Support and Responsibilities
After acceptance to the fellowship, AJWS staff match each fellow with an appropriate NGO. Once the NGO and location of volunteer service has been finalized, the following logistics will be facilitated and developed by AJWS staff, the fellow and the NGO.
Work Plan
Before the fellow departs, AJWS sets up a three-way conversation between the host NGO, the fellow and AJWS staff. Through this conversation and other correspondence, all three parties come to an agreement as to the nature of the volunteer's work assignment. All three parties then sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which outlines the details of the work plan. It is expected that the work plan will be updated once the fellow begins his/her work.
Housing
AJWS will work with the host NGO to ensure that appropriate living accommodations are arranged before the fellow arrives. AJWS Country Representatives 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.
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.
Stipend
AJWS provides each fellow with a modest stipend. The amount is determined based on the cost of living in the volunteer’s area of service. Stipends are allocated in two payments, one prior to departure and one mid-way through the program.
Fundraising
Fellows are expected to raise a minimum of $1,000 to support AJWS. AJWS provides fundraising tips to participants upon acceptance to the program. We believe that fundraising is an integral skill to gain upon entrance to the non-profit sector and an excellent way for volunteers to engage others in their work. Participants 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.
