Volunteer Activities

Volunteers serve in Magdala in four different areas:

Service: Volunteers will be assigned with a task to fulfill both within the community and in Magdala. Volunteers will be expected to show full availability, commitment, and professional fulfillment.

Community life: Volunteers are called to build a community life through respect, reciprocal collaboration, participation and fulfilment of the specific task that each one will receive to make the experience of each more comfortable, respectful and educational.

Spiritually: Volunteers will be offered a series of personal and community activities meant to foster a personal encounter with Christ and growth at a human and spiritual level.

Testimony: Volunteers are called to bear witness of the values, purpose, mission and vision of Magdala to engage people and to foster encounter, renewal and reconciliation.

Who can participate, and what are the requirements?

Participation is open to any individual who, above all, has the desire to serve others. Volunteers also must:

• Be eager, willing, and physically able to participate in all activities at and outside of Magdala.
• Have a passport valid for one year after the date of entry to Israel.
• Be age 18 or older. There is no limit on age, all are welcome!
• Have a valid medical insurance policy (preferably provided by an Israeli insurance company).
• Be physically and mentally healthy.
• Be willing to live and share in fellowship with others.

The Magdala Volunteer Program is open to people of all religions and walks of life who are willing to serve, live, share, and have a spiritual experience

How long do volunteers participate?

Volunteers typically participate from one month to one year. The type of activities volunteers can be involved in depends on the length of their stay.  Volunteers that come for shorter periods of time often do special projects especially if they have unique skills that would be beneficial to Magdala and our mission.

The cost of participating is comprised of:

• Round trip airplane ticket
• Participation Fee

For a stay of 0-99 days, the participation fee is based on a daily rate

0-30 Days
Daily rate of $30 USD per day, this rate includes the cost for two out of four outings per month

31-99 Days
Daily rate of $20 USD per day, this rate includes the cost of two out of four outings per month

100 or More Days
One-time participation fee: $1050 USD ($950 USD participation fee, plus the cost of your visa application fee $100 USD)

The participation fee includes:

• A shared room with its own bathroom (2-6 people per room) in the volunteer house. Rooms are not co-ed. Sheets, pillowcase, a blanket, and a towel are provided.
• 3 meals and a snack per day.
• Transportation to and from Magdala (daily).
• Fees are covered for the trip day, 2 days per month. Four trips are planned each month, however, the cost of two trips will already be covered in your participation fee.
• Transportation for 1 weekly trip to Holy Sites and/or sites of historical/cultural importance.
• Wi-Fi.
• Laundry facility (washers and dryers, available for use once a week) and detergent.

Health insurance is required; we recommend purchasing an Israeli health insurance policy. The cost (per day) depends on your age:

Age:  Cost per day:

18-59 years old  $3.05 USD

60-65 years old  $3.30 USD

66-75 years old  $4.75 USD

Personal expenses

We recommend budgeting about $75-$100 USD per month to cover the costs of

• National Park and Holy Site entrance fees
• Toiletries
• Souvenirs
• Travel outside of the trips scheduled within the Volunteer Program

We welcome volunteers year-round to help take care of Magdala. Write to volunteer@magdala.org for more information

Or apply directly by clicking here
Please attach your picture so it can be added to your file for our records.

You will be notified by email when your application has been reviewed.

Application Timelines:
*If you missed the deadline you can submit your application to be considered for any remaining available spaces and/or the waiting list.

How does the application process work?

Step 1: Fill out an online application.

Step 2: Video-Call Interview

Step 3: Staff review and Reference letter by request

Step 3: You will be notified if you were accepted or not.

Step 4: Reserve Your Spot – Send in paperwork:

• Participation Agreement
• Health Insurance Forms*

* If Applicable

Step 5: Confirm your Participation – in the following order:

Visa* → Plane Ticket → Payment (Participation Fee & Health Insurance*)

* If Applicable

Step 6: Video call for last questions and preparation for your arrival

Will I be able to travel around Israel?

Yes! The longer you stay, the more you will get to see. For shorter volunteer experiences we recommend planning time before or after your volunteer experience to visit sites that may or may not be covered during your stay as a volunteer.

The Volunteer Program organizes one full day trip per week. We visit a variety of sites, including Holy Sites as well as places of historical and cultural importance.

Do volunteers have any free days?

Depending on the length of stay, volunteers may request personal days for rest or independent travel (within Israel, if are volunteering under 6 months. Travel outside of Israel may be allowed if you are volunteering over 6 months). Personal days must be requested and approved by the Volunteer Coordinator with anticipation so that a substitute can be arranged for each volunteer’s job during his/her absence.

What should I bring?

The Volunteer Coordinator sends more specifics according to the season(s) occurring as a part of the application process, but you should expect to bring:

• A Bible. (Old and New Testaments).
• Comfortable work clothes (pants or knee-length shorts).
• Modest attire for trips and visits to holy sites.
• Comfortable work shoes (sneakers or closed-toed shoes) and walking shoes
• Workout clothes, pajamas, and bathing suit (even in the winter!)
• Debit card and extra cash (Withdrawing money from ATMs guarantees the best exchange rates)
• Technological device(s): laptop, tablet/iPad, smartphone, camera
• Medications: enough prescription medication for the entire length of your stay (plus 1-2 extra weeks). Most over-the-counter medications can be purchased in Israel, but it is wise to bring any medications that you take on a regular basis with you.

Do I need a visa?

The Volunteer Coordinator works with each individual volunteer during the application process, helping them obtain the appropriate visa for their stay as a volunteer.

What access will I have to technology and Internet?

The Volunteer House and Magdala are equipped with WiFi.
Volunteers must bring their own device(s): computer, tablet or iPad, smartphone. The Volunteer House does not have shared technological devices available for use.
Volunteers have access to a scanner and printer at Magdala.

Is transportation provided?

Volunteers will be received the first Monday of every month. A Magdala staff member will coordinate transport pick up with the volunteers arriving. Due to the number of volunteers that may arrive on the same day you may be required to wait for others arriving after you.

If you prefer to arrive on your own to the Volunteer House (in Tiberias), the Volunteer Coordinator will send a map with the exact location of the house as well as the route via public transportation to all volunteers before their trip. Volunteers also have the option of arranging a taxi or chauffeur service at their own expense.

Once the volunteer reaches the house, transportation is provided from the house to Magdala every day, as well as on the trips scheduled by the Volunteer Program.

Volunteers are free to use the extensive and safe public transportation to explore Israel on their free days.

Do I need a cell phone in Israel?

Most volunteers use WiFi to stay connected with family and friends at home.

There are affordable prepaid cell phone plans available locally. If you are interested in purchasing a plan, make sure your phone is unlocked and will accept an international SIM card. Volunteers are responsible for finding a provider and purchasing their own plan.

Volunteers can be reached by phone through the Volunteer Coordinator or any other Magdala staff member. A phone is available at Magdala to make international calls (in emergency circumstances only).

Have more questions?

Please write to volunteer@magdala.org to ask any other questions you may have!