Dear Future Aardvarkian,
Congratulations! By deciding to spend this year in Israel, you have made a wonderful decision that has the potential to be a life changing experience. It will be an adventure you will never forget.
My name is Adi and I am the city coordinator for Tel Aviv where you will be spending your fall semester. I’ve lived in this amazing city for the last three years and I love it (I’m sure you will too!) I’m originally from Yavne and before entering the army, I also did a gap year through the Israeli youth movement I took part in. During my military service, I was in the “Nachal” infantry unit stationed on Israel’s borders. Later, I was a madrich (counselor) for Aardvark and for the last year, I have served as the Tel Aviv coordinator.
We are all very excited here in Tel Aviv and working around-the-clock making final touch-ups and preparing for the semester! We have here with us three amazing madrichim (counselors) already preparing the ground for your arrival. Their names are Elad, Naama, and Maya and they will be there to support you throughout the semester.
Soon you’ll get on a plane and start one of the most fascinating and meaningful journeys of your life. I’m excited to take part in that journey (one of the main reasons why I love my job!) To help you prepare and since we’re sure you’re curious, I have attached the orientation schedule. Notice that we are going on an overnight hiking trip just two days after you arrive, so please remember to bring with you shoes or sandals for walking in water (not flip-flops!) Also, please be sure to pack appropriate Shabbat clothing for the synagogue we’ll visit on your first Shabbat here.
By now, you should have received an online Ulpan (Hebrew) placement test from Ulpan Milah. Please complete the test as soon as possible. If you did not receive the email, please let us know and we will be sure it is resent.
Expect another email from me in the coming days with more information about your volunteering/internship options. When you receive the volunteering booklet, make sure you dedicate the time and energy it deserves so that you can make a thoughtful choice about where you would like to volunteer/intern. It will be a major part of your experience here in Israel.
Finally, please note that transcripts are due to the American Jewish University by August 15, 2016 for those who wish to be eligible for college credit (there was a typo on the “transcripts instructions” document which was sent last week. We apologize for the error.)
Looking forward to meeting you in just a few weeks!
Shavuah Tov,
Adi
PS – Also to help you get ready, you may want to learn this sentence… “Ani rotze mana Falafel im tehina” (I want a falafel
