Jordan is a stunning country, full of rich history and culture, so there’s no wonder it’s a popular destination. The country is also host to various volunteering options, which can offer the chance to explore the likes of Petra and Wadi Rum while giving back to the local community. From volunteer exchanges that anyone can do, to more specialised and niche requirements for qualified candidates, there are several routes you can go down if you want to volunteer in Jordan.People choose to volunteer for any number of reasons. You might want to do something positive, gain experience in a certain field, make the most of an opportunity that looks good on your CV, or see the country while on a lower budget. Whatever your reason, take a look at our guide to get started.
Visa Information And Legalities
Only people from the Middle East can enter Jordan without a visa. All other nationalities must either apply for a visa beforehand, or receive one on arrival at the airport or land crossing.
Single entry visas on arrival at most land crossings and airports currently cost 40 JD (Jordanian Dinars; approximately 56 USD). These visas are valid for one month. Multiple entry visas must be obtained in advance of travel at your local embassy or consulate. These usually cost 60 JD (approximately 85 USD), and will cover you for two entries over three months, or 120 JD (approximately 170 USD) for multiple entries over six months.
Further Considerations
Age limits may apply with certain volunteer companies or for specific placements, so always check with the company for whom you intend to volunteer before making travel arrangements.
Ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations – and consequent certificates – prior to organising any travel.
Plan your travel carefully. For example, if you try to cross into Jordan from Israel, you may not be permitted through. Often there isn’t a problem, but this will be down to the local authorities to decide at the time, so there is no guarantee. In addition, this approach could hinder your entrance to a further 10 countries.
If you intend to stay in Jordan for more than 30 days, regardless of whether this is for residency or a short-term visit, you will need to take an HIV test and get a health certificate to prove your results. This usually has to be done in Jordan, and costs about 20 JD.
To enter Jordan, you must have at least six months remaining on your passport, and at least one blank page per stamp, meaning at least one for entry and one for exit.
Websites For Volunteering In Jordan
Workaway
https://www.workaway.info
Workaway is a popular voluntary exchange site. The idea is to volunteer at various placements which are organised beforehand on the website between you and your host; in return, you will usually receive free food and accommodation. The only cost you need to pay when volunteering through Workaway is the website subscription, and of course any visas, vaccinations and so on that you may require.
WWOOF
https://wwoofindependents.org/
WWOOFING is a similar concept to Workaway in that it is based on mutually beneficial voluntary exchanges, but it focuses mostly on farming and agricultural work. Due to the climate in Jordan, it is advisable to research the best season in which to do such work. Again, the only fee required to pay with WWOOF is the annual member subscription.
Go Abroad
https://www.goabroad.com
Online advisors for Go Abroad can help you pick exactly the right programme for you, depending on where you want to go, your experience, and skill level. Fees differ depending on the particular programme you have selected. Projects with Go Abroad range from childcare and teaching to healthcare, wildlife conservation, and much more.
Habitat For Humanity
https://www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk
Habitat for Humanity is another highly-rated, popular volunteer organisation. Set programmes with fixed prices are displayed well in advance. For example, the organisation are now accepting volunteers for their April 2019 Jordan programme. Sign up to their newsletter and check their website to stay updated on upcoming volunteer programmes.
UN Volunteers
https://www.unv.org
Volunteering with the UN is highly reputable, but also requires various specialities, as well as a minimum age and standard of education. If you’re looking for something a little more niche, this may be the best option for you.
International Rescue Committee
https://www.rescue.org
Another well-known organisation, the International Rescue Committee mostly provides crucial support for Syrian refugees in Jordan, ever since over 600,000 of these people began to flee to Jordan following the onset of the Syrian conflict. Thousands are living in harsh conditions and refugee camps, so volunteers are required regularly to help combat this ongoing crisis.
There are of course plenty of other volunteering companies and organisations besides the ones displayed above, but these are amongst the most popular and reputable. We hope this guide has helped you with any questions you might have had about getting started, and we wish you all the best on your next adventure!
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