FAQ

For All Volunteers

• What can I do with BASSMA?

  With Bassma, you have the choice to accomplish many different activities:
  

  • Visit families and be in contact with children and elderlies
  • Help with the logistics at the warehouse (Food packing, physical inventory, etc.)
  • Help with the distribution of goods at Bassma’s center (Food packs, cooked meals, school supplies, clothes, toys, etc.)
  • Help in the organization of events and activities
  • Help in administrative tasks

For International Volunteers

• Do I need travel insurance?

  As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended.

• How much do things in Beirut typically cost?

  To give you an idea of the approximate costs of things in Beirut:

  • A coffee costs around 1.5 USD / 1 Euro
  • Mineral water: 1.5 USD / 2000 LL /1 Euro
  • A restaurant meal: 7.5 USD (5 to 15 Euros)
  • Taxi (collective) within Beirut: 1,5 USD (1 to 2 Euros)
    

  NB: these prices may change according to places and services.
  

• What are the expenses once I arrive?

  Your flights, picking up, travel insurance, excursions, transportation fees, departure tax, accommodation and meals, and any personal spending.

• When do I need to arrive in Beirut?

  It’s preferable to arrive one or two days before the program starts. This will allow you the chance to settle in and know more about the projects beforehand.

• Tell me more about the accommodation...

  Some options to consider:

  1. Sodéco, Damas Street: The University of Saint Joseph in Sodéco provides accommodation as well as Arabic language courses: http://www.usj.edu.lb/services/foyers.htm
  2. Badaro: Franciscaine School. Tel: 00 961 1 380330
  3. Achrafieh: Sagesse University – Tel: 00 961 1 447444
  4. Gemmayzeh: Saifi Institute in Gemmayzeh provides both accommodation and Arabic language courses:
     www.saifiarabic.com

• In case of medical emergencies, what type of medical care is available?

  To perform to the best of their abilities, volunteers need to be in good health. Be sure you already have insurance that will cover you for illness or injury sustained abroad or medical evacuation in the case of a life-threatening emergency. If you do, make copies of the insurance certificates and other relevant documents and bring them with you.

• Do I have to speak Arabic to volunteer?

  No. It’s not necessary to speak Arabic. You can easily communicate in English or French.

• Can I leave the project a day earlier?

  If you have plans to visit other places in Lebanon or your flight date is earlier than the end of your contract, you can leave the project earlier. As soon as you leave the Association, we’re not responsible for you anymore.

• Can I arrive late?

  Can I arrive early? Yes, it’s possible to arrive early or late and if you are going to arrive early we will save a place of resident for you until the project starts.

• Will I be picked up at the airport upon arrival?

  Yes, you will be picked up if you arrive on the dates that were fixed for picking up the volunteers.