What is the JDC Jewish Service Corps?
JDC’s Jewish Service Corps (JSC) offers young Jews the opportunity to directly engage with JDC’s global mission and actively fulfill the value of Jewish responsibility through a year-long, paid, service opportunity connected to JDC’s overseas programs.
In addition to yearlong placements, JDC recently launched 8-10 week Jewish Service Corps opportunities. We currently offer placements in Argentina and are looking to expand the program to include more locations in the coming months. JDC will help find housing in a secure location, and connect the volunteer with local programs; however, volunteers are responsible for their own expenses.
Who are JSC fellows?
JSC fellows are catalysts for change, creating innovative programs that respond to pressing Jewish and humanitarian challenges around the world while exploring Jewish values underlying their service.
Where do JSC fellows serve?
JDC offers placements in Israel, the overseas Diaspora Jewish communities, and countries where JDC has non-sectarian projects. Currently, JSC fellows are based in Argentina, China, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Israel, Latvia, Rwanda, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Program details:
- Most placements begin in late August/early September and run for one full year. Placements at the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda begin in December.
- JSC fellows participate in a mandatory orientation program in August in New York, followed by a Mid-Year Leadership Training Seminar overseas.
- JDC covers round-trip travel expenses, housing, a monthly payment for basic living expenses, an end-of-year bonus, and a health insurance package.
Requirements:
- College degree or equivalent and proven academic achievement
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Interest in global Jewish affairs and public service
- Experience in formal/informal education or social welfare is a plus
- Knowledge of other languages is valuable in many placements
Application and Selection Process:
Eligible candidates go through a comprehensive screening process, including phone interviews and in-person individual and group interviews with NY and overseas staff. While you can certainly state a placement preference in your application, it is to your advantage to remain open to various possible assignments. JDC seeks to specifically match each JSC fellow’s skills and strengths with identified community needs.
Applications deadline is February 15, 2013 – the application will be available in Fall 2012. To request an application or for more information, please contact globalservice@jdc.org. If you are interested in the Roslyn Z. Wolf Cleveland-JDC International Fellows Program or JDC-BBYO Global Service Fellowship you can indicate so in your JSC application.