Q: introduction

"Middle" doesn’t indicate anything special. Middle is medium, average, unremarkable. Middle class. Middle-aged. Middle child (sorry). Middle finger (sorry we're not sorry). Think again, traveler. Middle is central, convenient, ideal—and how better to middle than volunteering abroad in the Middle East? Volunteers in the Middle East are centered in a web, intricately woven over time. The symbiosis of volunteering in the Middle East is a seminar in ancient history, modern times, and the faith of humans throughout. Forget the middle critics and explore volunteer projects in the Middle East!

Q: Introduction

"Middle" doesn’t indicate anything special. Middle is medium, average, unremarkable. Middle class. Middle-aged. Middle child (sorry). Middle finger (sorry we're not sorry). Think again, traveler. Middle is central, convenient, ideal—and how better to middle than volunteering abroad in the Middle East? Volunteers in the Middle East are centered in a web, intricately woven over time. The symbiosis of volunteering in the Middle East is a seminar in ancient history, modern times, and the faith of humans throughout. Forget the middle critics and explore volunteer projects in the Middle East!

Q: Anticipated Costs

Volunteering abroad in the Middle East isn’t especially cheap. With the region as diverse as it is, do plenty of research, and budget accordingly. Most volunteer opportunities in the Middle East include room and board, but be sure to factor in your inevitable independent travel whims. If you’re on a shoestring budget, you’ll find that Jordan’s capital city Amman will be gentler on your wallet than Israel’s Tel Aviv. Don’t be discouraged if you need to boost your cash flow. Resources like GoAbroad’s Scholarships Directory and FundMyTravel will help you get where you want to go!

Q: GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

There’s a reason you’ve chosen to volunteer abroad in the Middle East. You’re interested in the complexity of people and places, and how they intertwine throughout history to expose truths that are bigger than themselves. You want to understand how the human experience can be so different for communities living in such close proximity—and you want to be in the middle of it all. Arrive with an open mind to leave with a full heart. Despite the spread of stigma against Middle Eastern peoples, you’ll find that they are full of warmth and wisdom to share. It’s likely you’ll encounter many people who have experienced human injustices that the average westerner may struggle to comprehend. Note that when you commit to volunteering abroad in the Middle East, you’re also making a commitment to bear witness to the stories of its peoples. We know it can be tough to take in the trauma of others, so it’s important to anticipate and prepare for your mental health needs. Bring along comforting books and music, and consider chatting with a therapist to learn healthy coping mechanisms before you arrive. When you’re well-equipped to help yourself...you’re well-equipped to volunteer abroad in the Middle East! Ready to volunteer in the Middle East? Let us be your middleman. Get matched with 5 programs today!

Question 1

introduction

Accepted Answer

"Middle" doesn&rsquo;t indicate anything special. Middle is medium, average, unremarkable. Middle class. Middle-aged. Middle child (sorry). Middle finger (sorry we're not sorry). Think again, traveler. Middle is central, convenient, ideal&mdash;and how better to middle than volunteering abroad in the Middle East? Volunteers in the Middle East are centered in a web, intricately woven over time. The symbiosis of volunteering in the Middle East is a seminar in ancient history, modern times, and the faith of humans throughout. Forget the middle critics and explore volunteer projects in the Middle East!

Question 2

Introduction

Accepted Answer

"Middle" doesn&rsquo;t indicate anything special. Middle is medium, average, unremarkable. Middle class. Middle-aged. Middle child (sorry). Middle finger (sorry we're not sorry). Think again, traveler. Middle is central, convenient, ideal&mdash;and how better to middle than volunteering abroad in the Middle East? Volunteers in the Middle East are centered in a web, intricately woven over time. The symbiosis of volunteering in the Middle East is a seminar in ancient history, modern times, and the faith of humans throughout. Forget the middle critics and explore volunteer projects in the Middle East!

Question 3

Best Locations

Accepted Answer

Volunteering in the Middle East is one way to be Christ-like (if that&rsquo;s your thing), but the desert sun won&rsquo;t be the only thing giving you burnout. Don&rsquo;t be a martyr, and take in some culture while giving back. This historical region is rife with unspoken secrets.
Israel. Volunteers in the Middle East know weekends here are educational and entertaining. Enjoy the scenery in Haifa, then take coastal route to Tel Aviv for amazing falafel from some hole in the wall. Stroll the art galleries of Jaffa, and enjoy dinner at a hip warehouse restaurant before a night of clubbing.
Jordan. Float atop the Dead Sea, known for its natural healing (and levitating) properties. Across the desert is Petra, an astonishing stone city and UNESCO site. Staunch liberals and steadfast foodies volunteering in the Middle East will find refuge in Amman, where women can let their hair down while embarking on an Arabic coffee crawl.
Palestine. Open the Door of Humility on your pilgrimage to Jesus&rsquo; birthplace in Bethlehem. Artists who volunteer in the Middle East should head to Jenin Refugee Camp&rsquo;s Freedom Theatre for political plays and dance parties. Uphill in Nablus, enjoy panoramic views of the West Bank.

Question 4

Common Causes

Accepted Answer

No matter what you choose to do when you volunteer in the Middle East, you can expect a full cultural immersion, and new lifelong friends.

Refugee Relief. You already know this region is infamous for internal strife. As a volunteer abroad in the Middle East with a keen interest in social work, you&rsquo;ll find plenty of opportunities to help various refugee communities. While Middle Eastern people are often regarded for their warmth and hospitality, be conscientious of the traumas that refugees have endured, and practice active listening.

English Teaching. World travelers know that speaking fluent English is invaluable. Sharing this with others is a gift that keeps on giving, but not just to your students. As a volunteer in the Middle East, teaching English allows others to impart you with their own stories and culture, facilitating peace through empathy and understanding.
Grassroots Organization. As is common in conflict zones, there are dozens of young folks on the ground taking action on local levels. Be on the frontlines of social progress alongside diverse communities who are working hard to cultivate healthy relationships. These volunteer programs in the Middle East are often focused on education and involve working with at-risk youth.

Question 5

Anticipated Costs

Accepted Answer

Volunteering abroad in the Middle East isn&rsquo;t especially cheap. With the region as diverse as it is, do plenty of research, and budget accordingly. Most volunteer opportunities in the Middle East include room and board, but be sure to factor in your inevitable independent travel whims. If you&rsquo;re on a shoestring budget, you&rsquo;ll find that Jordan&rsquo;s capital city Amman will be gentler on your wallet than Israel&rsquo;s Tel Aviv. Don&rsquo;t be discouraged if you need to boost your cash flow. Resources like GoAbroad&rsquo;s Scholarships Directory and FundMyTravel will help you get where you want to go!

Question 6

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

There&rsquo;s a reason you&rsquo;ve chosen to volunteer abroad in the Middle East. You&rsquo;re interested in the complexity of people and places, and how they intertwine throughout history to expose truths that are bigger than themselves. You want to understand how the human experience can be so different for communities living in such close proximity&mdash;and you want to be in the middle of it all. Arrive with an open mind to leave with a full heart.

Despite the spread of stigma against Middle Eastern peoples, you&rsquo;ll find that they are full of warmth and wisdom to share. It&rsquo;s likely you&rsquo;ll encounter many people who have experienced human injustices that the average westerner may struggle to comprehend. Note that when you commit to volunteering abroad in the Middle East, you&rsquo;re also making a commitment to bear witness to the stories of its peoples. We know it can be tough to take in the trauma of others, so it&rsquo;s important to anticipate and prepare for your mental health needs. Bring along comforting books and music, and consider chatting with a therapist to learn healthy coping mechanisms before you arrive. When you&rsquo;re well-equipped to help yourself...you&rsquo;re well-equipped to volunteer abroad in the Middle East!
Ready to volunteer in the Middle East? Let us be your middleman. Get matched with 5 programs today!