Q: Everything else you need to know about gap years in Israel

Costs. If you’re looking for an affordable gap year, Israel can be a great option. With plenty of volunteer programs offering free housing and meals in exchange for work, programs subsidized by religious organizations, and many programs with low fees, you will find afford options for a year in Israel. In general, expect expenses to be on par with the US or Western Europe. If you are Jewish and have never traveled to Israel, you might look into Birthright programs, which may provide you with free travel to Israel. You can also fundraise through FundMyTravel . Accommodations . You should expect accommodations in cities to be priced similar to a mid-sized US city, but you may find that cheap but rustic accommodations are available in communal-style living for many organized Israel gap year programs. Visas . At the time of writing, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel for three months or less, but will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of travel. For longer stays, non-US citizens, or updated requirements, contact your local Israel embassy . An Israeli passport stamp may limit your entry to other Middle Eastern countries, so keep informed if you are planning to travel on to another Middle Eastern country from Israel. Safety . US citizens should check the State Department for travel advisories or warnings for Israel before planning travel, and should keep abreast of updated political information. Some areas such as the West Bank and Gaza frequently have travel warnings. Travelers should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance and should be sure to clearly understand their coverage.

Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

Israel is at the top of many travelers lists. With access to important religious sites such as Bethlehem, world-famous tourist spots such as the Dead Sea, and rich cultural traditions in food and art, Israel draws visitors for all backgrounds and cultures. If you want to take a gap year in Israel, you're not alone! Israelis are known for being warm, open, and inviting, and you may find that a year in Israel makes it your second home. Whether you’re considering a short trip or planning to make the Holy Land the center of your gap year, Israel has some life-changing landmarks to experience—L’Chaim!

Question 2

Popular Locations

Accepted Answer

Your gap year in Israel could take you all throughout the country, place you in kibbutz in the countryside, or land you at a hub, such as one of the popular cities below.

Jerusalem. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Jerusalem is considered the capital of both Israel and Palestine. At the center of this conflict is a city steeped in religious history and rich beauty. No gap year in Israel would be complete without a trip to Jerusalem to see Temple Mount, the Western Wall, and Dome of the Rock, one of the most photographed buildings on Earth. Whether you’re coming to learn about history and religion, to pray and observe, or to shop the famous Mahane Yehuda Market, this city will be a stop on most Israel gap year programs.

Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is on the Mediterranean coastline of Israel, and home to beautiful beaches and a party atmosphere that’s earned it the nickname of “The City That Never Sleeps”. Tel Aviv is home to famous bazaar-style shopping and a beach and art scene, and as one of the younger and more secular cities in Israel, it is one of the few places with shops and activities open on Saturdays. Many Israel gap year programs are based in Tel Aviv for this reason, and no year in Israel would be complete without at least a weekend in Tel Aviv.

Haifa. A 3,000-year-old city and major seaport of Israel, Haifa may not get as much press as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, but it has a lot to offer to people on a gap year in Israel. Home to the famous Baha’i Gardens, modern restaurants, a cafe culture, and a hip, eco-friendly vibe make Haifa a great base for an Israel year.

Question 3

Popular Activities

Accepted Answer

In Israel “year abroad” usually translates to a year at work for a cause you believe in. Israel gap year programs are likely to give their participants amazing opportunities to soak in Israeli culture while helping to make a difference through teaching, farming, or caring for Israel’s wildlife and environment.

Volunteering. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Israel may be dusty, winding cities speckled with gold domes and steeped in religious history, but there are spectacular wildlife and environmental volunteer opportunities as well. From golden jackals in the Judean Mountains to lionfish in Eilat, there are fantastic species in need of volunteer help, which can vary from SCUBA-based projects to forest clean-up.

Work Exchanges. A kibbutz is an experience unique to Israel, so if you’re looking for an affordable, service-based gap year, Israel may be just the place! A kibbutz is a commune, generally welcoming volunteers from around the world, where you work and contribute toward running the property. In exchange, you earn free housing, food, and use of the property amenities, which can include swimming pools, gardens, common areas, and athletic facilities. You may also earn a small amount of spending money. Kibbutz life is about community, and it’s an authentic way to fill all or part of your gap year in Israel.

Camp Jobs. Summer camp is a big part of Jewish culture, and Israel is home to great camp job opportunities as part of a gap year. Israel is a great place to volunteer with young children or to work at a camp specializing in language, religion, tech, sports, or outdoor activities. Gain work experience and be a part of Israeli culture with Israel gap year programs that include working at a children’s camp, and you’ll give back while having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Question 4

Everything else you need to know about gap years in Israel

Accepted Answer

Costs. If you’re looking for an affordable gap year, Israel can be a great option. With plenty of volunteer programs offering free housing and meals in exchange for work, programs subsidized by religious organizations, and many programs with low fees, you will find afford options for a year in Israel. In general, expect expenses to be on par with the US or Western Europe. If you are Jewish and have never traveled to Israel, you might look into Birthright programs, which may provide you with free travel to Israel. You can also fundraise through FundMyTravel.

Accommodations. You should expect accommodations in cities to be priced similar to a mid-sized US city, but you may find that cheap but rustic accommodations are available in communal-style living for many organized Israel gap year programs.

Visas. At the time of writing, US citizens do not need a visa to visit Israel for three months or less, but will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of travel. For longer stays, non-US citizens, or updated requirements, contact your local Israel embassy. An Israeli passport stamp may limit your entry to other Middle Eastern countries, so keep informed if you are planning to travel on to another Middle Eastern country from Israel.

Safety. US citizens should check the State Department for travel advisories or warnings for Israel before planning travel, and should keep abreast of updated political information. Some areas such as the West Bank and Gaza frequently have travel warnings. Travelers should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance and should be sure to clearly understand their coverage.

Question 5

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

Don’t fall victim to rumors or uninformed opinions—do your research! When it comes to a gap year, Israel isn’t just for Jewish people! It isn’t just for people who want to live on a commune! A year in Israel doesn’t necessarily mean praying or studying religion, and it doesn’t mean you’ll be surrounded by soldiers. If you never pictured SCUBA diving, hiking in national parks, strolling along a beach promenade in a bathing suit, teaching English in a school, or studying at a world-class university as part of a gap year in Israel, you may not know the whole story.

While cultural diversity is a huge part of what makes Israel special, of course Judaism has a special place here. When planning for your year in Israel, be sure to pack lightweight summer clothes, a swimsuit, and sunscreen, but be sure you bring something respectful for cover up when entering religious buildings or attending religious services, including a hat, scarf, or wrap to cover your head if asked.

A gap year in Israel is what you make it! From the coral reefs of the Red Sea to Jesus’ tomb, Israel has something for everyone. Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or simply interested in history and culture, Israel has something to explore for everyone’s interests and a volunteer culture that welcomes young and old alike to roll up their sleeves and lend a helping hand.

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