Frequently Asked Questions - Dates & Costs
- How are the Program Fees Spent?
- Palestine Summer Encounter is an extremely inexpensive program if you compare it, for example, to other Arabic programs
offered at institutions in the Middle East. Unfortunately, it simply is not possible to offer the program at no charge (otherwise we would!) Some of the many
expenses include: salaries of the Arabic instructors; weekend excursions (tour guides, buses, hotels, etc.); compensation for host family expenses (room and board);
and staff time (to set up volunteer opportunities, lead the orientation, help participants prepare for their trip, etc.) In spite of the many necessary expenses
incurred, we make every effort to keep the program as affordable as possible.
- What''s the currency and how much should I exchange?
- For your time in Israel and Palestine you will be responsible for exchanging your own money.
To save hassle and time, we encourage you to exchange all the money you anticipate needing at the beginning of your time there. This can be done in the airport or bank or even in the
occupied territories. The exchange rate is approximately 4 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) to $1. Palestinians in the Occupied Territories occasionally often accept U.S. dollars and Jordanian
Dinars.
- How much spending money should I bring?
- Previous delegates have found that $10-20 per day is sufficient to cover the cost of daily expenses including lunch and transportation. You should probably
bring some additional money for tips and if you plan to buy souvenirs and gifts. Cash and your credit card (Visa is the most accepted at ATM machines) usually work best. Please bring small
bills (5s and 1s). It is very difficult to cash travelers checks in most of the places we will go.
- The Dates Don't Fit My Schedule. Can I show up early or late?
- Yes. There is some flexibility. However we STRONGLY encourage participants to work within the dates already provided, which
are already highly flexible (with five different packages to choose from). We can't offer any discounts for those who choose to stay for less than one month (our expenses will mostly be
the same). If you miss the orientation session at the beginning of each session, you may have a harder time adjusting to the culture as well as your volunteer placement and Arabic class. Any
special travel arrangements, including early or late start dates, must be communicated to the Middle East Fellowship at least two months in advance of your departure.
- Are There Scholarships Available?
- No. Unfortunately there are no scholarships available at this time.
We hope to someday be able to offer small need or merit based scholarships in the future (if you know of anyone willing to make a generous donation for this purpose, please let us know!) We do, however, strongly encourage all of our participants to fundraise for their trip- especially if they are having difficulty finding the money to cover their costs. Your friends and family can send in money on your behalf and it will be counted as a tax-deductible donation to Middle East Fellowship. We have had a number of participants who, through appeal letters and fundraising events, have been able to raise enough money to cover the entire cost of the program (including flight!). Please feel free to contact us if you want to brainstorm strategies for raising your own support.
Check back soon for more info. on the 2009 summer program!