- Typical Day
- Extra points for this destination
- Things to do at weekend/free time
- Cost of internet
- Cost of a beer or coke
- Transport to town
- Distance from town
- Plug
- Time Zone
- The Season
- Accommodation
- Staple Diet
- Why do people like doing this?
- Background Reading and Information
- Current Exchange Rate
Typical Day
A typical day starts at 8 and finishes at 3.30pm.
Extra points for this destination
Jordan has some stunning historic sights but although much of the country is desert it is prone to cold spells in Winter and snow is not unknown in Amman in December. In the peak summer season temperatures can rise to 36deg in July.
Things to do at weekend/free time
Jordan is one of the most historic countries in the world and 40 minutes from Amman has the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth) with its known therapeutic value and famed for its mineral-laden waters. Your placement will include a trip here.
You might also want to trek up the magnificent Wadi Mujib Gorge nearby, with its fabulous views and waterfalls.
Other unusual treks include exploring canyons, climbing mountains, balloon trips and camel rides across the Wadi Rum or camping with a Bedouin tribe.
Of course, the big ‘must-see’ is Petra, the ancient city carved out of pink rock about 3 hours’ drive from Amman.
The city of Aqaba overlooks the sea having jet skiing, sailing and deep sea diving.
Finally it has more flora and forna than the UK.
Cost of internet
Mobile phones work well and the dialing code is +962. It is easy to purchase a sim card in Amman and there are internet cafes available
Cost of a beer or coke
In supermarkets between 1-2 JD.
Transport to town
A car will be available to pick you up in the morning and return at the end of the day free of charge.
Distance from town
The clinic is about 20 minutes drive from the centre of Amman.
Plug
A three pin plug the same as the UK
Time Zone
Amman is two hours ahead of UK time
The Season
About 90% of Jordan is desert, with an annual rainfall below 200 mm/8 in and falling as low as 25-50 mm/1-2 in places.
Summers are uniformly hot and sunny, but on occasions the winter weather can be cold, with occasional snow on the higher ground. The scanty rainfall occurs in winter and spring, usually as heavy showers.
Jordan is a very sunny country with average daily sunshine hours ranging from six to seven in winter and as much as twelve to thirteen in summer. Although summer temperatures are high in the desert, the heat is usually moderated by low humidity and a stiff daytime breeze while the nights are cool and pleasant.
Accommodation
You will either be staying with a family known to the staff in the veterinary hospital or in accommodation in a good, safe area. Accommodation with staff may be a possibility.
Staple Diet
Rated among the finest in the world, Jordanian cuisine, while unique, is part of the Arabian culinary heritage.
There a range of delicious starters including Hommus, Baba Ghanoui (made from eggplant), kubbeh made from deep fried balls of meat, and Falafal deep fried balls of chick peas paste. Bread is served round and flat and known as Khubez.
Mansaf is the popular main dish which is lamb seasoned with aromatic herbs.
For desert there is Baglaweh which is filled with flaky pastry and drenched with honey.
Why do people like doing this?
We believe people will want to do this to help a worthwhile project, while enhancing your experience and CV. Most procedures will be familiar, but you will see different ways of working and learn some new things on the job in a country with a different culture and approach to animal welfare to the UK. You will also get to know another country, make new friends and come back with fantastic memories.
Background Reading and Information
There are a number of useful guides available including the well known rough guide and lonely planet which do provide good overall advice. A few useful websites are;
Current Exchange Rate
1 British Pound = 1.07 Jordanian Dinar
This information should be used as a guide only.
Currency data has been provided by a third party source.
