gap year in israel
Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael
SPRING SEMESTER | 5 DAYS

Italy

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, Renaissance palaces, and a centuries-old Jewish community, Italy is one place you can never forget!

Until you’ve eaten spaghetti in Italy, you simply haven’t really eaten spaghetti!

What: Come see this beautiful country and three of its main cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Today about 50,000 Jews make Italy their home and you will have a chance to meet some of them to hear about their lives as a small minority in a large Catholic country. Since the time of Judah Maccabee, Jews have had a presence in Italy and have left their mark on the country. On this trip, you will see, taste, and explore ancient and modern Italy through the lens of Israel and the Jewish world. In addition to visiting major tourist sites such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s famous David statue in Florence, and the wonderful Tuscany region, you will also learn about the relationship between the Vatican and the State of Israel as well as the impact of World War II on the Italian Jewish Community.

Why: Italy is a country everyone wants to visit at some point in their lives. The people are friendly, the food is great, the sites are beautiful and rich in history, and again we should mention that the food is great. At first glance, Italy is not a controversial destination, but it’s important to recall that in Italy, like many places in Europe, the majority of Jews were killed. What is unique however is that the Italian police and Mussolini’s Fascist militia voluntarily assisted in the deportation of the Jews to the concentration camps. The concept of the ghetto was originally developed in Italy hundreds of years ago, only later to be adopted by Nazis as a first step in the annihilation of the Jews. Through visiting Italy, powerful lessons may be learned amidst the beauty of this European destination.

More International Trips Available

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

Spain

Fall Semester — 5 Days

Today, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. From its wacky architecture to its vibrant sidewalks to great Rabbis and to great tragedies, the region of Catalonia is a great destination for learning about the Spanish Jewish community, which experienced both a Golden Age and a brutal inquisition.

United-arab-emirates

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

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

Poland

End of Spring Semester — 6 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.

Gap year in israel - aardvarkisrael

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!

Usa plus summer camp

USA Plus Summer Camp

Spring semester — 2 Months

Combine your experience in Israel with a summer working at an American Jewish Summer Camp (particularly relevant for non-American participants). Start off the trip with six days exploring Washington, D.C. and New York City!

Ghana-uganda

Uganda & Ghana

Summer - 2 months

Spend two months volunteering alongside young Israelis in a local community in either Ghana or Uganda!