gap year in israel

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First Week in Israel - Building Our Global Community! 🌍✨

First week in israel - building our global community!

An Incredible Start to Our Professional Gap Year

Our students’ first week in Israel was packed with energy, new experiences, and the perfect balance of structure and freedom that makes Aardvark Israel unique! Our students moved into their new apartments in the heart of Tel Aviv’s Florentin neighborhood and Jerusalem’s Nachlaot- beginning their journey of living like locals, not tourists. From day one, our staff guided them through ice-breaker activities with new friends from 15 different countries, neighborhood tours, authentic Israeli food experiences, financial literacy sessions, and team challenges. Already this week: Students met with our career development team to discuss their upcoming internships, preparing to build real professional experience while experiencing the Israeli lifestyle.

Exploring Israel Together - Our First Tiyul!

Exploring israel together - our first tiyul!

Later in the week, our students embarked on their very first tiyul of the year! Starting at Tel Yisrael, continuing to Ein Yisrael for a special opening ceremony with both the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem communities together, and cooling off at Ein Muda’s natural springs.

This perfect day showed them what makes our program special – the ideal balance between organized activities and the freedom to explore. What a perfect way to kick off a life-changing year ahead!

Our First Shabbat Experience Together

Ready to live like a local in israel?

We wrapped up this incredible week with each community preparing for Shabbat in their own city: The Tel Aviv community celebrated together in Tel Aviv, while the Jerusalem community gathered in Jerusalem – baking challah together, lighting candles, and sharing our first group shopping experience at the local shuk.

For Seudah Shlishit (the third Shabbat meal), Tel Aviv students gathered at Charles Clore Beach, watching the sunset over the Mediterranean, while our Jerusalem community enjoyed breathtaking views of Jerusalem from our rooftop. These authentic moments – living Jewish life in Israel rather than just visiting – brought everyone together, creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Looking Ahead!

Aardvark israel experience!

Next week, our students will dive into the heart of the Aardvark Israel experience! They’ll begin their Hebrew Ulpan classes, start gaining real professional experience through their internships, and continue exploring Israel in the most experiential way possible. The perfect balance of learning, working, and living like locals continues!

To all our parents – your children are in safe hands! We’ll continue to update you regularly about the activities, experiences, and adventures your students are having throughout their journey with us. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for ongoing updates and real-time glimpses into your children’s incredible year!