Blog - Aardvark Israel Gap Year Program

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Beating the Heat: How to Make the Most of an Israeli Summer

July 15, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

The Israeli summer is a scorcher, with temperatures regularly exceeding 38°C (100°F). But don’t let the heat deter you! Israel thrives in the sunshine, offering a vibrant blend of activities that keep you cool and entertained. For water lovers, the Mediterranean and Red Seas provide the perfect escape. The Tel ...

Falling in Love with Israel

July 11, 2024 Student Blog

A Journey Through the Land of Diversity Israel, a land of remarkable diversity and rich history, captivates the hearts of those who visit. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant cultures, Israel offers a unique blend of experiences that make it a destination like no other. This post takes you ...

Planning on coming to Israel for the summer?

June 2, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Here are some summer opportunities you can take part in! In partnership with Sachlav Israel on the house, we offer several summer opportunities. Geopolitics and Public Diplomacy Fellowship: Immerse yourself in the intricacies of Israel advocacy, geopolitics, and public diplomacy while living like a local in Tel Aviv. Our one-month ...

Living Like A Local In Israel After October 7th: Experiences From Aardvark Israel’s Students

June 2, 2024 Student Blog

When we say that our students “live like a local,” we don’t just mean seeing Israel through rose-colored glasses. Aardvark Israel runs four different gap year and semester programs for Diaspora Jews aged 17-21. We aim to foster personal growth in each of our students, strengthen their Jewish identity, and ...

Pride month 2024

June 2, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Every year, here in Israel, we have one of the biggest pride parades in the world. This year, in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community members who are still being held hostage in Gaza, those serving in reserve duty, and community members who lost their lives during these terrible times, Israel ...

Hot Summer in Israel

May 27, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

When the mercury soars and the sun beats down relentlessly, Israelis know it’s summertime. With temperatures often reaching over 100°F (38°C), the summer months in this Middle Eastern country are nothing short of scorching. But Israelis have perfected the art of staying cool and embracing the heat. No summer day ...

Passover in Israel

April 22, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Passover in Israel is a big deal, and let’s be real – it’s not just about the cleaning! Sure, getting the house spotless is part of the tradition, but let’s talk about the real star of the show – the food! During Passover in Israel, the Seder plate plays a ...

The Aardvark Monthly – March 2024

April 22, 2024 Aardvark Israel Monthly

Shalom Parents, Students, Partners, and Staff, What a busy month we had, with celebrating Purim, a Shabbaton, and exploring Israel and abroad! Our students are truly living like locals in Israel, immersing themselves into Israeli society. It’s hard to believe that the semester is halfway through. Here are some March ...

The Aardvark Monthly – February 2024

March 20, 2024 Aardvark Israel Monthly

Shalom Parents, Students, Partners, and Staff, The second month of our spring semester is over! We had some very exciting programs and Tiyulim (Trips) in February, during which our students learned about diversity within Israeli culture, how to become strong leaders, connect with their Jewish identities, and, of course, they ...

Purim in Israel

March 18, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Purim in Israel is a vibrant and joyous celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and visitors. For those on a gap year in Israel, experiencing Purim can be an unforgettable highlight of their time spent volunteering in this beautiful country. One of the most ...

Student of the Week – Talia

March 17, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi my name is Talia and I’m from Massachusetts. I chose Aardvark because of the opportunities it has to offer. I spent 3 semesters in Israel during high school and then started college this past fall at Virginia Tech University. I loved college but after October 7, I did not ...

How to Make the Most of Your Internship

March 14, 2024 Spotlight! Internships and Volunteering

So, you’ve kicked off your internship, but feeling like you’re not quite hitting your stride? Don’t sweat it! Anna and Zach have your back with some tips on how to thrive during your internship. Set Clear Goals! Take a moment to envision what you hope to gain from this experience. ...

Student of the Week – Adrian

March 1, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi! My name is Adrian and I grew up in Bolivia. I chose Aardvark because of the focus it puts on individuality, independence, and work experience. As I near the end of my journey here, I feel confident that I have made the right choice for me. I’ve made incredible ...

Leadership Seminar

February 15, 2024 Weekly Updates

This week, our students had the opportunity to choose between different tracks for our two-day leadership seminar. They completed hiking trails, learned from guest speakers, and experimented with different forms of creative media. Day One: Hiking Tracks & Workshops Students were given the option to hike in the Negev at ...

Student of the Week – Daniel Sabo

February 12, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, I’m Daniel Sabo! I’m originally from Israel and moved to California when I was five years old. I chose to come to Aardvark because of the trust they place in its students, allowing students to breathe and explore tel-aviv, Jerusalem, and rest of Israel naturally. This is valuable to ...

Student of the Week – Jack

February 9, 2024 Student of the Week

Hey everyone, my name is Jack and I’m from Belgium! When it came to deciding what to do for my gap year, there was no doubt in my mind—I was bound for the vibrant land of Israel with Aardvark. “Why Israel?” you ask. Well, it’s simple. It’s my homeland, my ...

Rain in Israel

January 30, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

If you’re planning a gap year or a semester in Israel during the winter, it’s important to be prepared for the rain. As with early spring, the weather can be unpredictable, with some days being warmer than others. That’s why we recommend dressing in layers to adapt to changing temperatures. ...

Student of the Week – Tamar Sillis

January 25, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, my name is Tamar and I’m from London, England. I chose to come to Aardvark Israel because I wanted to spend part of my gap year in Israel, and my sister had an incredible experience on this program! I’ve always felt very connected to Israel, and have spent a ...

Spring semester 2024 has officially started!

January 21, 2024 Weekly Updates

On the 9th of January, 120 students from 12 different countries started the Aardvark Israel Spring semester, and we can’t describe how happy we are to see that even during these challenging times, young Jewish people are seeking connection to the land and people of Israel. What have our students ...

Student of the Week – Benjamin Barth

January 20, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, my name is Benjamin Barth and I am from New York City. I decided to come on Aardvark Israel not because I knew I wanted to take a gap year. I decided to take a gap year because of how amazing Aardvark Israel sounded. I was only going to ...

Check out our social media to see what our students have been up to this past week!