Go to Israel!
Jconnect Seattle and Hillel UW are proud to serve as a resource for students looking for a variety of short and long-term experiences in Israel. Listed below you will find programs we know of that offer studying, working, volunteering, and exploring around Israel. These opportunities are perfect for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as young adults.
Taglit birthright-israel
UW Study Abroad Programs
Scholarships
Internships
Touring and Experimental Programs
Volunteer Programs
Hebrew Programs
Learning Programs
Religious Programs
Taglit birthright-israel:
Want to go to Israel for FREE? Go on the Taglit- birthright israel: Hillel trip. Have you ever floated in the Dead Sea? Seen the sunrise from Masada? Smoked hookah in a Bedouin tent? Explored the Old City of Jerusalem? If you haven't, then what are you waiting for?! If you are Jewish, between the ages of 18-26, and have never been to Israel before on a peer trip, then you qualify for this AMAZING, FREE 10-day trip to Israel. Registration for Winter Trips starts in September, so make sure to put yourself on the priority registration list.
UW Study Abroad Programs:
University of Washington's International Programs and Exchanges: Israel. UW has a sanctioned program through the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Students have also studied at Tel Aviv University, Ben Gurion University and the University of Haifa. Study abroad programs other than Hebrew University must be explored through your individual academic departments and UW IPE.
Scholarships:
Jewish Studies Program Travel Grants
A limited number of Travel Grants ($1500 each) will be available for University of Washington students who plan to study in Israel at an institution of higher learning or approved study-abroad program during summer 2008 and/or the 2008/2009 academic year.
To apply, submit the following:
- A 1-2 page description of how studying in Israel will enhance your program of study and help you achieve your goals
- A transcript
- A letter of recommendation from a UW professor
MASA
The Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel recently launched an exciting initiative to dramatically expand the number of Jewish young adults participating in long-term programs in Israel. This initiative is called MASA- the gateway to long term programs in Israel. Programs include Ulpan (intensive Hebrew immersion classes), academic opportunities and programs, volunteer opportunities, post-undergrad year long programs, jewish learning programs, and Masters programs. ALL participants from the USA in post-high school or undergraduate academic programs will receive $2,000 regardless of program length. All participants from the USA in post-college or graduate level academic programs will receive $3,000 for semester-long programs and $4,500 for year-long programs.
This grant is given regardless of financial need, although students may continue to apply for MASA need based scholarships as well.
Information about MASA supported programs and the new universal grant and an easy to complete application are available at http://www.masaisrael.org/
WUJS Israel Hadassah runs a six-month program for Jewish college graduates from around the world between ages 21 and 35. The program offers four specialized tracks: Jerusalem Studies, Arts Program, Peace & Social Justice, and Intern Tel Aviv.. WUJS provides participants with housing and one meal per day. WUJS participants up to age 30 qualify for grants from the Israeli government’s Project MASA.
Hasbara Fellowship
The Hasbara Fellowship educates students to be effective pro-Israel activists on their campus. Learn about the history and politics of Israel and the Middle East. Visits by top officials in the Israeli government. Trips around Israel and to strategic military sites. Cost of $799 includes flight from New York.
Stagerim: Professional Internship Program
Price: $50 registration + $30/mo housing + flight, meals and other Israel costs
Interns work in their professions in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, tourism, hi-tech, law, education, social service, communications, government, etc. Each job placement is tailor-made, based on the needs of the employer and the qualifications of the applicant. The program also provides lectures and trips, and information on cultural and social vents. The Jewish Agency, along with other organizations, arranges various activities in order to give interns a chance to slow down, get to know the other interns, and of course to experience Israel. Interns receive a small monthly stipend from the Jewish Agency in the amount of $75 per month. $50 registration + $30/mo housing + flight, meals and other Israel costs. In addition students may be eligible for university credit.
Yavneh Olami (Jerusalem)
Yavneh Olami is an international Religious Zionist student organization that utilizes innovative educational resources to inspire, educate and empower Jewish students from the Diaspora to strengthen their connection to Israel and the Jewish People. Their internship program is very structured, and they offer extra-curricular programming 3 -4 nights a week as well as host students for 3 Shabbatot.
Israel Religious Action Center of the Movement for Progressive (Reform) Judaism (Jerusalem)
The Religious Action Center supports policy analysis, litigation, and public campaigns on issues of religious freedom and works with the Legal Advocacy Center for immigrants. A variety of internships are available.
The Center for Social and Environmental Activism
Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah operates a volunteer and intern placement project that matches volunteers and interns with organizations working to strengthen democracy and support social justice in areas such as Civil and Human Rights, Jewish-Arab Coexistence, Religious Pluralism and Tolerance, Bridging Social and Economic Gaps, Immigrant Absorption, and Environmental Justice. Please email for more information.
Touring and Experimental Programs:
Unveiling Dynamics in Israel: History, Politics, Law & Technology
This exciting exploration seminar in Israel [6 credits] offers students first-hand learning experiences and field tours, in order to explore the most fundamental facets of Israeli society. This exploration seminar (20 days) invites students to travel and meet with prominent social and political activists, leading intellectuals, legal activists, Parliament members, judges, ministers, NGOs, hi-tech entrepreneurs, and visit various places with historical and contemporary international significance to different nationalities and religions. We will travel all over Israel to experience a variety of cultures among different Jewish communities and among Arab-Palestinians. Students will be exposed to state and religion, ethnicity, as well as national security issues. Students will visit places playing a role in the history of humanity like Jerusalem, Jaffa, Tiberias, Masada, Dead Sea and places that are more contemporary like Tel Aviv and Haifa. It will explore the fertilization of the Negev Desert, as well as experiencing communal life in the Kibbutz and Arab villages. Field trips will be complemented with intellectual meetings in universities, public policy centers, technological sites, industrial sites, political and legal institutions, cultural centers and museums.
UW Tel Dor Archaeological Excavations and Field School
The
Tel Dor Field School at the University of Washington is a one-of-a-kind
program that instructs its students in modern archaeological technique,
brings these students into the field as valued members of an
international archaeological team, and provides an experience that will
last a lifetime. Participants in the field school, working and studying
daily with students and scholars from Israel and around the world, are
moved from the role of student to that of archaeologist and fellow
researcher. Each day on the Tel we uncover the past, learn more about
the present, and add forever to our knowledge of the ancient
Mediterranean and Near East.The multicultural character of Dor lives on. In
concert with our Israeli partner schools (Hebrew University of
Jerusalem and the University of Haifa), the UW Tel Dor excavations, led
by UW associate professor of Classics Sarah Stroup, provide students
from around the world with a life-changing educational, archaeological,
and cultural experience. Explore our website to learn more about this program—and come dig with us!
Study Tour with Haifa University
"The Land of Israel: The Jewish Connection" is an academic course which allows the student to study both through classroom seminars and visits to the most important historical sites in the State of Israel. The course begins in the north of Israel examining the cultural mosaic of the region and the roots of its Jewish settlement, ancient and modern. From ancient times until today, the Jews' existence in Israel has been a constant process of social and cultural interaction with their surroundings. The complex interplay of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in the region will therefore be a major focus for study and discussion, particularly at our visit in Jerusalem. We will continue south, visiting Masada in order to learn about one of Modern Israel's founding legends and examining the role of the Negev in the history of the State.
3 Week Hike & Explore (Jews aged 21+)
This three week adventure is for people ready to hike, explore nature, get "off the beaten track," connect with their spirituality, perform community service and learn about their heritage, aged 21 to 30 who have never visited Israel before, or have had a short Israel trip in the past. The program is based out of campuses in Jerusalem and Tzfat. We will splash in rivers, crawl through history in the Bar Kochba caves, and watch the sun rise in the Judean desert.
Marva: Israel Outdoor Course
Marva offers young adults a unique opportunity to experience the physical and emotional challenges of Israel, its problems and people through an IDF-Like training. For those who want to strengthen their ties to Israel, and particularly to the land, Marva is an experience like no other.
Livnot Outdoor Expedition (Jews aged 21+)
This trip is a two-week physical and spiritual adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Trek through the Land of Israel, while volunteering, learning and living communally. This is a 14-day experience with Livnot's famous 3-Day "Sea-to-Sea" Hike, Rock-climbing, overnight desert trek, community service projects in Tzfat and Jerusalem, thought-provoking workshops and discussions on what Judaism has to say about nature and the environment, sex, love, ethics in war and community.
An exciting new travel experience to Israel for alumni of Israel programs (including birthright) between the ages of 20 - 30. What makes this trip different from the standard tour? "The Extreme Israel Experience" includes challenging bike trips, rappelling, scuba diving, water hikes and climbs throughout the country which will engage and challenge the body, mind and imagination of even veteran travelers to Israel. This is Israel....in the extreme.
Amirim
Amirim is a four or six week summer program where college students and young professionals (18-35) live with other volunteers and contribute to the local community. Amirim is a unique program that provides structure as well as the freedom to experience Israel on your own. The program includes volunteer placement in Tel Aviv, weekly trips around Israel, evening cultural and enrichment programs, and a three day hike at the end of each session. Designed for students who have already visited Israel.
The Yochai Porat Magen David Adom Volunteer Program
Spend two incredibly exciting and satisfying months, gaining hands on first-aid and emergency-care experience in Israel. The Magen David Adom (Israeli Ambulance Corps) provides first-aid services throughout Israel and works with its volunteers to provide effective initial treatment. The MDA Volunteer Program, run in conjunction with the Jewish Agency, allows you to be part of this mission. It gives university students an exciting opportunity to gain valuable experience, giving first-aid care, while experiencing "real life" in Israel. No previous medical experience is required.
Firefighters for Israel
Get "fired up" for an incredible month of hands-on firefighting experience in Israel! The Jewish Agency for Israel and The Israeli Fire and Rescue Commission are initiating a new exciting opportunity, which allows overseas volunteers to join the team of Israeli firefighters and lend a hand as they secure the country's neighborhoods and countryside. This program offers young adults an opportunity to explore Israel, while making a meaningful contribution to the country. No previous medical experience is required. The program begins with a three-day opening seminar and training course in English run by The Israeli Fire and Rescue Commission. Following the seminar, participants are placed in local Firefighter Stations throughout Israel, where they work as volunteer firefighters alongside Israeli volunteers and staff. A guided tour of Israel is also included. The program, including the training course and the volunteer period, spans one month and is offered several times a year.
Kibbutz Volunteer Program
The volunteer program is a unique program that offers the opportunity to live and work within the communal Kibbutz environment. The volunteers work 8 hours a day 6 days a week. In return they are offered free accommodations in the kibbutz, sharing a room with between 2 and 4 people (depending on kibbutz and season), 3 meals a day, free laundry service in the kibbutz's common laundry and pocket money each month. In addition to this, the kibbutz organizes tours for the volunteers. Generally, the kibbutz offers work in three different categories: agriculture, tourism, the services and other different kinds of work.
Galilee Fellowships Program (Jews aged 21+)
The Galilee Fellowships Program is a special program in the North of Israel combining the renovation and repair of severely neglected bomb shelters, great hiking and stimulating Jewish learning. The 14-day program, based in Tzfat, features hands-on community service, informal classes, hiking, touring and two special Shabbats! The price, including airfare from NYC, ranges from $250 to $400.
Volunteers for Israel
This program offers volunteers the opportunity to work on military bases performing non-combat civilian support duties such as packing medical supplies, repairing machinery and equipment, preparing meals, painting and otherwise maintaining the base. Volunteers work side-by-side with the young men and women of IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to help Israel shoulder its defense burden. The standard program is a 3-week commitment, beginning on scheduled start dates year-round, with the exception of certain black-out dates noted on the SCHEDULE page. Volunteers are housed in barracks on a base, and receive 3 kosher meals per day. Work uniforms and boots are provided.
Ben Gurion University Summer Ulpan
This intensive, immersive Hebrew language course meets for 4 academic hours, 5 days per week. The course combines writing, reading, and speaking of the language. You will join students from all over the world as you come to learn or improve your Hebrew. Students may opt to study for either the 3-week or full 6-week option of the course. A weekend on a kibbutz, lectures, and field trips throughout the country are all part of this fantastic summer experience of language immersion.
Summer Hebrew Ulpan
The Intensive Hebrew Summer Ulpan brings students from over 30 countries to the University of Haifa to study Hebrew in one of the most effective language learning programs in Israel. The Ulpan is designed for those who want to immerse themselves in an intensive language acquisition experience that is personally enriching as well as academically demanding. Instruction is offered on all levels from beginning to advanced. The Summer Ulpan is divided into two independent four-week sessions, each offering all levels of proficiency. Students may register for either or both sessions.
Jerusalem Ulpan
The Jerusalem Ulpan is an intensive Hebrew language course designed for visitors with an academic background who are interested in learning Hebrew through the Jerusalem experience. Field trips in Jerusalem are an integral part of the curriculum.
Summer Ulpan
The Summer Ulpan is an intensive Hebrew language course, consisting of 200 academic hours. It is designed primarily for students enrolled in academic programs at the Hebrew University, but is also open to external students with appropriate academic background.
Summer Hebrew Ulpan at Pardes
Improve your Hebrew this summer at Pardes. Combine the Hebrew Ulpan with a Summer Session, or take it on its own. The Summer Hebrew Ulpan meets four and a half hours per week for intensive Hebrew language study, with an additional optional Judaica class. The course is designed for serious students able to handle a fast-paced class. The teaching will be dynamic, with student participation and discussions. Classes correspond to levels Alef, Bet and Gimel. This means that classes will cater to absolute beginners through to those ready to tackle everyday Hebrew. Students will create and improve reading and speaking skills, including conversation practice. Hebrew Ulpan courses will not conflict with the Pardes Summer Program schedule.
Kibbutz Summer Ulpan
Live on Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon in central Israel. Ulpan students experience the unique lifestyle of the kibbutz community, living in dorm-style kibbutz rooms of 2-3 students, eating in the kibbutz dining hall, and participating in the social and cultural activities of the kibbutz. Study conversational and practical Hebrew. Three days a week of classes are given which aim to provide students with a working knowledge of conversational Hebrew. Classes consist of 20-25 students, and are taught by experienced instructors of second-language Hebrew. Work in different jobs on the kibbutz. Three days a week of work are assigned in different branches of the kibbutz, such as the fields, orchards, gardens, dairy, kitchen, kindergarten, and laundry. Travel through Israel. The group has seminars dealing with current Israeli and Jewish events, and goes on guided tours and hikes to historic and scenic sites throughout the country.
Unveiling Dynamics in Israel: History, Politics, Law & Technology
2008 Exploration Seminar in Israel
This exciting exploration seminar in Israel [5 credits] offers UW students first-hand learning experiences and field tours in order to explore the most fundamental facets of Israeli society, both among Jews and Arab-Palestinians. This exploration seminar (17 days) invites students to travel and meet with prominent social and political activists, leading intellectuals, legal activists, Parliament members, judges, ministers, NGOs, hi-tech entrepreneurs, and visit various places with historical and contemporary international significance. Among various places, students will visit cities playing a role in the history of humanity like Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Tiberia, and cities that are more contemporary like Tel Aviv and Haifa. The seminar will also explore historical and archeological sites like the Dead Sea, Masada and the Jordan River. It will explore the fertilization of the desert, the Negev Desert, as well as experiencing communal life in the Kibbutz and Arab villages. Field trips will be complemented with intellectual meetings in universities, public policy centers, technological sites, industrial sites, political and legal institutions, cultural centers and museums.
Program Director: Gad Barzilai (Int'l Studies/LSJ) & Karine Barzilai-Nahon (iSchool)
Dates of Instruction: August 5 - 22, 2008
Student costs: $3,200 Program Fee; $200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: round trip airfare to Israel, health insurance, some meals, and personal expenses.
Academic Summer Institutes for Middle Eastern Studies
The Rothberg International School offers several summer institutes in July: the Institute for Middle Eastern Studies, Institute for the Bible World and the Summer Institute for Israel Studies. Each institute is run by the Department of Summer Courses and Special Academic Programs and includes symposia, guest lectures and field trips.
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) is offering a four credit, interdisciplinary summer course entitled Israel and the Environment: Development Challenges in a Desert Environment. The course takes place at the Arava Institute, which is located on Kibbutz Ketura in the quiet Arava Valley of Israel.The course is designed for English speaking, overseas, college students and graduates, who are interested in sustainable development, natural history and Israel. The course, taught in English, introduces students to the unique aspects of the desert environment and its natural resources, and provides an understanding of the environmental challenges that are connected to human settlement in the Southern Arava, from a cross boundary perspective (Israel, Jordan). The Arava Institute summer course provides an excellent opportunity for college students and graduates to integrate a meaningful visit to Israel with a rewarding and unique academic experience.
Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem for Hillel Professionals
The Conservative Yeshiva Summer Program includes Mornings devoted to intense classes in Hebrew Ulpan (levels aleph through daled, more levels may be added) or Talmud (Beginning and Advanced) Afternoon sessions in Tanach, Midrash, Mishna, Halacha, and Tefilah. Courses built on the traditional model of chevruta, learning one-on-one with a partner, and shiur, a seminar-style class. A chance to be part of a unique, intergenerational learning community.
Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo
THe Eco Activist Beit Midrash is based in Jerusalem and offers two week and one month programs that involve Jewish learning, community service and hiking. We are exploring environmentalism from a Jewish and Israeli perspective. Learn how Torah Judaism faces the questions that the environmental crisis poses- from resource depletion, pollution to urban planning and the human experience of being in nature. Volunteer and travel to the places in Israel leading the movement for a Green Israel. No previous background in Jewish learning required.
Keren Kolot
The Keren Kolot Jewish Studies program is based upon the belief that the classical Jewish sources belong to all of the Jewish people, regardless of an individual's religious affiliation or background. Our approach aims to reacquaint Jews with Jewish sources, in an open, non-exclusive environment. Participants are challenged to come to grips with their Jewish identity, both intellectually and spiritually, within the context of modern culture and society. Furthermore, our program emphasizes outdoor experiences as a means of deepening our connection and commitment as Jews to our natural environment. Israel is the natural setting for the exploration of issues of Jewish identity and heritage. During the course of our program each participant is encouraged to discover his or her own relationship to Judaism, the Jewish People and the Land of Israel.
Pardes Summer Program
Join us for one or more summer sessions which include intensive text study, trips, volunteering, and evening activities. Dynamic classes with top Jewish educators; Intimate Havruta sessions with fellow students; Courses include Torah, Talmud, Jewish Philosophy, Ethics, Jewish Law, Parshat Hashavua, contemporary issues ; Special programs including tours of Jerusalem, cultural events, volunteering, Shabbat program. Develop worthwhile text skills, meet a wide range of Jews of all denominations and belief systems and form a community. Enjoy the opportunity to grow as a person and as a Jew through an intense experience where you are constantly challenged by new ideas and opinions. It's amazing how much you can accomplish in three weeks!
JEWEL Jewish Learning for Women
Set in Jerusalem's lovely Ramat Eshkol neighborhood, JEWEL lets you explore your Jewish heritage in an easygoing environment. Build a strong foundation in Jewish philosophy, self development, Torah, prayer, and Hebrew. Exciting trips and tours included. Scholarships available lower cost to $199.
Summer Learning Program
Spend eight weeks in Israel learning at Yeshivat Hamivtar-Orot Lev COME AND LEARN in an environment that combines intellectual rigor with passionate commitment. The program includes our regular Yeshiva schedule and special classes on Shemitah from a Halakhic and a Philosophical Perspective.
