Every year, hundreds of young people from all over the world put their professional lives on hold to help the Christians of the East by becoming volunteers with SOS Chrétiens d’Orient.
You want to join them on a mission but have unanswered questions? This FAQ is here to help you!
You must be at least 18 years old on the date of departure to become a volunteer with SOS Chrétiens d’Orient. For insurance reasons, we do not send minors on mission.
Yes, however our missions are not (or not very) suitable for couples. In the missions we live in community (non-mixed dormitories) and there is a possibility to be physically separated during the mission.
No. Our missions are not suitable for families with children.
Yes, but you may be separated. We assign volunteers according to the needs on the ground.
Of course you can! However, we will ask you to live with the Christians of the East so it is important to attend services and not to argue about your atheism or agnosticism.
Of course you can! The association has already sent volunteers from Peru, Australia, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, etc. However, to be able to communicate during the mission, you need to be able to speak English.
Speaking English is a minimum requirement to make yourself understood on mission.
Of course they can. They will find the number of the office on the website of SOS Chrétiens d’Orient.
Of course, at the volunteer forum or on our datalumni network you will have the opportunity to meet/chat with former volunteers from each mission country.
The volunteer must have a valid passport without an Israeli visa and a medical certificate.
You must be up to date with the mandatory French vaccines + hepatitis A. SOS Chrétiens d’Orient does not pay for them.
Yes, you need a passport to volunteer with SOS Chrétiens d’Orient! It takes about a month to get a passport from your prefecture.
No. SOS Chrétiens d’Orient takes care of everything concerning visas.
We are sorry! We do not offer VSI or civic service contracts at the moment.
You need to send us a cheque for the amount of the plane ticket to our Paris office or make a donation via the website by writing : Name/first name/airfare payment.
Yes, you can! However, you must send all the cheques at the same time, writing the dates of collection on the back.
Of course we insure you! SOS Chrétiens d’Orient takes care of all the administrative papers.
Of course you do!
Between 45 days (28 days in July/August) and 8 months.
Of course, it is you who gives us your dates. There is no fixed departure date.
You can make a wish, but we assign volunteers according to the needs on the ground. We do not guarantee that you will go to the country of your choice.
The head of mission decide what you will do based on the needs in the field and your skills.
It is possible! Please specify this in your volunteer questionnaire or at the group interview.
We do not require any particular experience to go on a mission.
French & English classes
Reconstruction work
Donations & visits to families
Animation in day-care centres & old people’s homes
On site you will be provided with accommodation, meals and laundry! You only pay for souvenirs and leisure.
You are provided with food, accommodation and clothing for the duration of your mission.
On Sundays, volunteers are often invited to discover the cultural heritage of their mission country but we cannot guarantee visits. An SOS Chrétiens d’Orient volunteer is not a tourist. Their main mission is to work for persecuted minorities.
It is forbidden to go out alone during your mission.
No. However, the mission is tiring so please do not stay up too late to be operational every morning.
No. Neither for girls nor for boys is it allowed. It is important to have a decent outfit.
No, you are not allowed to drive during your mission.
No. Before your departure, you told us the dates of your mission, we did not impose them on you. Therefore, as far as possible (except for special reasons), we ask you not to shorten your mission.
With the agreement of the head of mission, we can extend your mission, including expenses at your expense. Please note: you will not be able to shorten your mission to go sightseeing.
With the agreement of your head of mission, you can return to your country and go back on mission, after a period spent at home. However, we will not send you back on the same mission.
There is no such thing as zero risk when you go on a mission, but we have put in place security rules to deal with the various risks. If you respect them normally there is no risk!
You are going to a country that is openly at war or at risk, so yes, you may be working in a risk area.
Before you leave, you will receive a complete file to read carefully. When you arrive on mission, you will receive intensive safety training.
Food poisoning.
Yes, but only after the action has been completed or the trip is over. You cannot communicate about where you are going in the next few days.
Exceptionally, for medical or family reasons, you can return earlier! Under certain conditions, we will be able to make the insurance work.
Local people, NGOs, etc.
All the volunteers live in the same flat and take part in activities together. We have a large shared flat organisation with dormitories (not mixed) and common living areas.
Of course you have access to water and electricity! Sometimes there are water restrictions or electricity cuts. This will depend on your mission country.
Yes, you have access to the internet so you can communicate with your family. However, in some mission countries there are frequent power cuts.
You will have a SIM card lent to you by SOS Chrétiens d’Orient. You can therefore communicate with the internet. There is also wifi in the volunteers’ flat.
Head of volunteers
