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.
Special Needs Support Volunteer Project in Jordan - Amman
Purpose
Provide care & connection for those with disabilities
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Saturday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 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:
Compassionate, patient and caring volunteers who have a strong interest in working with people who have special needs. Previous experience with individuals with disabilities is preferred, but is not mandatory because you’ll be working closely with the local placement staff. If you want to be involved in physical therapy, you should have appropriate training.
Project details
Inspired to be a Special Needs Support volunteer in Jordan? International Volunteer HQ’s Special Needs Support project empowers volunteers to assist in centers for people with disabilities. There is still social stigma attached to disabilities in Jordan and families lacking adequate support often struggle to provide care. Volunteers can help by providing support and assistance so people with disabilities are able to get the kind of quality care and education that can improve and enrich their wellbeing and lives.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
In Jordan, there are many families who are unable to properly care for their kin who have mental and physical disabilities. Disabilities are also stigmatized by society at large and this can prevent people from getting the kind of support they need.
Facilities providing individualized care and education make a huge difference to the lives of people living with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Volunteers are an important source of help and support for local staff and the people who use these facilities.
As a Special Needs Support volunteer you will assist at these centers providing vital support to disabled people and local staff. Volunteer duties often include:
- Running educational lessons
- Setting up games and activities
- Arts and crafts
- Tapestry
- Woodwork
Qualified and experienced volunteers can also help with treatment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation.
Why do Special Needs Support volunteering in Amman with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with people who have disabilities in Jordan you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to care and education for people with disabilities
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Practicing your Arabic
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining experience working with disabled people
- Immersing yourself in Jordanian tradition and culture
- Discovering Jordan’s ancient history
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead.
All volunteer aged 18 or over must supply the local team with a CV after registration.
Volunteers must be Covid-19 vaccinated to join this project
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure that is issued no more than 3 months from your start date.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
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
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Arts and Music project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Special Needs volunteer project
IVHQ Arts and Music projectproject
IVHQ Women's Education project
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
IVHQ Women's Education project
IVHQ Ramadan project
IVHQ Youth Support project
IVHQ Youth Support project
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 traveling 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 socializing.
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 $5 (approximately $5) 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 $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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 $299) 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 emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- 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 $400
Jordan Adventure Week
Discover the rich Jordanian culture and experience some of the country’s must-do activities.
$1659
Ma'in Hot Springs Experience
Spend the day exploring the baptism site of Jesus Christ and relaxing at The Ma’in Hot Springs.
$260
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 = $401 (approximately $401)
- 20 hour package = $660 (approximately $660)
- 30 hour package = $920 (approximately $920)
- 40 hour package = $1180 (approximately $1180)
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
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
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.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
LH
Layla Hajj
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DP
Darlene Poehlmann
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.
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CF
Caitlyn Hope Freeman
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.
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KS
Kurt Simpson
This experience taught me to be grateful for what I have and to be more generous and friendly. Being scared of the unknown is normal. Most people who experience this feeling let it consume them and prevent them from accomplishing things that are truly good for them, don't let this happen to you. If you choose to volunteer abroad you will meet amazing people, discover a country's culture, and make a real difference in the world.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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