Service

Program Overview

Duration: 4-5 months or 9 months

Fall Semester: September-December

Spring Semester: January-May

Year Program: September-May

Dive deep into the concept of social responsibility–for each other, for our land, and for our nation. Contribute to Israeli society and build lasting relationships with Israelis.

Volunteer through the Israel Volunteer Association alongside Israelis engaged in Sherut Leumi – a year of national service
Gain deep experience in fields such as education, health, welfare, and co-existence
Live and volunteer alongside Israelis completing a year of service

Volunteering

Students will volunteer for 8 hours a day, 4 days a week in organizations such as hospitals, schools, kindergartens, and NGO’s. Placements will provide relevant on-the-job training in those fields and students will become a valuable member of the team as they contribute to their work placements. Students will work side by side with Israelis from diverse backgrounds, thus being immersed in Israel society, meeting different types of Israel, and improving their Hebrew.

Learning and Field Trips

One day a week, students will have educational and enrichment activities. These will include Hebrew ulpan, educational seminars focusing on Judaism and Zionism, and field trips to explore Israel.

Evenings & Weekends

Through evening activities and optimizing their free time, participants will have both social and educational opportunities to further enhance their experience. Options will include sports, social and cultural events, guest speakers, and leadership development activities. These opportunities will empower participants to explore the many faces of Israel.

Weekends are free for the students to travel around Israel, visit friends and family, or enjoy a relaxing weekend in their own apartment.

Live Like a Local

Living in Tel Aviv, participants will fully immerse themselves in the cultural enrichment, nightlife, and convenience of one of Israel’s most popular cities for young adults today. They will integrate into Israeli society, meeting neighbors, shopping at local stores, and using public transportation, providing them with an authentic “local” experience. Participants will share fully furnished apartments equipped with kitchen appliances, utensils, and WiFi. Under the guidance of qualified counselors, they will learn essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and laundry. Recognizing that many participants are living independently for the first time, staff will foster a positive group dynamic and ensure the health and welfare of all. Counselors hold weekly apartment meetings throughout the year to address and resolve any issues, and they regularly visit apartments to offer support. As the year progresses, participants are encouraged to develop independence in problem-solving, promoting personal growth and maturity.

Transportation

Living in Tel Aviv, participants will be able to take full advantage of the cultural enrichment, night life, and convenience of the one of the most popular cities in Israel for today’s young adults. Participants will be immersed into Israeli society, meeting their Israeli neighbors, shopping for groceries in the local shops, and navigating on public transportation, giving them the chance to truly “live like a local.” Participants will receive a monthly local bus pass enabling them to get to and from their placement, plus attend activities, field trips, and explore the city.

Weekly Schedule