Frequently Asked Questions
Can I volunteer for less than three months?
The great majority of our placements require a three month commitment, due to the requests of our partner NGOs. There may occasionally be placements available for at least two months.
Is there a minimum or maximum age requirement for eligibility?
No. Volunteers have ranged in age from early twenties through eighty.
Can I choose the country where I want to volunteer?
During the application process, applicants have the opportunity to state their preferences regarding location of service. However, placements are made based on the needs of our NGO partners, so we ask volunteers to be as flexible as possible with regard to location of service, allowing AJWS staff to make sure that your skills are utilized as fully as possible.
Can I apply to work with a certain NGO?
Applicants to AJWS Volunteer Corps may not apply for a specific placement. AJWS will match your credentials and interests with a partner NGO’s specific requests and needs. Your specific placement will not be arranged until after you have been accepted and committed to participating in the program.
Can I volunteer with my partner/spouse?
Yes. We frequently place couples in our program, either at the same NGO or at different NGOs in the same city. Please complete separate applications and indicate on both applications that you are a couple and would like to be placed together.
I am Jewish but my partner is not. Can s/he still volunteer?
Yes. We happily accommodate interfaith couples, provided that one partner is Jewish.
What kind of support will I have from AJWS during my assignment?
AJWS staff and consultants will be in constant contact with you throughout your assignment, but you will be responsible for creating your own local social support network. Depending on your location, you may have a support network of other volunteers. To facilitate this, AJWS provides the contact information for all volunteers in the same area.
Can I stay in the country or travel after I’m finished volunteering?
Yes. You will be able to coordinate your travel plans directly with the AJWS travel agent. You are responsible for any extra travel costs incurred due to personal travel.
Will I be able to keep kosher?
You may secure housing with a private kitchen so that can cook your own food. It is difficult to obtain food products that are certified kosher in most locations, but vegetarian ingredients can be obtained easily.
Will I be able to observe Shabbat and Jewish holidays?
Yes. AJWS informs NGOs that volunteers are not required to work on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.
