Frequently Asked Questions

Your group will wake up around 6:30 a.m., have breakfast and begin the work project. Lunch is in early afternoon, followed by a short rest and an educational session. The group returns to work in the mid-afternoon until dinner around 6:00 p.m. There is an evening educational session, followed by an early bedtime.

Food is simple and includes rice, beans, fruit and vegetables. All food is vegetarian, and no meat, fish or cheese is served.

Volunteer summer accommodations are rustic and communal. Your group will likely sleep on foam mattresses in a school or community center. Because many villages lack running water, latrines and bucket showers should be expected.

The group will use specially purchased dishes and cookware for all meals. While it is difficult to obtain food products that are certified kosher in most locations, vegetarian ingredients can be obtained easily. All food served will be vegetarian and no meat, fish or cheese will be served.

Yes. There are no mandatory planned activities during Shabbat or Jewish holidays that would interfere with religious observance.

One to two weekends are spent touring the country and seeing the sights. The rest of the weekends are spent in the host community, or on nearby day trips. Whenever possible, we try to seek out the local Jewish community. Regardless of your religious observance, you will be able to participate in weekend activities as there is no mandatory travel on Shabbat.

Countries and NGO partners for Volunteer Summer are typically announced by winter break.

Your group will be led by at least two qualified and well-trained AJWS group leaders. Learn more about our group leaders.

The AJWS office is in regular contact with all Volunteer Summer groups, and your family can contact AJWS at any time. Direct contact with your family while you are abroad is limited, as you will be living in a rural community with little access to electricity or telephones. Participants may be able to call or e-mail home during travel weekends or day trips.

No. You must be present for every part of the program.

No. All Volunteer Summer participants travel to and from the country of service as a group and participate in Orientation before departure and a Retreat immediately upon return.

Volunteer Summer is not an accredited academic program. However, some past participants have received college credit. We suggest that you discuss obtaining credit through the appropriate avenues at your own college or university, and we will help you in any way possible.

Yes. Studying abroad in the year following the summer program will not prohibit your participation in Volunteer Summer. Participants can engage in most aspects of domestic programming while overseas.

AJWS works hard to ensure the health and safety of our volunteers. Learn about our safety and security policies.