gap year in israel
Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

FALL SEMESTER – JLM or TLV | 4 MONTHS

StandWithUs

Passionate about Israel’s story? Ever asked yourself… How can I stand up to antisemitism on campus? How do I master public diplomacy and inspire others? What does it take to lead with confidence? Then the StandWithUs add-on is for you.

Master Public Diplomacy and Become an Empowered Advocate

The StandWithUs add-on is an advanced Israel education, leadership, and public diplomacy program designed to give you in-depth knowledge and real-world tools. Based at the StandWithUs Katz Education Center in Jerusalem, you will dive deep into Israel’s history, Zionism, modern antisemitism, and Middle East geopolitics through expert-led workshops, dynamic seminars, and immersive field tours across the country.

Learn, Engage, and Take Action

Each week, you’ll spend dedicated time engaging with leading experts on critical topics—from unpacking complex regional dynamics to mastering the psychology of social media. In addition to classroom learning, you will put your knowledge into practice through digital strategy workshops, media training, and public speaking exercises that prepare you to counter misinformation and lead conversations on campus and in your community.

Key Highlights of the Program:

  • Weekly SWU Education: Spend one day each week at the StandWithUs Katz Education Center participating in advanced seminars, workshops, and discussions with top diplomats, historians, and media professionals.

  • Monthly Geopolitical Tours: Experience history and current events firsthand through monthly field tours to key locations, which may include the Northern Border, the Gaza Envelope, and historical sites across Jerusalem and Judea & Samaria.

  • Practical Diplomacy & Media Skills: Gain hands-on training in digital advocacy, strategic communication, combatting online antisemitism, and effective public speaking.

The StandWithUs add-on is available in Jerusalem during the Fall semester to students in both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv students are responsible for their own transportation to Jerusalem.

More Special Interest Tracks

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Sea Sports

FALL SEMESTER — TLV — 4 MONTHS

Surf. Sun. Sports. Say No More. Love to be active? Crazy about the beach? Join the bustling beach athletics culture in Israel and get your blood pumping with the Sea Sports Track.
Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

MADA

FALL/SPRING SEMESTER – TLV & JLM – 2 MONTHS

Love action? Passionate about medicine? Excited by the opportunity to save lives? Take a crash course in emergency medical care and become a certified first responder through MADA.

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Marva

Fall/Spring Semester – 6 weeks

If you’ve ever wondered… How would it feel to wear the uniform of the Israel Defense Forces? What do Israelis go through when they enlist? Could I really do it? Then Marva might be for you.