GET INVOLVED
Volunteer

The Magdala volunteer is a person who dedicates a period of his life to God, during which he serves with his talents, lives in community, seeks his spiritual growth and is a testimony of welcome, respect and generosity. They are the ones who keep alive the Galilee experience of the first century, in the twenty-first century.

It is an opportunity that encourages the encounter with people from all over the world, different beliefs and an immersion in the culture of the Middle East.

Mary Magdalene and those who followed Jesus were the first volunteers of the Gospel. Today, the Magdala volunteers share the same spirit and seek the extension of the Kingdom of God.

For 12 years, more than 3,500 volunteers, from more than 35 countries, have served as Magdala volunteers, the next one could be you.

“Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.a Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.” Luke 8:1-3

Participate

Volunteers serve in Magdala in four different areas:

Service

Magdala has different service areas, each volunteer is assigned different tasks depending on their talents and abilities. Volunteers will be expected to show full availability, commitment, and professional fulfillment.

Community Life

Community life is one of the fundamental pieces of volunteering. Respect, collaboration, participation in community activities, and the fulfillment of tasks at home are essential for the experience to be optimal. The full occupancy of the volunteer house is 30 people.

Spirituality

In the land of Mary Magdalene, it is sought that all people, especially volunteers, have a personal encounter with Christ, through different activities that allow them to deepen their faith and foster personal growth. 

Testimony

Volunteers are called to bear witness to Magdala’s values, purpose, mission, and vision, in order to attract people and encourage encounter, renewal, and spiritual reconciliation.

Who can participate and what are the requirements?

Participation is open to any individual who, above all, desires to serve others.

The volunteer time is a minimum of one month and up to one year. The type of activities assigned to each volunteer depends on the duration of their stay, their abilities, and the needs of the moment.

To volunteer you must:

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

Recommended Israeli insurance       Israeli Insurence application form

  • In case of participating for a period greater than 90 days, you must meet the requirements demanded by the Government of Israel for the visa application.
  • The volunteer program is not free, an economic contribution must be made corresponding to the duration of the stay:
1 to 30 days

US $30
per day

31 to 89 days

US $20
per day

90 days or more

US $1,050
One-time fee

$950 USD participation fee

+ $100 USD Visa application

The participation fee includes:

  • A shared room with its own bathroom (2-6 people per room) in the volunteer house at Tiberias. Rooms are not co-ed.
  • Volunteer t-shirts.
  • Wi-Fi.
  • Sheets, pillowcase, a blanket, and a towel are provided.
  • Three meals per day.
  • Laundry facility (washers and dryers, available for use once a week) and detergent.
  • Transportation to and from Magdala (daily).
  • Two trips a month to Holy Sites and/or sites of historical/cultural importance. Transportation fees are covered.

The participation fee does NOT include:

  • Medical insurance
  • Airplane tickets
  • Personal use suppliances
The volunteer must bring financial support for their personal expenses (personal hygiene items, additional trips, among others). We recommend that each volunteer should bring US $75 USD to US $100 per month.

How does the application process work?

Step 1: Fill out an online application.

Step 2: Review by the volunteer supervisor.

Step 3: Personal interview.

Step 4: Evaluation and admission by the Council.

Step 5: Notification of approval.

Step 6: Begin visa process, if applicable.

It should be taken into account that the admission process and the paperwork involved in volunteering can take up to 4 months.

What should I bring?

The Volunteer Supervisor will send you more specifics according to the season(s), but you should 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, pijamas, and bathing suits (even in the winter!)
  • Money for personal expenses.
  • Medications. 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.

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 two full-day trips per month. We visit a variety of sites, including Holy Sites as well as places of historical and cultural importance.

Do volunteers have any free days?

Yes, volunteers have one day and a half free weekly. Volunteers may request personal days for rest or independent travel. Personal days must be requested and approved by the Volunteer Supervisor with anticipation so that a substitute can be arranged for each volunteer’s job during his/her absence.

Testimony

“The Magdala Volunteer experience changed my life… getting to know the Holy Land brought the Bible to life for me I could not believe at times I was standing in a place where Jesus was 2000 years earlier… but the most rewarding experience I received was being able to see the transformations and encounters I was able to facilitate through my service to pilgrims at Magdala. To be able to see a persons come out with a refreshed and renewed face and joy after experiencing the presence of our Lord was something truly out of this world! It truly reinforced my faith” March 2020

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, and 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?

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!

Testimony

“The Magdala Volunteer experience changed my life… getting to know the Holy Land brought the Bible to life for me I could not believe at times I was standing in a place where Jesus was 2000 years earlier… but the most rewarding experience I received was being able to see the transformations and encounters I was able to facilitate through my service to pilgrims at Magdala. To be able to see a persons come out with a refreshed and renewed face and joy after experiencing the presence of our Lord was something truly out of this world! It truly reinforced my faith” March 2020