APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 17, 2019 (applications accepted on a rolling basis and dates are flexible to each volunteer’s schedule)
PROGRAM DATES
Volunteer Arrival: 12 September 2019
Volunteer Orientation: 13-15 September 2019
ASPIRE Spring Term Dates: 16 September – 20 December 2019
Thank you for your interest in Project ASPIRE. Kindly note, the above dates are tentative. Applications will be reviewed by the admissions committee on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
Please note that upon acceptance, all volunteers will be required to submit a $400 non-refundable payment to secure their position with ASPIRE no later than two weeks after their acceptance. This donation will contribute to program operational costs including housing, utilities, communication, local transportation, printing, and other costs required for implementation. Volunteers are provided with a housing, a monthly food stipend, local transportation and communication coverage, as well as daily lunch at community centers.
Volunteer Expectations
LEAP seeks dynamic, compassionate, and motivated volunteers who enjoy working with young adults; value the right to quality education for all people; are passionate about refugee-rights; involved in or have experience with social justice movements; maintain respect and diplomacy in their interactions with people of diverse backgrounds; and are able to work under challenging circumstances.
Volunteers must be prepared to work in small classrooms with sporadic or scarce electricity, extreme heat, and limited resources. LEAP volunteers must be culturally sensitive and considerate of local norms, as well as carry themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times during the program since they are both representatives of LEAP and by extension, our partners.
Volunteers must demonstrate experience in one or more of the following: teaching English as a foreign language, working with youth and/or refugee communities; and/or psychosocial support projects. ASPIRE volunteers must also demonstrate the capacity to develop lesson plans based on the UNRWA curriculum for grades 1-3 and/or grades 8-9. Moreover, at times volunteers provide English language courses to mothers/fathers or other professionals in the community, as well as out-of-school adolescents.
ASPIRE volunteers live in a shared apartment and must be able to endure living in a traditional and conservative Islamic community. Moreover, volunteers may live alone or with up to 1-3 other volunteers. The number varies from term to term. Thus, it is essential that volunteers be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually mature; self-sufficient and independent; as well as be comfortable having extensive alone time in a new and unfamiliar environment.
If you would like to take a break and return to the form, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Save and Continue Later” in order to receive a unique link that allows you to return to the form to complete your application. This link should not be shared with others, and it remains valid for 30 days.
