Blog - Aardvark Israel Gap Year Program

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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 ...

Internship in a Gap Year

January 16, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

A gap year internship can be an incredible opportunity for young adults between the ages of 18 and 22 to gain valuable experience and grow both personally and professionally. It allows them to step out of their comfort zone and navigate the modern 9-5 work life while immersing themselves in ...

Student of the Week – Arielle

January 9, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, my name is Arielle and I’m from London, England. I chose to do Aardvark because I always knew I wanted to spend a year in Israel before going to university. I am half Israeli but through living in London I never felt like I was fully in touch with ...

Student of the Week – Guy Starr

January 9, 2024 Student of the Week

My name is Guy Starr, I’m from San Diego, California. I chose to do a gap semester because my whole life I’ve come to Israel as a tourist and I really wanted to experience what life was like living in Israel. I chose Aardvark because it gave me the freedom ...

Student of the Week – Tevel Matas

January 7, 2024 Student of the Week

I came to Aardvark through a happy accident. Originally I was going to join a different program, but when that fell through I found Aardvark. I appreciated how flexible and straight forward Aardvark was. The process to apply was easy and there were lots of people to help me on ...

Tips For Choosing the Perfect Gap Year Destination

January 7, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

So, you’re thinking about taking a gap year and exploring the world? That’s awesome! Choosing the perfect destination for your gap year can be an exciting yet daunting task. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you out. One popular destination that you might want to consider is Israel. It’s ...

Student of the Week – Roey Leshsem

January 6, 2024 Student of the Week

Hi, my name is Roey Leshem and I’m from Boston, Massachusetts. I am half Israeli but my whole life I’ve seen Israel through the lens of an outsider. Anytime I visited it was as a vacation. I wanted to know what it would be like to truly live in Israel. ...

Student of the Week – Lili Dagan

January 6, 2024 Student of the Week

My name is Lili Dagan and I’m from South Florida and graduated from American Heritage High School in Delray Beach. I stayed connected to Israel and its culture through Israeli Scouts Tzofim. I volunteered as a counselor there for four years passing on my knowledge and love for Israel to ...

Fall Semester in Israel

January 3, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Hey there! Are you considering spending your fall semester in Israel? Well, you’re in for an incredible experience! From the bustling streets of Tel Aviv to the historic sites of Jerusalem, Israel has so much to offer. Many students choose to take a gap year in Israel and immerse themselves ...

Gap Year in Israel

January 3, 2024 The Uniqueness of Israel

Thinking about taking a gap year in Israel? Well, you’re in for an incredible adventure! Whether you’re considering spending the fall semester or an extended period of time, Israel offers a unique and enriching experience. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are two must-visit cities during your gap year in Israel. Tel ...

Chanukah in Israel

December 20, 2023 The Uniqueness of Israel

Chanukah in Israel is an exciting time, especially for those participating in a gap year program. It’s a holiday filled with joy, tradition, and of course, delicious food. One of the highlights of Chanukah in Israel is lighting the chanukiah, a special menorah used during this holiday. Each night, an ...

Parshat Noach

October 22, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

Friends, there is something incredible in this week’s Torah portion of Noach. Prior to the flood, the Torah relates, “Now the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth became full of violence [Literally: Hamas]” (Genesis 6:11). We know what happens next; G-d sends a great flood and commands Noach ...

Parshat Bereshit

October 13, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

We are currently in one of the most trying periods in our national history. We’ve experienced unimaginable darkness and devastation. How do we respond in such situations? We are the people of the Book. When we seek clarity we need look no further than the Book; our holy Torah. This ...

Shabbat Simchat Torah

October 5, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

Once upon a time there was a king with an only daughter. As she reached marriageable age, the king sought a prince to wed his daughter. The greatest princes came for her hand but she turned everyone down. Fed up, the king decided the next person to ask would merit ...

Student of the Week – Rachel Kitaygorodsky

September 27, 2023 Student of the Week

My name is Rachel Kitaygorodsky, I’m originally from New York and I went to high school in South Florida at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. I chose to go on a gap year because I felt as though it would be an amazing and unique challenge that I would not get to ...

Sukkot Dvar Torah

September 26, 2023 Parashat Hashavua

A revered philosopher once came to visit Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. The philosopher asked, “Rabbi what does it feel like to have bitachon (faith or confidence) in G-d?” The Baal Shem Tov responded, “What is it to you?” The philosopher began expounding upon the idea with a lengthy discourse. ...