Orientation and Follow Up
Orientation and follow-up are integral components of the program. They are vital in creating a meaningful and successful experience and ensuring it has a lasting impact in the lives of the participants and the communities with which they share their experiences. From the first orientation session to the final follow-up session, AJWS considers each member of the group to be an active program participant.
Each group has at least three orientation sessions. The partnering organization's staff person coordinates and leads these sessions. One of the sessions, usually the second, will be led by an AJWS staff person.
Topics covered during orientation include:
- an introduction to AJWS and the in-country host organization
- cross-cultural preparedness activities
- an introduction to grassroots sustainable international development.
Each group is required to complete a group follow-up project after the program. Each participant must also complete an individual follow-up project. To facilitate the planning of the group follow-up project and to process their experiences in the field, each group meets at least twice after their return home. These meetings are planned and led by the partnering organization's staff person.
