FAQs
-
1.1 What volunteer/internship/paid vacancies are open to me?
The ARDC has had a beneficial relationship with numerous volunteers over the years. Please see the volunteer opportunities page for current opportunities.
Internships are open to individuals with strong experience and specific skills identified as 'gaps' at the ARDC that we are currently unable to fill, either because of a lack of funding or difficulties in convincing donors of the needs for such positions due to their emphasis on project-based grants and inability to meet core funding.
Before contacting us about internship opportunities, make sure you have read about the ARDC’s current projects to determine which project you would best be able to contribute to.
Paid positions do come up occasionally, but will be offered to individuals who can make long term commitments, have strong experience in the field and who speak fluent Hebrew and English.
Please note that volunteer/intern positions do not lead to employment.
↑ -
1.2 I am looking to deal directly with refugees and asylum seekers. Do you have a position for me?
Every position has a balance of people work and office work - you cannot expect to avoid administrative tasks. However when placing volunteers, the Volunteer Coordinator will take into account the needs of the organization and the different projects as well as your interests, skills and experiences. Depending on the project you decide to work on with the Volunteer Coordinator, she will tell you how much of your time will be spent ‘in the field’ or working directly with the target population, and how much of your time will be spent fulfilling other tasks.
↑ -
1.3 I was wondering how much a placement at your organization would improve my Hebrew and what position would seem most suitable for me?
Our office language is English and while a volunteer can get by speaking only English, Hebrew is a great advantage. Within every project there are opportunities that require more and less Hebrew. Each volunteer vacancy states the level of Hebrew needed.
↑ -
1.4 Can I volunteer if I don't speak Hebrew?
Some opportunities require only English, with Hebrew being an advantage. Each volunteer vacancies states whether Hebrew is needed and the level required.
↑ -
1.5 Is there a minimum/maximum time commitment for volunteering at the ARDC?
The minimum time commitment for volunteers is one-six months depending on the project. In addition, certain projects also have minimum number of hours per week.
It is vital that volunteers fulfill their commitments to us or let us know if the original commitment is too much; your work is important and we need to know if there is an issue.
There is no maximum time commitment - you are welcome to stay for as long as you want; in the past we have had volunteers with us for over 18 months.
↑ -
1.6 Are you only based in Tel Aviv?
Yes, our office is in south Tel Aviv, which is where the majority of the refugee community is located.
↑ -
1.7 In order to have my placement approved by my university/programme/ government there are several mandatory criteria. Are you able to help me with this?
Probably, yes. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator outlining clearly what your requirements are. The person in this position will be able to tell you what is possible and what is not.
↑ -
1.8 What is the application process and how long does it take?
The application process can take anything from a few days to a several weeks. We take both national and international volunteers. You must fill in the form on the current opportunities page and send with your CV. It is important that you include your motivation of why you want to volunteer with ARDC.
Once you have applied, the Volunteer Coordinator will make the decision whether to pass on your details to the relevant or other Project Coordinator. If approved an informal interview (in person or via skype) will be conducted with the Project Coordinator.
↑ -
2.2 I heard there is a volunteer visa for Israel- why can’t I have this visa if I’m volunteering?
In order for our volunteers to get a volunteer visa, the ARDC must register 2 months before the volunteer’s arrival and must provide volunteers with basic services including accommodation, 3 meals a day, transport to and from work, laundry, pocket money, insurance and visa costs.
Unfortunately at this time this is beyond the capacities of our small volunteer NGO. For more information regarding visas, please email office@ardc-israel.org.
↑ -
2.3 Can the ARDC provide me with documentation to confirm I will be volunteering?
The ARDC would be more than happy to provide you with any documentation needed in order to apply for funding or for university. This will be organised with the Vounteer Coordinator during your application.
↑ -
2.4 What if I’m staying more than 3 months?
Please email office@ardc-israel.org for information regarding staying longer than 3 months, the length of a tourist visa.
↑ -
2.5 I heard you need a return ticket in order to get into Israel. Is this true?
You will need to book a return ticket within the 3 month period of arriving into Israel. It is preferable to be able to cancel or change the date of your return flight.
↑ -
3.1 Can the ARDC help me in my search for accommodation?
The ARDC does not provide accommodation for volunteers and can only offer limited help to volunteers trying to find accommodation; we expect our volunteers to be mature and independent adults who will take on the responsibility of finding accommodation as an opportunity to develop themselves, get to know the area & culture and integrate themselves.
That said, we understand finding accommodation and setting yourself up can be a daunting prospect, even for seasoned travelers; if finding accommodation is becoming a real issue it is important that you let us know as soon as possible.
↑ -
3.2 How can I find accommodation in Tel Aviv?
Below is a list of good places you can look online for accommodation.
The ARDC cannot guarantee the safety of any website and you should follow your instincts. Please let us know where you have been successful in finding housing so we can pass the information along to future volunteers.
Facebook:
- Tel Aviv Anglos
- Apartments/roommates in Tel Aviv
- Telalivit
- Secret Tel Aviv
- Tel Aviv Apartments Partners (Hebrew)
-
Tel Aviv Apartments by Word of Mouth (Hebrew)
Websites:
If you use the browser google chrome the pages in Hebrew will be automatically translated into English. With any other brower you can use google to translate a webpage from Hebrew into English (althought this will not do facebook pages).
↑ -
3.3 Is it possible to find a suitable apartment near the ARDC?
The ARDC office is located in south Tel Aviv in one of the poorer areas of the city. It is possible to find suitable accommodation here, usually for a lower price than central or north Tel Aviv. Many of our volunteers choose to stay a short distance from the office in Florentin, a young and vibrant area.
↑ -
3.4 On average, how much does it cost to live in Tel Aviv?
The cost of living in Tel Aviv is high. The minimum living cost in Tel Aviv (based on past volunteer experiences) is $900 a month. Rent is usually charged without bills included. The cheapest rent in Tel Aviv is around 2000NIS (which is rare). A rough estimate at the average price of bills per month is 400 NIS. This takes arnona, Tel Aviv council tax into account (paid every 2 months with the water bill). During summer bills can increase due to air conditioning.
Food is cheapest to buy in big supermarkets or the market (shuk). Depending on your taste & living style, food will cost anywhere between 1000-2000 NIS per month.
It is possible to find cheaper accommodation in towns outside Tel Aviv such as Rishon Le Zion, Rehovot, Ramat Gan, Bat Yam and Holon. Finding accommodation on a bus route can give you a 30-40 min journey to the office in South Tel Aviv. Living in these areas can reduce your living expenses by around $200 a month.
↑ -
3.5 Do I need insurance and if so, where can I find a competitive price?
Anything can happen during your time in Israel; we strongly encourage all our volunteers & interns to buy insurance. It is worth noting that the ARDC’s insurance policy does not cover volunteers, interns, & their belongings.
Chacoty Sasson Insurance offers insurance for $1.80 a day for any period of time.
↑
