American Jewish World Service Volunteer Summer

Description: Serve. Learn. Build. Connect.

As part of a year-long program of service, study and personal growth, spend a summer with American Jewish World Service (AJWS) in a rural area in Africa, Southeast Asia or Central America, working side-by-side with community members on projects that help build infrastructure and sustainability. Working with your hands, engaging with Jewish values and meeting grassroots activists, you will gain an understanding of the passion that drives AJWSs grantees and the work that it takes to overcome poverty and injustice. Past volunteers have laid irrigation systems, built schools and community centers and worked on sustainable agriculture projects.

The experience doesnt end with the summer. AJWS provides a year of retreats and opportunities for public speaking, writing, advocacy and volunteer service to keep activism alive at home and on campus. The program inspires community building and cultural exchange from overseas and back again, sparking life-long dedication to service and global justice.

Cost in US$: $4,000-$5,500

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Jewish students between the ages of 17 and 25

Age Range: 17-25

Participants Travel to - Multi-Country in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 15

Scholarships are Available. - Please request a financial aid application

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

American Jewish World Service's Mission Statement: American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is an international development organization motivated by Judaism's imperative to pursue justice. AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality. Through grants to grassroots organizations, volunteer service, advocacy and education, AJWS fosters civil society, sustainable development and human rights for all people, while promoting the values and responsibilities of global citizenship within the Jewish community.

Year Founded: 1985

American Jewish World Service is a based organization. We do require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.