On August 26th, 100 students from 17 different countries began their Aardvark Israel journey, kicking off our Fall 2024 semester. We are thrilled to see that even in these challenging times, young Jewish people continue to seek a deep connection with the land and people of Israel.
What Have Our Students Been Up To?
During their first week, our students began immersing themselves in their new surroundings, getting to know their neighborhoods, meeting the staff, and beginning to form lifelong friendships. Tuesday, the first official day of the semester, was all about settling in—students moved into their new apartments, met their roommates, and started building a close-knit community that will be their support system throughout the semester. Of course, we couldn’t let them start their journey without a taste of Israel’s national dish, falafel!
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem
Our students have already started uncovering some of the hidden gems of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Through neighborhood tours, they quickly became familiar with their new cities, allowing them to live like locals and absorb the unique vibes of both urban environments. These early experiences have been vital in helping them integrate into their new communities and feel at home in Israel.
Opening Ceremony and Discovering the Israeli Landscape
This week also marked the students’ first adventure into Israel’s stunning landscapes. They visited Ein Yizrael, hiking through some of the country’s natural wonders. The day concluded with an inspiring opening ceremony. Later, our students had a chance to unwind and have fun at Ein Moda Spring.
Professional Development Day
At Aardvark Israel, professional development is one of our core goals. We aim to equip our students with the skills and experiences they need to become the next generation of leaders, whether through internships or volunteer positions. To prepare them for these opportunities, we held a Professional Development Day where students were introduced to some diverse personalities they might encounter in the workplace.
During the day, they gained valuable insights into what it takes to be a successful intern, including setting realistic professional goals and understanding the importance of proactive communication. By the end of the day, our students were energized and ready to embark on their internship and volunteering journeys, eager to engage with Israeli society in an authentic and meaningful way.
Around the World in 6 Flights!
One of our students, Salomon Guzowski, went above and beyond to join us—taking a total of six flights to get here!
His journey began in Costa Rica, where he flew to Atlanta, then on to Paris, and from there to Naples, Italy. After driving to Bari, he took a flight to Mykonos, then another to Athens, and finally arrived in Israel. We are thrilled to welcome Salomon and all our other students to the Aardvark Israel 2024-25 program!
Fun Fact!
Did you know that falafel is considered the unofficial national dish of Israel? It’s a staple that our students enjoyed on their first day and a delicious introduction to Israeli cuisine.
We are delighted to report that this semester has started on the right foot. We look forward to seeing our students settle into their internships across various companies and fields, once again proving that, no matter the challenges, the Jewish people have no place on Earth like Israel.
Sincerely,
The Staff of Aardvark Israel