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Ramadan Volunteer Program in Jordan - Amman

Ramadan Volunteer Program in Jordan - Amman

Curious about volunteering during Ramadan in Jordan? International Volunteer HQ’s Ramadan project gives volunteers the unique chance to experience firsthand the sacred ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Volunteers will join Muslims in fasting from sunrise to sunset. The fast is broken each day with a meal called Iftar which is served when the sun goes down. Volunteers help serve this warm meal to disadvantaged families and individuals in a community kitchen which also acts as a social place to gather and connect.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every first and third Saturday of the month
  • Affordable fees from AU$1370 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, meals, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Help disadvantaged families break their fast with nutritious food

  • Explore Jordan’s incredible history and environment

  • Learn about life in Amman by staying with a local family

Key information

Support marginalized & low-income communities
Based in community kitchens in Amman
Homestay accommodation
Ages 16+ accompanied or 18+
Fully hosted experience from AU$1370 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 12 weeks
Arabic language lessons available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who are happy to observe the customs and traditions of Ramadan. You don’t need to be Muslim to join this project, but you will need to be able to fast during the day. You will also need to be available to volunteer during Ramadan. The timing of Ramadan is dependent on the moon, so changes each year, but in the next few years will fall between March to May.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In Jordan, around 92 per cent of the population are practicing Muslims. The Ramadan project is a unique opportunity for volunteers to experience Ramadan in a Muslim culture, while helping provide Iftar meals to low-income families and individuals.

As a Ramadan volunteer you’ll be based in a community kitchen which serves around 1,500 Iftar meals each day throughout Ramadan and provides a social place for people to break their daily fast with a warm meal. You will also need to observe Ramadan customs while you are on this project.

Ramadan volunteer duties include:

  • Collecting food from suppliers
  • Serving meals
  • Arranging activities
  • Cleaning up after meals
  • Providing general support and assistance
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #2: Zero Hunger

Current estimates show that 8.9% of the population are hungry, with the global pandemic threatening to double that number. Swift action needs to be taken to provide food and humanitarian relief, whilst agriculture and food production must become more sustainable.

Why do Ramadan volunteering in Amman with IVHQ?

As a Ramadan volunteer in Amman you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to food for disadvantaged communities
  • Helping provide social connection for vulnerable people
  • Experiencing Ramadan firsthand
  • Practicing your Arabic
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Immersing yourself in Jordanian culture and tradition
  • Discovering 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.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

DP
Darlene Poehlmann
04 Feb 2024

My experience with IVHQ has been extraordinary. Visiting Jordan has been one of the best experiences I've ever had. I love the people. I love the culture. I love the food and I absolutely love and adore my homestay family. My IVHQ Program Manager was punctual, articulate, knowledgeable, helpful, and really supportive. The world is a better place because of IVHQ.

...
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!

...
CF
Caitlyn Hope Freeman
29 Jun 2023

My favourite moment through my volunteering experience was when we played some music for the students with special needs. They got so into it, dancing around and clapping and getting everyone involved and it just made me so happy. The biggest impact that my volunteering trip had on me was through watching how the teachers loved each and every one of their students. The way that they cared for them and truly loved them was beautiful. To be able to be a part of that was an absolutely amazing experience and I am so grateful to have been able to have it.

It is an incredible experience, not only do you get to be immersed in a completely different culture but you get the opportunity to create real relationships with the people that you volunteer for. For me even though I was only there for one week I made so many incredible connections and created memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

...
LA
Leena Akhtar
24 Apr 2023

Take the risk and go for it! The experience builds character, confidence and life-long memories. It's such a wholesome and rewarding way to travel yet do some good in the world. This was my first volunteering experience abroad and I was so lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to volunteer during the holy month of Ramadan. I feel like volunteering abroad has left me with a new perspective on travelling.

...
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!

...
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.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

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!

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Volunteer Abroad in Jordan with IVHQ

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 AU$8) 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.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$1368 Equivalent to AU$195/day
2 weeks AU$1993 Equivalent to AU$142/day
3 weeks AU$2618 Equivalent to AU$125/day
4 weeks AU$3243 Equivalent to AU$116/day
5 weeks AU$3868 Equivalent to AU$111/day
6 weeks AU$4493 Equivalent to AU$107/day
8 weeks AU$5742 Equivalent to AU$103/day
10 weeks AU$6992 Equivalent to AU$100/day
12 weeks AU$8242 Equivalent to AU$98/day
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • 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.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, public transport to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • 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.

Free-time experiences & tours in Jordan

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Jordan! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Jordan program.

Arabic Language Lessons
Arabic Language Lessons

Very affordable Arabic lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.

From AU$638
Ma'in Hot Springs Experience
Ma'in Hot Springs Experience

Spend the day exploring the baptism site of Jesus Christ and relaxing at The Ma’in Hot Springs.

AU$365
Mount Nebo and Dead Sea - Mid Jordan
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.

AU$365
Arabic Language Lessons
Arabic Language Lessons

Very affordable Arabic lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.

From AU$638
Ma'in Hot Springs Experience
Ma'in Hot Springs Experience

Spend the day exploring the baptism site of Jesus Christ and relaxing at The Ma’in Hot Springs.

AU$365
Mount Nebo and Dead Sea - Mid Jordan
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.

AU$365

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$398 (approximately AU$638)
  • 20 hour package = US$658 (approximately AU$1056)
  • 30 hour package = US$918 (approximately AU$1473)
  • 40 hour package = US$1178 (approximately AU$1890)

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 with IVHQ

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.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

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.

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How to get started

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