What to expect before you leave
Pre-Program Paperwork
Following notice of acceptance, volunteers are responsible for completing a number of forms and returning them to AJWS by a set deadline. Accepted participants can refer to the Accepted Volunteer Resources page.
Placement
When volunteers are accepted to the program, AJWS provides detailed information regarding their assigned country of service and partner NGO.
Orientation
All volunteers travel to New York in mid-June for a three-day orientation. From there, each group departs for its summer placement. Orientation includes:
- An introduction to AJWS and the work of our partner NGOs overseas
- Cross-cultural training and country-specific sessions
- A safety and security overview
- Jewish text study relating to international development
- Time to get to know the AJWS Volunteer Summer group and group leaders.
Volunteer Testimonial
Chana Messinger volunteered in Ghana and discusses the power of group service work and the importance of story-telling in effecting social change.
