gap year in israel
Spain
FALL SEMESTER | 5 DAYS

Spain

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.

Explore the Ancient Jewish Community of Catalonia

What: The Jewish community in Spain enjoyed a “Golden Age,” until it ended in 1492 with the horrific Spanish Inquisition. On this trip to Barcelona and the surrounding areas, you will explore the ancient Jewish community of Catalonia, learn about its personalities, and interact with the new community that has arisen since the Spanish expulsion. The trip will combine culture, history, food, and all the excitement that Barcelona has to offer. Students will see the Modernista architecture that has made this city so famous, and art lovers will appreciate the city’s wealth of museums. Sports lovers will enjoy an insiders look of Camp Nou and being in the presence of the world’s greatest soccer team.

Why: While we usually don’t think in these terms, Spain represents an almost 500-year-old Holocaust. The Spanish Inquisition perpetuated a physical and spiritual annihilation of the Jews whose impact spans centuries. Consider the fact that Spain still has not formally apologized for what they did to the Jews. A once thriving center of Jewish life, the birthplace of the Rambam and other notable Jewish scholars, the impact of the exile and persecution of the Jews of Spain can still be felt today in Sephardi communities throughout the world.

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!