immersion and engagement in Syrian culture, education, and history.
What Can an Internship In Syria Offer?
The Internship in Syria is suitable for participants who are looking to:
- Study Arabic in Syria (Modern Standard Arabic, MSA) or Levantine Arabic
- Learn more about and engage in Syrian culture and communities.
- Assist the cause of Syrian refugees in Syria
- Lead community activities in the city of Damascus
- Provide educational support for Syrians
Who Might Be Interested In An Internship In Syria?
Volunteer in Syria was founded in June 2011. Since then, interns from all over the world have joined our family in Damascus. Most of our interns have traveled from countries like the USA, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
In general, The Internship in Syria is Suited To:
- Those who study the Middle East
- Gap year students
- University Students who wish to do a semester abroad (University Credit)
- Participants who are interested in understanding the culture of Syria
- Arabic and Islamic Studies students
- Participants who wish to learn Arabic and immerse themselves in the Syrian culture and daily life
- People who are interested in meeting Syrians
- Anyone willing to help and make a difference in Syria
Volunteer in Syria welcomes applications from individuals of all majors, nationalities, and backgrounds for internships in Syria. The internship placement is designed for students and people who would like to live in a dynamic place like Syria to get practical experience in their fields of interest and their skills.
What do you need to intern in Syria?
- Be 18+ years of age
- A positive attitude and willingness to learn about Syria
- An interest in meeting many people in Syria
- The ability to communicate in English
- The willingness to be a part of a family in Damascus, Syria
What you don’t need to intern in Syria:
- The ability to speak Arabic
- Travel experience
- To be a native English speaker
- An educational degree
- Experience teaching English
- To be a student
Main Activities During The Internship
The Internship in Syria Program includes four main activities that will offer interns a life-changing experience:
1. Studying Arabic (MSA or Colloquial Syrian Arabic)
The first week of the internship will focus on learning conversational Arabic. Interns will be provided with an Arabic intensive course for 20 hours every month at the center. These Arabic lessons make the Internship in Syria Program an ideal learning experience for university students and people looking for a cultural introduction to their internship in Damascus.
2. Engaging in culture, education, and site visits
Participants in the Internship in Syria Program will engage in cultural activities with both their host family and the Volunteer in Syria staff. An introduction to Syrian culture will be provided for internationals, in addition to lectures and discussions about the Syrian situation. Moreover, the center will organize visits to various sites in Damascus, including factories, universities, refugee camps, and local NGOs, to name but a few.
3. Engaging and leading community development activities
Furthermore, interns in Syria will play an active role in community development initiatives. Our interns will be given some fundamental preparation in advance, outlining the organization of community development activities for residents of Damascus. After this, participants will develop and lead these events according to their interests and skills. In particular, the activities will be for Syrian school students, university students, and/or community members and will take place under the supervision of the Volunteer in Syria team.
For example, those studying journalism can organize training for university or school students (for around 10-12 participants), teaching them how to write a press release or make a short movie. Such training can take place at local institutions in Damascus or organizations, including universities, schools, educational and cultural centers, companies, and other relevant institutions.
4. Participating in educational activities
The last stage of the internship in Syria will include your participation in different educational activities that the Center organizes for the Syrian community in and around the city of Damascus. Interns will support fun and game activities and overall learning for Syrian students and assist in the English classes taught by the Syrian teachers.
Additionally, interns will be asked to write some articles about Syria and their experiences both with the community and during their stay at the Center.
Benefits of The Internship
Participants of the Internship program in Damascus will be provided with:
- 20 hours of conversational Syrian Arabic lessons per month during their internship. Participants can also study MSA, Fusha, or colloquial Arabic.
- Accommodation with a Syrian host family or a shared flat.
- Breakfast with other participants (6 times a week)
- Support during their time in Syria
- Learn about the refugee situation and help Syrian refugees.
- Engagement in educational, community, and social activities
- The hospitality of Syrians and a pleasant climate
- Syria is full of historic and culturally rich cities. Damascus and Aleppo feature ancient architecture and bustling souks, Homs, Hama, and Bosra offer old city charm and Roman ruins, Palmyra is famous for its desert ruins, Maaloula preserves Aramaic traditions, Latakia and Tartus provide beaches and historic sites, and Daraa, Deir ez-Zor, and Al-Qamishli each offer unique cultural experiences.
- Well-qualified, attentive Arabic teachers, each with an excellent educational background, who are ready and happy to help you.
- A certificate upon completion.
Accommodation
When residing in Damascus, participants in the program will have the option to stay with a host family (depending on availability) or in a cozy apartment. Both options offer unique advantages.
Whichever housing option the participant chooses, their time in Syria will be immersive, enriching, and memorable!
The Internship In Syria Program: Overview
| Questions | Answers |
| Place of Internship | Damascus, Syria |
| Program Language | English |
| Internship Duration | 4-13 Weeks |
| Hours of Arabic Instruction per Month | 20 hours |
| Starting/ Ending Dates | Interns can freely choose their starting and ending dates. We offer internship programs year-round |
| Timeframe | Academic Year Fall J-Term Maymester Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round |
| Internship Weekly Hours | 30 Hours |
| Area of Internship | Education in Syria Syrian Community Development The Syrian Culture and Community Refugees in Syria |
| Intern Age | People who are 18 years or older |
| Days of the Week | Saturday-Thursday: The Center is open six days a week. Interns are off Friday and one other day of their choice. |
| Monthly Costs | Confirm prices here |
| Homestay in Damascus | Syrian host family Male dorm Private (Additional fees apply) |
| Educational Degree | Not Required |
| University Credit | Available |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline. However, please apply early if you are a male intern interested in living with a Syrian host family, as homestay availability is limited. |
| Internship in Syria Reviews | Reviews and Ratings On Gooverseas.com Reviews and Ratings On Goabroad.com Participants video testimonials |
Quick information about the Internship in Syria Program:
- Cost includes breakfast, accommodation, Arabic classes, and some visits to different institutions in the city of Damascus. Some examples include the old city of Damascus, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps, public parks, and local universities
- Registration fee: 30€, payable at registration.
Duration of The Internship
Volunteer in Syria accepts applications year-round from individuals seeking a 1-3-month internship with our organization. Participants in the Internship in the Syria Program decide when they would like to start and end their program. We are very flexible with the start date and duration.
If you are looking for an internship or a volunteer program for less than one month (e.g., one, two, or three weeks), then please consider our Volunteer and Study Arabic in Syria Program (1-13 weeks).
Traveling to Damascus
Traveling to Volunteer in Syria’s capital, Damascus, is stress-free and straightforward. You’ll fly directly into Damascus, and from the airport it’s only about a one-hour drive — roughly 40 km — to reach our school. If you have any questions about your journey or need help with arrangements, our team is always happy to assist. You can find our contact information at the bottom of this page.
How To Apply
Please email us at Info@ecsyria.org and write “The Internship in Syria Program” as the subject line. We will then send you the application form.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
Website: https://ecsyria.org/
EC Website: https://excellencenter.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excellence.center
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ExcellenceCenter