The Absorption Centers additionally often house Jewish Agency program participants. There is staff at the Absorption Center responsible for the residents of the center, who are available to assist program participants staying there as well.

Two participants share a room, often in an apartment of 2-3 rooms. In most cases your roommates will be other program participants, however in cases of uneven numbers of participants you may share a room with another resident. Participants are responsible for the cleanliness of their apartments and are expected to leave their apartments neat and clean on departure. A 300 NIS deposit will be taken from each volunteer on arrival at the absorption center and will be returned to him/her on departure after an inspection of their room. For a list of things to bring, click here.

Meals are not provided while in the Absorption Center. However, there are cooking facilities in the apartments including a burner, a refrigerator, and a sink. Participants should plan to bring enough money to cover their food costs while living in the center. The rooms in the absorption centers are equipped with basic furniture including: beds, a closet, a table and chairs.

Work at MDA stations

Participants are required to do five 8-hour shifts a week while on the program. Participants will be assigned to morning (7:00-15:00) and night (23:00-7:00) shifts. Afternoon (15:00-23:00) shifts are available to overseas volunteers in some stations, but in most, these are shifts specifically saved for Israeli high school volunteers. The shifts are assigned by the station Volunteer Coordinator according to the stations needs with consideration of the volunteer’s requests. On the ambulance you will be supervised by a medic (the driver).

If you would like to take some time to tour in Israel, it is a good idea to delay your return home, since no extended absences will be permitted. Weekends or short (1-2 day) visits to relatives are not a problem, as long as they are coordinated ahead of time with the station Volunteer Coordinator and with the MDA Program Volunteer Coordinator, and as long as you take care to meet your responsibility of doing 5 shifts a week.
Participants may not leave the country while on the program.

What

Insurance and Medical Requirements

Before coming on the program participants must be vaccinated for Hepititis B. The Participant must have had received 2 shots, and must have a form signed by a physician verifying that the shots have been received, and the participant is immune.

While on the program you will receive full medical insurance through the Harel Insurance company. The policy covers you for any illnesses or accidents while on the program. It does not cover pre-existing conditions, or medications.

Transportation will be provided to all Jewish Agency group activities. Other transportation (to and from the Absorption Center to the MDA station etc.) will not be provided. A monthly bus pass (for buses within the city) can be purchased for approximately 200 NIS.

Extending Your Stay after the End of the Program

A participant who wants to prolong his stay in Israel, and continue volunteering for MDA after the official ending date of the program is welcome to do so. The participant must notify the program coordinator in writing 2 weeks in advance and include the exact dates he or she plans to stay. We cannot promise that the participant will remain in his\her current station.

The cost of the program covers insurance and accommodations for the program duration only. Therefore participants who extend their stay must pay rent for the accommodations in the Absorption Center for the additional period. The rent at the Absorption Center is $70 a month. The cost for extending insurance is approximatly $30 a month. This amount must be paid ahead of time to the program coordinator. Participants must be insured through the Jewish Agency in order to volunteer in MDA.