gap year in israel
Ethiopia
SPRING SEMESTER | 5 DAYS

Ethiopia

Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its authentic, ancient cultural identity and is considered by many to be the cradle humanity. Our trip to Ethiopia will combine history, culture, food, and Zionism.

History, culture, food, Zionism. Africa.

What: Considered by many to be the cradle of human history, you will explore Ethiopia through its history, culture, food and learn about a unique group of Jews that claims to be one of the “lost Tribes of Israel.” While visiting Gondar, in the north of the country, you will encounter people living in mud huts yet also practicing Judaism as they wait to be approved for aliya to Israel. While in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, you will visit the Israeli Embassy and learn about the process of resettling an entire community of people unaccustomed with the Western World through two daring Israeli operations – Moses and Solomon. You’ll also meet Dr. Rick Hodes, an American Jewish doctor, who has dedicated his life to saving thousands of people in Ethiopia. Topping off the trip will be seeing the oldest humanoid at the National Museum, feasting on traditional Ethiopian food, enjoying traditional singing and dancing, and meeting up close with some of Africa’s wildlife.

Why: Ethiopia conjures up all sorts of images for people: Ethiopian priests, starving children, stunning landscapes, and ancient cities. For us, it is the images of the Lost Tribe of Israel coming home. Tens of thousands of Jews made Aliyah from Ethiopia since the mid-1980’s and changed the face of Israel today. The story of the Ethiopian Jewish community is staunchly Zionist and truly inspiring. Israel maintains strong ties with Ethiopia and we’ll learn all about that relationship and the future it holds. Through a visit to this third-world country, you will gain a new perspective and appreciation on all that you have as well.

More International Trips Available

Czech republic

Czech Republic

Fall Semester — 5 Days

(Relevant for 2023-2024 only)

Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, has emerged as a vibrant and exciting urban center after long years hidden and stifled behind the Iron Curtain. Renowned for its heritage, Prague has been venerated with titles such as “the city of a hundred spires” and “Golden Prague.”
Ethiopia

Ethiopia

Spring Semester — 5 Days

Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its authentic, ancient cultural identity and is considered by many to be the cradle of humanity. Our trip to Ethiopia will combine history, culture, food, and Zionism.

Germany

Germany

Spring Semester — 5 Days

(Relevant for 2023-2024 only)

It may not exactly be everyone’s first choice when thinking about Jewish tourism. And yet, Germany has played an extremely large part in Jewish history and is a country that has made tremendous changes the last few decades.
Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Italy

Spring Semester — 5 Days

From art to food to politics, Italy’s impact on the world has been immense. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia, sunshine, Roman ruins, and Renaissance palaces, and a centuries-old Jewish community, Italy is one place you can never forget!

Nepal-small

Nepal Cultural Exchange

Spring 2024/Fall 2024 - 2 weeks

“It is spiritually and ethically unacceptable that millions of people in our world don’t have sufficient nutrition, clean water, housing, basic health, or education. This reality can and must be changed.” ~Tevel B’Tzedek, Aardvark’s Israeli partner organization for the Nepal Cultural Exchange program.

Poland

Poland

End of Spring Semester — 6 Days

For centuries, the Jewish people had a vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust. This trip will explore that rich history, understand its eventual destruction, and also look at the re-birth of the Jewish community and of Poland itself.

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Spain

Fall Semester — 5 Days

Today, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. From its wacky architecture to its vibrant sidewalks to great Rabbis and to great tragedies, the region of Catalonia is a great destination for learning about the Spanish Jewish community, which experienced both a Golden Age and a brutal inquisition.

United-arab-emirates

United Arab Emirates

FALL SEMESTER — 5 DAYS

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the Arabian Peninsula, opened its doors to Israeli travelers in 2022 as part of the Abraham Accords. The UAE offers a glimpse of the magical places, the mysterious landscapes, and the prestigious buildings of the Middle East, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Get to know the Arab world through an authentic, innovative experience.
Usa plus summer camp

USA Plus Summer Camp

Spring semester — 2 Months

Combine your experience in Israel with a summer working at an American Jewish Summer Camp (particularly relevant for non-American participants). Start off the trip with six days exploring Washington, D.C. and New York City!