General Questions
Why should I volunteer overseas?
Volunteering abroad is a unique experience, offering opportunities to gain new perspectives on the world, become immersed in a different culture, develop leadership skills, make friendships that cross borders, and be inspired on a daily basis. And that’s just the beginning. Your contributions while abroad will help the community in which you are placed by providing to local organizations that are addressing ongoing issues facing society. By participating with Marhaba, volunteers will also be a part of a cross-cultural exchange and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between their home countries and the Middle East.
Why do I have to pay to volunteer?
Volunteer fees are applied to the services they will receive such as teaching supplies, housing, Arabic classes, training, cell phones and a modest living stipend. Without the fees, these program aspects would not exist. Volunteers’ contributions are also helping the community in which they serve.
Do I need to be able to speak Arabic?
It is not required for volunteers to speak or be fluent in Arabic. Volunteers will be enrolled in Arabic classes during the duration of the program. However, we do highly recommend that volunteers study the basics of the language (such as greetings) before starting the program. Having this basic knowledge will significantly help with adjusting to a new culture and with learning the language while abroad.
Do I need to have teaching experience?
Volunteers are not required to have teaching experiences prior to participating in a Marhaba program. Applicants with teaching experience will be given priority, however, for programs which focus on increasing literacy and teaching English.
Will I be able to earn school credit while abroad?
Volunteers would need to work this out with their university or college.
Can I apply if I am not from the United States?
Yes. Marhaba is an American organization but we welcome applicants from anywhere in the world. We do require that all volunteers speak excellent English. Please be aware that visitors to Egypt from countries other than the United States, Europe, and Canada may have different visa procedures. Please be sure to consult with the Egyptian embassy in your home country.
What are people saying about Marhaba?
"I absolutely loved the six weeks that I spent volunteering in Egypt through Marhaba. What makes this program unique is that it provides a multifaceted approach to understanding the Egyptian lifestyle and culture. Instead of the typical study-abroad experience, volunteers have the opportunity to study colloquial Arabic and then put it into practice: volunteering in the community, living in Cairo and traveling throughout Egypt. I recommend this program to all of those who are interested in learning what it is truly like to live in the Middle East."
2008 Volunteer
"Four weeks into this adventure and our son is a new man. He has grown in so many ways, learned so many new things, and he is having a great time. We video Skyped with him today and you can see it on his face, in his eyes, and hear it in his voice. This was the perfect experience. We are extremely happy that he has had this opportunity, and really look forward to where he takes his next step. A huge thank you to Marhaba for making this program possible."
Parent of a 2008 Volunteer
"Marhaba programs offer students a unique opportunity to learn about Egyptian culture directly through volunteering with local organizations and studying Arabic in Cairo, the heart of the Middle East. I would recommend Marhaba to any student who wants to go beyond a traditional study-abroad program."
Denis Sullivan, Professor of Political Science and Director of the International Affairs Program and the Middle East Center for Peace, Culture & Development, Northeastern University
Costs and Fees
How much does the program cost?
$2800. This covers housing, Arabic courses, teaching supplies, training, a cell phone, weekly group dinners, and a modest living stipend to cover food and transportation. A volunteer would not need to spend extra money in the course of the program. Additional volunteer costs include round-trip airfare to Cairo ($1,000-1,400 USD from the United States), visa at the airport ($15 USD), health insurance (varies), extra travel (varies), and souvenirs ($100-200 USD).
When are the program fees due?
A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD is due April 5, 2010. The rest of the program fee is due May 1.
Marhaba: Volunteers in the Middle East, Ltd.
502 Washington Ave., Ste 810
Towson, Maryland 21204
Preparation
What are the program dates?
Both programs run from June 20 to July 30.
Will I need a visa?
Because of the short duration of the program, volunteers will enter the country on a tourist visa. Volunteers with American or European passports may purchase their visas at the Cairo International Airport after they land. The visa fee is currently $15 USD. Volunteers may also purchase visas in their countries of residence prior to arriving in Egypt.
Will I need any immunizations?
Volunteers are not required to obtain any immunizations in order to travel to Egypt. The Center for Disease and Control recommends certain immunizations, but nothing is required. More information can be found on the CDC’s website.
Will I need health insurance?
Volunteers will be required to show proof of health insurance, evacuation insurance, and emergency medical insurance. Evacuation insurance covers travel costs in the event of a severe medical emergency.
Do I absolutely need to arrive before the start date?
Yes. The first week of the program includes intensive language and orientation activities and volunteers need to be present beginning on the morning of the first day of the program.
The Application Process
When can I apply?
Applications are available now.
When are the applications due?
Admissions are rolling, so submit your application as early as possible. There is no need to wait for your letter of recommendation to be submitted in order to submit your application. The final deadline is April 1, 2010. Late applications may be considered if space is available.
What do I need to do in order to apply?
Along with the completed application, volunteers are required to submit 1 recommendation letter. Volunteer applications will not be considered valid unless all application materials are submitted. We ask that you email your completed application to info@gomarhaba.org and that your recommenders email a copy of their letters as well, in addition to mailing hard copies. This will help us process applications much faster.
Where do I send my application materials?
Please email your application toinfo@gomarhaba.org and and send a hard copy to the address listed below. Please ask your recommender to email a copy of his or her letter as well as mailing it. Failing to send soft copies of either your application or the letter of recommendation will significantly delay processing.
Please mail the hard copies to:
Marhaba: Volunteers in the Middle East, Ltd.
Attn: Application Services
502 Washington Ave., Ste 810
Towson, Maryland 21204
Will there be an interview?
Marhaba staff may conduct an interview with applicants either over the phone or on skype.
While Abroad
Where will I live?
Volunteers will live in shared apartments with modern amenities. Kitchens and bathrooms will be adequate, though not luxurious. Volunteers may share a bedroom with one other person. Apartments will have air conditioning or ceiling fans, and will not have internet. Internet cafes are widely available and most restaurants offer wireless.
How should I dress?
Egypt is a conservative country, and volunteers need to respect the customs of their hosts (despite the heat!). Egypt is hard on clothes and shoes. Bring clothing that is easy to wash and difficult to ruin. Both men and women should expect to wear long pants and long sleeves. In certain areas of Cairo, it is acceptable to wear short sleeves and Capri pants, however, women should always fully cover their upper arms, chest, and knees. Women are not expected to cover their hair. Standards for women’s clothing can be confusing to foreigners, but volunteers will receive a detailed packing list and guidelines before the program. There are also plenty of stores in Cairo where volunteers can fill in any gaps in their wardrobes once they arrive.
How much money should I expect to spend in Egypt?
Your living stipend will cover modest food and transportation. Volunteers will not need to spend any additional money during the program unless they choose to. The stipend will not cover joining a gym (at least $50 USD per month), frequently eating out at expensive restaurants ($8-$20 USD per meal), or going to bars or clubs (varies).
Travel within Egypt is relatively inexpensive. For instance, a weekend in Alexandria could cost less than $40 USD including food, transportation, and lodging in a youth hostel. Volunteers with specific questions about travel or other costs may contact the Program Coordinators.
Will I be able to work out?
Volunteers should be aware that it is difficult and/or expensive to exercise on a regular basis in Cairo. There are several gyms in the city, many located in hotels, with excellent facilities where men and women can comfortably work out. Volunteers can also jog through certain neighborhoods, though pollution and traffic are a deterrent. Female volunteers should be aware that Egyptian women do not run in public, and stares and comments are commonly directed at foreign women who do so. There are several desert areas just outside the city that are excellent for longer, pollution-free runs.
What if there is an emergency?
If there is an emergency and a volunteer needs to return home, the Coordinator will do everything possible to assist the volunteer with communication and travel arrangements. All volunteers will have cell phones which can receive calls from anywhere in the world for free, so family members can always contact them. Families can also reach the Program Coordinators on their mobile phones or via email. Volunteers in both programs will also have occasional access to email.
Volunteers are strongly encouraged to register their trip with their embassies in Cairo, which periodically communicate important information with their citizens. If there is a natural disaster or security emergency in Egypt, staff will locate every volunteer to ensure their safety and then communicate as quickly as possible with the volunteer’s emergency contacts. In case of medical emergency, staff maintain a list of recommended hospitals and doctors and will assist in every way possible. In the unlikely event that foreigners are evacuated from Egypt, staff will work closely with the relevant embassies to facilitate travel. In all cases, Marhaba staff in both Egypt and the United States will remain in close contact with volunteers and their families.
What is the food like? Do I have to cook for myself?
There is a wide variety of different types of food available in Cairo – everything from traditional Egyptian street fare to up-scale Thai and Italian restaurants. Volunteers will have access to Western-style supermarkets and Egyptian markets, and can choose to cook or eat out.
Vegetarians have many options in most restaurants, though some more expensive restaurants feature mostly meat and fish dishes. Some vegetarians bring a box of protein or power bars with them as a supplement, though beans, cheese, yogurt, and other forms of vegetarian protein are widely available.
Can I drink the water?
We do not recommend drinking tap water, but bottled water is readily available and inexpensive.
How will the living conditions compare to those in the United States?
While Cairo is a very modern city, volunteers should remember that Egypt is a developing country and conditions will not be what they are used to in the United States or Europe. Electricity, water, and internet are not always completely reliable. Appliances, such as washing machines, may be more difficult to use. Apartments become dirty quickly because of the sand and dust. Adjusting to these conditions can take time – and a sense of humor!
