Support and Responsibilities
Work Plan
Before the fellow departs, AJWS works with the partner NGO and the fellow to come to an agreement about the nature of the volunteer's work assignment. All three parties then sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines a tentative work plan. It is expected that the work plan will evolve once the fellow begins his/her placement.
Housing
AJWS will work with the partner NGO to ensure that appropriate living accommodations are arranged before the fellow arrives. The AJWS Country Representative may also assist in this process. Usually fellows live in rented apartments with running water and electricity; sometimes accommodation may be in dorms, hostels, as a boarder in a family's home or in a home stay. AJWS provides fellows with a modest stipend, and fellows are responsible for paying their own room and board with this funding. Fellows may find out about their specific living arrangements as late as orientation.
Plane Ticket
AJWS pays for the lowest reasonable roundtrip airfare from the volunteer's home city to the volunteer destination for an itinerary that is based on the start and end dates of the assignment. Any extra travel costs incurred due to personal travel must be paid by the fellow.
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 fellow's placement.
Stipends will cover most of the amount 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 towards their living expenses, depending on lifestyle choices. AJWS does not provide funding for laundry, clothing, bedding and towels, household cleaning supplies, non-essential household items, toiletries and personal products, visas, passport renewal fees, medical costs such as doctor's fees, immunizations, malaria prophylaxis or other medications, health insurance, communication with family and friends, recreational activities or tourist travel.
Fundraising
Fellows are expected to raise a minimum of $1,800 to support AJWS. AJWS provides fundraising trainings and tips to participants before fundraising begins. We believe that fundraising is an integral skill to gain as a social change-maker and an excellent way for volunteers to engage others in their work. Fellows with specific concerns about this requirement may raise them with AJWS staff upon acceptance to the program.
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.
Medical Preparation
Fellows are responsible for speaking to their doctors regarding any preliminary medical treatments necessary and are financially responsible for these costs.
Health Insurance
All fellows receive emergency evacuation assistance and medical referrals through International SOS. Fellows must have their own health insurance that covers the cost of treatment while overseas, as International SOS does not pay for the cost of medical care. Fellows must submit proof of insurance before departing.
