Monastery in Syria

  Syria

• Other Cities in 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.

Cost in US$: 700 dollars plus travel expenses and R & B

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to Syria Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program 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.