Program Costs
Transportation
AJWS pays for the lowest available roundtrip airfare between the fellow's home city and the volunteer location for an itinerary based on the start and end dates of the volunteer assignment. Any extra travel costs incurred due to personal travel must be paid by the fellow. Fellows must arrange their own travel plans through AJWS's travel agent.
Accommodations
AJWS provides fellows with a modest stipend, and fellows are responsible for paying their own room and board with this funding. AJWS will ensure that appropriate living accommodations are arranged before the fellow arrives. Usually fellows live in rented apartments with running water and electricity. Other types of accommodation include dorms, hostels, boarding or home stays.
Visa
Fellows are responsible for obtaining a visa to their country of service, if one is required, and are financially responsible for any visa fees.
Health Insurance
In the case of a medical emergency, all participants receive emergency evacuation assistance and medical referrals through International SOS, a well-respected medical assistance provider. International SOS does not pay for the cost of medical care; therefore, participants must have their own health insurance that covers the cost of treatment while overseas.
Medical Preparation
Fellows are responsible for speaking to their doctors regarding any preventative medical treatments (immunizations, anti-malarial pills, etc.) prior to travel, and are financially responsible for these costs.
Stipend
AJWS asks fellows to live modestly and in line with local standards as much as possible. This is an intentional decision designed to show our collective solidarity with the members of fellows' local communities. Stipend amounts are determined with this in mind and are standardized based on the location of the fellows' placement.
Stipends will cover most of the cost of these monthly expenses:
- Housing (furnished modestly) and associated utilities
- Food
- Transportation to and from work
- Communication with AJWS (phone calls and Internet use)
Fellows should expect to contribute several hundred dollars per month toward their living expenses, depending on lifestyle choices.
Fundraising
We believe that fundraising is an integral skill to gain as a social changemaker and an excellent way for fellows to engage others in their work. Fellows are expected to raise a minimum of $1,800 to support AJWS. AJWS provides fundraising trainings and tips to participants, and staff members are available to assist with creative fundraising strategies.
