Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application and selection process?

The volunteer application asks for information about your language skills, professional experience and credentials, your CV/resume and availability. If your experience and qualifications align with the current needs in the field, we’ll invite you to a 20–30-minute conversation with JDC Entwine staff via Zoom. If a match with the current available placements is identified, you will be invited for a final conversation with the JDC field staff managing the placement/location.

What is provided to volunteers?

Unless otherwise noted, local transportation, three meals per day, double occupancy hotel accommodations and medical and emergency evacuation insurance in provided by JDC. Volunteers are expected to cover items of a personal nature such as toiletries, extra snacks and drinks, roundtrip airfare, and additional travel insurance.

What accommodations are made for the security and safety of participants?

The JDC is the leading Jewish humanitarian organization, operating in over 70 countries, with more than 100 years of experience and longstanding relationships around the world. The organization does as much as possible to ascertain and ensure the safety of staff and participants traveling with the JDC. Locations for travel are based on an assessment that they meet high levels of safety and security. JDC’s Global Security team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and adjusts instructions and activities as necessary. Security guidelines will be shared with volunteers before departure and participants will receive a comprehensive security briefing by local staff upon arrival to their placement location. All volunteers are required to share emergency contact information with JDC Entwine.

Is kosher food available? What accommodations are made for Shabbat?

JDC is a pluralistic organization and aims to be inclusive in all our opportunities, however, volunteering at the borders of Ukraine requires a great deal of flexibility; accommodations for kosher food and Shabbat observance cannot be guaranteed. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own food.

COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINATION

The safety and security of our participants and communities whom we serve is of the utmost importance to us. We are constantly monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the countries in which we operate and recognize that protocols are subject to ongoing updates and changes. JDC Entwine requires all program participants to adhere to the regulations set forth by local government officials as well as any additional regulations that may be in place at the placement location or in the host country.

Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to volunteer with JDC?

Yes. All travelers will need to present proof of vaccination to volunteer with JDC. The most commonly recognized vaccinations are currently Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), and Astrazeneca. Countries may have differing definitions for “fully vaccinated” and some may require boosters to meet this definition. JDC will adhere to the definitions provided by the host country. Participants are encouraged to visit the embassy site for the country they will be visiting to confirm the recognized vaccinations required for entry.

What are the COVID-19 protocol and requirements for international travel?

We follow the rules and regulations set forth by the local governing body in the particular country of travel, subject to last minute adjustments. Many countries are currently requiring proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 testing or health screening prior to entry. Volunteers should verify these requirements before travel.

Am I covered for international health insurance while on the program?

Ukraine Response Volunteers will be covered under JDC’s international health and evacuation insurance policies. This covers any emergency doctor visits, hospital stays, and medically necessary claims related to infectious diseases and medical conditions per the terms of the health plan. Accordingly, your plan will provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 to the same extent as it would for any other unexpected medical condition.