Our students’ first couple of weeks in Israel were packed with energy, new experiences, and the perfect balance of structure and freedom that makes Aardvark Israel unique!
Students moved into their new apartments in the heart of Tel Aviv’s Florentin neighborhood and central Jerusalem, beginning their journey of living like locals, not tourists. From day one, our staff guided them through ice-breaker activities with new friends from 18 different countries, neighborhood tours, authentic Israeli food experiences, financial literacy sessions, and team challenges.
As the year gets underway, students have started interning and volunteering, while participants in our Tech and Culinary Tracks have begun their practical professional courses. With the support of our internship and volunteering coordinators, students are gaining real professional experience and taking part in meaningful volunteer work, all while living like locals in Israel.
Exploring Israel Together - Our First Tiyul
The very first tiyul of the year was filled with excitement! We started with a short hike to the Vinya Cohen Lookout, where we held our semester opening ceremony, before continuing on to Ein Moda.
This perfect day showed the students 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!
“My first tiyul was absolutely amazing. It gave me the chance to meet and talk to people from places around the world I’d never been to before.” Demi, Ofek Community
Our First Shabbat Experience Together
Our first Shabbat was incredibly meaningful, with each community preparing for Shabbat in their own city. All communities baked challah, lit candles, and shared their 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 of living Jewish life in Israel rather than just visiting brought everyone together, creating friendships that will last a lifetime.
“Spending my first Shabbat in Jerusalem with Aardvark was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Being surrounded by people who were truly taking a break from everyday life, visiting a beautiful Sephardic synagogue, and sharing my first Shabbat meal with friends made me feel completely at home, even though I had never been to Israel before. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.” Hannah, Barak Community
Diving Into the Aardvark Israel Experience
After a whirlwind orientation week, the first full week of the semester was filled with more firsts, as our students dove into the heart of the Aardvark Israel experience! They began their Hebrew Ulpan classes, started their internships and volunteering, and continued exploring Israel in the most experiential ways possible. The perfect balance of learning, interning, volunteering, 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 children are having throughout their journey with Aardvark Israel. Follow us on our social media channels for ongoing updates and real-time glimpses into your children’s incredible year!
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we wish our students, families, and the entire Aardvark Israel community a Shana Tova and a sweet, happy, and meaningful new year!
