Jordan Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in Jordan: 1-12 weeks

"I had a wonderful experience in Jordan. The host family was warm and welcoming, the food was fantastic, and the excursions and language classes fostered an understanding of the culture. I went to the Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba; all those experiences expanded my horizons and has me longing to go back." -Talib Saifee, Short-term volunteer in Jordan

United Planet's Quest Volunteer Abroad program offers you or your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities through customized work experiences, cultural activities, and home stays.

Visit the United Planet YouTube page to view a Jordan Quest video and more. Please also visit the Jordan Quest photo gallery.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is located in the Middle East, with a 26 kilometer coastline on the Red Sea. Jordan is filled with ancient ruins, fertile valleys and empty deserts. Visitors can enjoy the famous rock-carved city of Petra, hike the visually stunning cliffs and mountains of Wadi Rum or relax at the Dead Sea. Millions of Western tourists visit this safe, politically stable country each year. Despite it's natural beauty, Jordan is a small country with limited natural resources, yet compared to other developing countries in the region, Jordan enjoys a relatively high per-capita income. Education and literacy rates are well above the average for comparable countries, as well. However, Jordan has a very young population – 38% of inhabitants are under the age of fourteen – and unemployment remains as high as 30% by some estimates.

Volunteer Opportunities in Jordan

The purpose of this Quest is to promote a deeper level of cultural exchange and understanding through meaningful volunteer work at local organizations, social activities with the local communities, excursions and cultural activities. United Planet is working currently with different volunteer opportunities in partnership with local organizations in Jordan.   1) Teaching Quest Volunteers can teach English to children and young adults through a local NGO based in Amman. Volunteers work alongside local teachers to improve the conversational English abilities of the children. Experienced teachers are welcome, but a teaching background is not a requirement. 2) Childcare Quest Volunteers are needed to assist carers at a school for children who are disabled and have special needs. Volunteers can help teach English, arts and crafts and also assist with physical therapy such as swimming lessons. Previous experience of working with disabled children is a benefit. 3) NGO Quest Volunteers looking for an internship-like opportunity can work at the Amman office of an international NGO, helping to organize fundraising activities, write grant proposals, and edit the organization’s newsletter.

The Quest takes place in Amman, and therefore provides many cultural learning opportunities, through living with a host family and interacting with the local community. United Planet also provides excursions and cultural activities, such as Arabic language lessons and a trip to Petra! For more information on excursions, prices and details please visit the Jordan Prices and Details page. The Jordan Quest runs year round and starts on the first and third Saturday of each month Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older unless accompanied by an adult

Click here for a sample two week itinerary for Jordan

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!