Your life-changing
.
in Israel
Our Story
...three Jewish educators sat down to solve a problem
In 2010, three Jewish educators sat down to solve a problem. Students from around the world were looking for an Israel gap year program that did not yet exist– a program that perfectly balanced structure and freedom, a program that allowed them to grow professionally and personally, and, most of all, a year in Israel after high school or during college that empowered them to experience the breadth and depth of Israeli life and culture.
And so, Aardvark Israel was born. Since its inception, Aardvark Israel has established itself as the premier, professional gap year and study abroad program for recent high school graduates, current college students, and working young men and women ages 17-21. Our staff consists of highly-experienced administrators, world-class educators, and caring counselors that guide and support our students every step of the way.
- 2,315 students have attended our programs since 2010
- Participants have hailed from 41 different countries in the world
- Largest gap year program in the world in 2020-2021
- Winner of the 2019-2020 Masa Prize for Excellence in Education
Our Students are...
Diverse
Motivated
Curious
Our Goals
For our students to…
About Masa
Aardvark Israel is proud to work in partnership with Masa Israel Journey
Masa is the global leader in immersive international career development and leadership experiences in Israel for young Jewish adults from around the world.
With a variety of long-term programs in Israel, Masa is able to provide meaningful, enriching experiences to young Jews from many different countries, backgrounds, levels of education, and fields.
Since its founding in 2004, Masa has helped over 150,000 young adults from 60+ countries to strengthen their connection with Israel, empowering a new generation of connected, committed, and inspired young Jewish adults. These young adults are changing the face of the Jewish world and Israel, as professionals, community leaders, and advocates.
Why Take a Gap Year or Semester in Israel?
Read more research and information about the benefits of a gap year in The American Gap Association, TIME magazine, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
And check out Aardvark Israel featured in Forbes, “Here’s Every Reason You Should Take A Gap Year Before College”
There are so many reasons, but let’s start with the basics.
A gap year in Israel will give you the breathing room to make tough decisions about your future, like what you want to study or what you want your Jewish life to look like. It will give you a taste of independent living without the pressure of a university setting, and best of all, it will give you some of the best experiences and friendships of your life.
“I gained a greater sense of myself.”
“I learned how to live away from home and how to make friends with people from different backgrounds”
“I now have the experience of real Israeli life with work, volunteering, study, and trips”
“I gained skills and knowledge that contributed to my career.”
“I now have a better understanding of other countries, people, cultures, and ways of living.”
In most students’ experiences, not only does taking time off have a positive effect on motivation, but it also translates into a real boost in performance in the following semesters at university, with positive effects lasting over all the remaining years of study. Major universities such as Harvard and Princeton are supporting and encouraging their incoming freshmen to take a gap year, and for good reason.
One Jewish People
