It’s a wonderful opportunity to reach populations of modest means who lack the types of safety nets that may be available in other countries. They are eager to learn and very welcoming.
Youth Support Volunteer Program in Jordan - Amman
Purpose
Provide a safe space for marginalized youth
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Saturday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 4 hours a day
Age
Ages 16+ accompanied or 18+
Accommodation
Homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Volunteers who are passionate about supporting young people in their education and helping them to develop their interests and life ambitions. You will need to be adaptable and use your initiative and enthusiasm to be as effective as possible. No experience is needed as you’ll be supported by the local team.
Project details
Interested in being a Youth Support volunteer in Jordan? International Volunteer HQ’s Youth Support project is a great opportunity for volunteers to assist in after-school programs which cater for young people with challenging backgrounds. Volunteers gain experience in youth work while acting as positive role models and helping with a range of activities designed to provide educational support and assistance with social and interpersonal skills. This extra opportunity for growth and development can help to raise students’ expectations of themselves and open up new possibilities for their futures.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Many young people from disadvantaged communities in Jordan grow up without access to quality education and strong support networks. The Youth Support project in Jordan provides an important and exciting developmental platform for these often underprivileged young people who need extra help, encouragement and to build fulfilling lives.
As a Youth Support volunteer you will help teach English in an informal way, by interacting with the young people to improve their oral and written English language skills, which can be one of their biggest difficulties. However, your main objective is to provide much needed after-school support. International volunteers are seen as an important part of the overall nurturing of young people as you’ll bring new perspectives and creativity to the program, helping broaden their horizons and expanding their minds.
When you volunteer with young people in Amman you’ll be based at after-school programs and act as a positive role model for young people aged between 6-18 years old. Your specific tasks will depend on the needs of the program at the time but duties are likely to include:
- Assisting with homework
- Supporting and encouraging English studies
- Helping with arts and crafts
- Assisting with sports
- Other general daily tasks
Why do Youth Support volunteering in Amman with IVHQ?
As a Youth Support volunteer in Jordan you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to education for disadvantaged youth
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Practicing your Arabic
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching and youth work experience
- Immersing yourself in Jordanian culture
- Exploring Jordan’s ancient history
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers aged 16 - 17 years must be accompanied by an adult to participate in this program. Volunteers aged 18+ can take part independently.
- If you are under the age of 18 and not traveling with an adult, IVHQ offers alternative volunteer opportunities for teens traveling independently. Visit our High School Volunteer Abroad page to learn more.
- All volunteers are required to speak fluent English, have adequate volunteer travel insurance and provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Jordan photo gallery
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IVHQ Youth Support project
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IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Women's Education project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Arts and Music project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Arts and Music project
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IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Sogand Zamani
22 Aug 2024
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Layla Hajj
15 Jul 2024
I gained so much from this experience. I gained connections with the individuals I taught. I gained friendships with our host family and local team. I gained new perspective on my heritage as a Middle Eastern person volunteering in Jordan. I gained more humility and appreciation for the little things. All in all, this experience was so pivotal for me especially as a teenager. I will carry these memories with me throughout my adulthood. For people hesitant to join the program, think about a world you haven’t yet explored. It can be scary, but taking that leap and exploring is incredible and if you have the opportunity, you should definitely try.
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Iain Jackson
02 Jul 2024
I would give the same advice that a previous traveller wrote - if in doubt, or you are undecided, just do it. You grow as a person, you have fun, you get to see beyond the normal tourist occasions, and finally you get to give something back to others less well off than you.
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RH
Rohini Hak
25 Jan 2024
I think if the cost is not an issue for you then this is the best program which is open to your skills and can give you a world of opportunities to be able to serve. They are very safe, dedicated and organized!
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NS
Neil Simpson
04 May 2022
Thank you for opening my eyes to a whole new world! I had many amazing experiences and I will never forget the children! I miss them very much, they were incredible and changed my life. I have now quit my sales career and am pursuing a more meaningful humanitarian career path looking after vulnerable children! Thank you so much for everything! I will never forget my experience!
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MH
Maria Hacobian
05 Aug 2021
By far it was the best experience of my life. Words can not describe the impact the youth support project had on me. If you never did a project like that, please do not hesitate and jump in with all your heart.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
Location
Jordan’s capital city Amman is considered one of the most modern Arab cities in the Middle East and in recent years has become a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and stability within the region. Amman is the biggest city in Jordan, and is also its economic, cultural and political hub.
IVHQ’s Jordan program provides an amazing opportunity for you to volunteer in the Middle East and safely experience a unique place with ancient attractions such as the famous archaeological site of Petra where buildings were carved into the pink cliffs thousands of years ago, the breath-taking and extremely salty lake that is the Dead Sea and the spectacular and moon-like desert of Wadi Rum.
Volunteer placements are based in and around the bustling capital Amman and the nearby cities of Madaba, As-Salt, Al Mafraq governorate and Tafilah governorate. By choosing to volunteer in Jordan, you’ll be supporting community-led projects that focus on providing opportunities to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of the people that call Jordan home.
Arrival and orientation
The Jordan volunteer program begins on the first and third Saturday of every month. You need to arrive in Amman on the Friday before your chosen start date.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). The cost of your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation, a 45 minute drive away. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Jordan prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up from a meeting point in central Amman on the Friday before your program start date.
On Saturday, orientation is hosted by our local team in Amman and runs for a full day. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Jordan – an introduction to Jordan, Jordanian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Jordan, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff.
Weekdays
You may have a morning or afternoon shift, or both, and can expect to work a minimum of 3 hours, Sunday through Thursday. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer homestay. |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteers with a morning shift travel to placement to join local staff and begin work on your project. |
| 12:00 - 2:30 PM | Lunch is served at the homestay. |
| 2:30 PM | Volunteers with an afternoon or evening shift travel to placement to join local staff and begin work on your project. |
| 7:30 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer homestay. After dinner you will have the remainder of the evening free to relax and use as you wish. |
Weekends
The Jordan work week runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Fridays and Saturdays free. During the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or explore other parts of Amman and Jordan. Amman is home to many ancient ruins including the Roman Amphitheater and Citadel, as well as traditional eateries, shops and markets.
Some incredible bucket list attractions lie further afield, so make sure you set aside time to travel to the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum, and one of the New Wonders of the World; the ancient city of Petra. With so much on offer, it’s a great idea to plan and book some excursions to these sites through IVHQ in advance. Please contact us for more information or contact your IVHQ Program Manager to secure your booking for these unique Jordan experiences.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll be hosted in a homestay where you’ll live with a local family. It is an exciting chance to learn the Jordanian way of life, meet local people, eat local food, speak the local language and engage in local customs and traditions. These families receive money from your program fee for support, food and board. This is an opportunity for you to directly see your volunteer fees having a positive impact in the community and going back into the local economy.
Living is basic yet comfortable, and all homestays have electricity and running water. Volunteers can expect to share a room with other volunteers of the same gender, however in some homestays volunteers have their own rooms. Bedding is provided, but it is recommended that you bring your own sleeping bag if you wish to travel on the weekends, along with a towel and toiletries.
WiFi is available in all of the homestays in Jordan. To keep connected when out and about, you can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone. The local team can assist you with this.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with all meals served at your homestay. Breakfast and dinners tend to be smaller portions with mixed platters including falafel, dips, bread, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables. Lunches are the bigger meal of the three, and can include a range of meats, breads, rice dishes, salads and vegetables.
Bottled water is readily available in Jordan and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 (approximately £4) a week for two liters a day. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you.
Exploring the Petra during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Jordan during an IVHQ weekend
Typical volunteer meal
Typical volunteer meal
Exploring the Dead Sea during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Jordan during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £245), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £245) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $864 Equivalent to $123/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,254 Equivalent to $90/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,644 Equivalent to $78/day |
| 4 weeks | $2,034 Equivalent to $73/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,424 Equivalent to $69/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,814 Equivalent to $67/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,594 Equivalent to $64/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,374 Equivalent to $62/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,154 Equivalent to $61/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £245) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Jordan generally find US$50 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses.
- Any changes or cancellations within 14 days of your start date are subject to a US$200 late change/cancellation fee.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Amman
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Amman program.
Arabic Language Lessons
Very affordable Arabic lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.
From £328
Ma'in Hot Springs Experience
Spend the day exploring the baptism site of Jesus Christ and relaxing at The Ma’in Hot Springs.
£188
Mount Nebo and Dead Sea - Mid Jordan
Spend the day exploring Mount Nebo, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the place where Moses was granted a view of the Promised Land, and enjoy lunch while visiting the Dead Sea.
£188
Affordable Arabic Language Lessons
We recommend volunteers take advantage of the very affordable Arabic lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our local team in Jordan.
The lesson times will be arranged outside of your volunteer hours and are taught by professional Arabic teachers. Volunteers find these lessons help immensely with your day to day volunteer work and communicating with local people while in Jordan.
- 10 hour package = US$401 (approximately £329)
- 20 hour package = US$660 (approximately £541)
- 30 hour package = US$920 (approximately £755)
- 40 hour package = US$1180 (approximately £968)
These language lessons can be booked through your IVHQ Program Manager once you have registered for the program and will be tailored to your current level of Arabic. Please contact us for further information.
Check what's required to visit Jordan
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Amman |
| Population | 9.702 Million |
| Languages | Arabic |
| Currency | Jordanian dinar (JOD) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
Weather and climate
Jordan can be divided into three climatic regions. The Jordan Valley, which runs from Southern Turkey to the Red Sea in South Jordan; the Mountain Heights Plateau, which separates the Jordan Valley and plains of the eastern desert; and the Badia Region which makes up 75% of Jordan and is a desert area in the eastern part of the country.
The volunteer program in Amman lies on the East Bank Plateau in the Mountain Heights; Temperatures range from 38°F to 52°F (3°C to 11°C) in the cool season, from November to April, and 67°F to 89°F (19°C to 31°C) in the hot season, from May to October.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
