Description

Participants have the opportunity to learn Hebrew, travel Israel, volunteer in developing communities, participate in a professional internship with a non-profit organization, access to excellent educational seminars, opportunites to learn about the Jewish non-profit world and how the Federation system works, build long lasting friendships and connections, and get to know the real Israel.

Highlights

What do OTZMA participants do for 10 months?

The 10 months are divided into three tracks. Part I is spent on an immigrant absorption center, a place where new olim (people moving to Israel) from all over the world, come to get acquainted with Israel. During these three months, participants learn Hebrew in an Ulpan setting, volunteer at the center and also in the community at large.

Part II is the community service track. For these three months, participants volunteer in their sponsoring Federation's Partnership 2000 community. The volunteer work varies from site to site and person to person, though usually includes teaching English, working with the elderly and implementing after school programs for the children in the community.

In between Part II and Part III is a three week elective program where participants choose from either studying Jewish text in Jerusalem or volunteering on an army base. The final track, which is also three months, is spent either on a Kibbutz or participating in a professional work experience. The OTZMA year also includes numerous education days, seminars, group trips and two vacations.

What makes OTZMA unique?

OTZMA offers its participants a unique way to experience Israel. Through the three varied parts, participants see Israel from an insider's perspective. OTZMA participants see more of Israel than some Israelis ever do! Through OTZMA, you will be set up with an adoptive family with whom you will experience Israeli holidays, spend Shabbat weekends and have your own "family" in Israel for the year and well beyond. Many families will also find the time to visit their "child" at their various placements throughout the year.

OTZMA allows you to feel more like a citizen than a tourist, therefore participants leave from their experience aware, connected and ready to continue their relationship with Israel and the Jewish people.

Qualifications

Must be Jewish, must be from North America and must have some college experience, and must have a passion for volunteering and making a difference.

The selection committee is driven to look into many of the following areas:

1. Leadership qualities; strength of character to take on new challenges and see them through; and the discipline to perform necessary, if unappealing, tasks.
2. Strong Jewish motivation and interest.
3. Maturity to handle both an intensive group experience and to share living quarters with others from the group.
4. Psychological strength to handle stressful situations.
5. Independence, but ability to fit into a structured group setting.
6. Flexibility to adapt to life and conditions in Israel.
7. Previous experience living away from home (camp, college, study abroad, etc.).
8. Physical capability to perform strenuous activities, such as agricultural work on kibbutz, chores on an army base, and rigorous hikes.
9. Interest in working with people, especially adolescents and children.
10. Ability to relate well to other people.
11. Strong goal-orientation; realistic self-image.
12. Realistic picture of the OTZMA program (expectations, demands, rewards).
13. Commitment to service and to the Jewish community.

Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 5,500

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

OTZMA participants have a vast range of different types of volunteering that is available to them. A few of these volunteer opportunties include teaching and tutoring English in perpherial areas of Israel, working with immigrant populations from the former soviet union and ethiopia, working with youth at risk, working with people with disabilites, and really anything people are interested in! Very customizable to what participants are looking to spend their year doing.

Age Range

20-26

This Program is open to

American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of anywhere from 25-50

Scholarships are Available

There are multiple place applicants may go for funding including Masa journey to Israel, local federations, and any addiotional jewish organizations such as Hillel, Rabbi's, etc.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 Weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

OTZMA Israel's Mission Statement

OTZMA is a 10-month service-based, leadership development program offering Jewish young adults the opportunity to create their own service experience in Israel. OTZMA is the perfect opportunity to continue the work you began and create connections to last a life time.

Year Founded

1986

OTZMA Israel is a Jewish based organization. We do require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.