Syria
- :
Dimashq [Damascus],
Aleppo
Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: year-round
Description:
This monastery was built in the 6th century at the edge of the Fertile Crescent facing east over the Syrian Desert. It was abandoned in the 1830s, but is now in use again, under the leadership of a charismatic former Jesuit. His long-term aim is to combine the functions of a retreat haven and seminar center for Christian-Muslim exchange. There are currently five Jesuit monks and five nuns in residence. On the weekends, there may be from 10-100 people working there. The site is spectacularly isolated and the people are friendly. Chores mainly revolve around construction and harvesting olives.
Visitors may stay for free for up to two months, in exchange for a 6-day work week. Beyond two months, they expect a commitment to worship and Arabic.
Highlights:
This opportunity is part of LEAPNOW's Supported Internship program.
Intern Types:
Anthropology,
History,
Human Rights,
Humanities,
Interdisciplinary,
International Relations,
Political Science/Politics,
Social Work,
Sociology
and Theology
Languages:
Arabic,
English
and Hebrew
Cost in US$: 1,400
Cost Includes:
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Pre-departure orientation/Training
and Written materials pre-departure
Credit Available: yes
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
Music
and religious instructor
Typical Volunteer: Typically our volunteers are gap year students aged 17-35. Volunteers placed by our organization are eager, outgoing, take initiative and are dedicated to international and local service work.
Age Range: 17-35
This Program is open to
American,
Asian,
Australian,
Canadian,
European,
Kiwi,
South African
and Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Group living
Participants Travel to Syria
Independently
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Application Process Involves:
- Phone Interview
- Resume
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 1 week
Post Services Include:
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
- Job and Internship Network
- Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement: Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.
Year Founded: 1993
LEAPNOW: Transforming Education is a Christianity and Islam based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.