FALL SEMESTER | 7 DAYS
China
Find out what “Made in China” really means!
What: Explore modern China, a place where the ancient and modern meet at full force. Visit famous Tiananmen Square, climb the Great Wall, taste a tasty wonton, and appraise the country’s current connection with Israel. Additionally, delve into the history of Jews who live in China. While in Beijing, a city of 22 million people, you will also visit the Israeli Embassy, explore the Forbidden City, and enjoy free time for shopping, wandering, and more.
Why: There are many similarities between the Jewish culture and China, which represents a people as old as our own. In a way we could imagine a Jewish culture that thrived, grew, and remained in Israel instead of being exiled. Chinese culture developed and grew by staying stationary instead of wandering the globe. There have been Jews over the centuries in China and quite a few Jews were saved from the Holocaust by seeking refuge in China including the parents of Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel. Like most countries of the world, Israel needs to be very careful with its relationship to China. On the one hand economically they are vital trading partners. But China poses serious challenges to the democratic ideals on which Israel is founded. Recently, Israel and China have engaged in developing increased tourism and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
More International Trips Available
Zambia
Spring Semester — 2 weeks
“It is spiritually and ethically unacceptable that millions of people in our world don’t have sufficient nutrition, clean water, housing, basic health, or education. This reality can and must be changed.” -Tevel B’Tzedek, Aardvark’s Israeli partner organization for the Zambia Cultural Exchange program.
United Arab Emirates
FALL SEMESTER — 5 DAYS
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the Arabian Peninsula, opened its doors to Israeli travelers in 2022 as part of the Abraham Accords. The UAE offers a glimpse of the magical places, the mysterious landscapes, and the prestigious buildings of the Middle East, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Get to know the Arab world through an authentic, innovative experience.
Ethiopia
Spring Semester — 5 Days
Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its authentic, ancient cultural identity and is considered by many to be the cradle of humanity. Our trip to Ethiopia will combine history, culture, food, and Zionism.
Poland
Spring Semester — 5 Days
For centuries, the Jewish people had a vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust. This trip will explore that rich history, understand its eventual destruction, and also look at the re-birth of the Jewish community and of Poland itself.
Italy
Spring Semester — 5 Days
From art to food to politics, Italy’s impact on the world has been immense. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia, sunshine, Roman ruins, and Renaissance palaces, and a centuries-old Jewish community, Italy is one place you can never forget!
