Updated April 20, 2022

Information regarding COVID-19

Over the last two years, we have successfully operated Aardvark Israel Programs in Israel in full compliance with the health guidelines of the Israeli Government while also enabling our students to immerse themselves in Israel. With continuously updated protocols to minimize health risks to our participants and staff and adapted programming when necessary, we provided safe and meaningful experiences for over 650 students from around the world since the start of the pandemic and we look forward to welcoming hundreds of new students in 2022-2023.
Throughout the pandemic, we have been and continue to be in constant contact with Masa, the Jewish Agency, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Tourism, our insurance provider, and medical advisors for guidance in our continued operation and to assist us in planning for the future.

For the safety of all our participants, staff, and the community at large, all participants and staff of the program must be fully vaccinated. While on the program, students who become eligible for a booster as determined by the Israeli Ministry of Health will be required to receive it. Additionally, arrival protocols set by the Israeli Ministry of Health currently require testing prior to travel to Israel and upon landing. These instructions are periodically updated and can be found online by clicking here.

Navigating the pandemic has been complicated, but our students, alumni and their parents will tell you that we have navigated these challenges successfully, demonstrating sensitivity and resourcefulness, and in a way that has allowed our students to be both safe and engaged in meaningful experiences. Our proven record and experience will ensure that you too will have a positive, meaningful, and safe program in Israel! We look forward to meeting you soon!

We will continue to update this statement and the FAQs below as needed based on the continued developments of COVID-19 in Israel. Please also feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or by phone with any questions or concerns you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students are briefed frequently so that they understand the regulations in place and their obligation to abide by them. We operate in full compliance with the Ministry of Health’s regulations and guidance. Through educating and encouraging our students to practice good hygiene and adherence to the rules, we created a safe and healthy community within the program.
We acknowledge the anxiety these past two years have created, and we address it head on. The staff of the program are very present and involved with the students to provide individual and group support. Participating in a full program of activities benefits the participants by creating routine, engagement and positive experiences which bolster their emotional health. Additionally, clinical social workers are available to students who need additional support.

The students will be cared for and taken care of!  If an individual participant needs to be quarantined or is sick, we have provisions for separating them from the group and providing them with the care they would need. Clear protocols are in place for each of these scenarios and we are prepared to deal with this type of situation. Students will also be briefed upon arrival so that they understand clearly what to do if they do not feel well or believe that they may have been exposed.

Yes, provided the illness is first diagnosed in Israel during the term of coverage. 

Our staff sends out weekly updates to parents about the day to day activities on the program. We also send out additional updates with timely, relevant information that parents need to or would want to know. In the case of any urgent or serious situation with an individual student, their parents will be called immediately.

We are planning for the best-case scenario, but we understand that these plans may need to change.  If we are forced to cancel any international trip up to 30 days before the scheduled travel, we will offer participants the opportunity to substitute a different trip in its place or receive a full refund for the fees paid for the trip.

As of now, both the Mada ambulance program and the Marva army experience are operating. If you are enrolled in an add-on program and it is cancelled prior to its commencement, a full refund of the add-on fees will be provided.
If a student must arrive late to the program due to travel restrictions or illness, we will be happy to accommodate their late arrival as necessary.
Yes. For the safety of our entire community, all participants and staff must be vaccinated.