High School Study Abroad in Israel

Israel is actually an extremely small country, though quite densely populated, with nearly 9 million citizens. It is also a more diverse country than most people realize; roughly 75 percent of the population is Jewish and 20 percent are Arab! While high school programs in Israel can be a deeply spiritual experience for those of the Jewish faith, the country also offers a little bit of something for everyone else too. So don’t worry, we’ve got incredible options for high school programs in Israel for you!

Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, is the largest city in the country with nearly 800,000 inhabitants. Central to the Christian, Judaic, and Islamic faiths, throughout history Jerusalem has been one of the most important and continuously contested cities on earth. Jerusalem is a pilgrimage site for millions of religiously devout peoples from all over the world, and as such can be an exceedingly fascinating place to travel to for high school programs in Israel. While there, you’ll be able to experience the incredible local markets, called souqs, and learn about the contested history—and present—of this beautiful city that will quickly feel like home. Sounds perfect for teen travel in Israel!

For a more modern experience with Israel high school programs, Tel Aviv offers tremendous appeal of an entirely different sort. The Middle East’s third most influential economic node (after Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Tel Aviv is a thriving center for tech and finance, with a young and fun pulse vibrating through its streets. With the opportunity to experience the exciting nightlife, enriching arts and culture, and cutting edge innovation, Tel Aviv is a great place for high school programs in Israel! You’ll also get to test your haggling skills in Carmel Market which will help you feel like a local.

Haifa is another great option, especially if you are looking for a city that will please the eye. Famous for its Baha'i shrine and tropical gardens, you will be left in awe at the beauty that Haifa holds. Today, the city serves as a model for Jewish-Arab coexistence. This makes for an incredible opportunity for you to expand your perspective and learn about identity—your own, and those around you! Not only will your ideas about the world around you change, but so will the ideas you have about yourself. How special!

High school travel in Israel can range from educational opportunities, to adventure based excitement. Either way, high school abroad in Israel will give you many opportunities for growth!

There are many different types of high school programs in Israel to choose from. The most common summer programs in Israel are built around cultural and language immersion. Hebrew and Arabic are both spoken in Israel, and studying either language in-country is a great opportunity to enhance your knowledge or begin to learn a new skill. Language immersion programs often allow students to travel around the country, experiencing different regions and giving students a chance to explore multiple facets of the country, which is definitely a plus in our book!

There are also programs for high school abroad in Israel that are centered specifically around studying Judaism and its religious teachings. These can be academic, summer camps, or cultural exploration oriented trips, and usually offer the opportunity for students to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, ranging from hiking and snorkeling, to volunteering. High school students who observe the Jewish faith can learn a lot about the history and regional context of their religion by participating in a program for high school travel in Israel.

For those who are extra serious about studying abroad and want a fully immersive experience, there are high school exchange programs in Israel, which give students the opportunity to enroll for a semester or full year at an international high school in Israel. Though it may be a daunting prospect, living abroad and connecting with international peers is a great way to expand your global horizons at a young age. It will help build your confidence and your sense of self, which is great, especially before heading off to college!

There are also summer options, and short term programs, that allow students to experience the culture, be immersed in the history, and breathe the languages. This is a great way to make your summer one to remember! During your time with Israel high school programs, you will feel yourself grow and you will most likely go back to school slightly more confident, and with a whole bunch of super cool stories to share with your friends!

High school programs in Israel can be pricey, and because Israel enjoys the highest standard of living in the Middle East, it is a relatively expensive place to live as well. But, these are only things to be aware of and help guide the way you plan for your high school program in Israel. Money shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a dream of going abroad, so there are a variety of scholarship and fundraising opportunities that you can take advantage of to help you meet your financial needs!

Homestays are a popular housing option among high school programs in Israel, and are a fantastic way to immerse yourself more fully into Israeli culture. Many students say that their homestays were the highlight of their time abroad! Dorms are sometimes offered to students at international or boarding schools as well. In either case, supervision will be consistent and Israel is a very safe country despite the region’s instability, so high school students will be well taken care of.

Students from most countries outside of the Middle East and North Africa can enjoy visa-free access to Israel, while those from neighboring nations will likely have to apply for an entry permit from the Israeli government. You can check out GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory for more specific information about Israel’s visa policy toward your home country. It is always best to start this process early to make sure you have enough time!

High school programs in Israel are great opportunities for spiritual growth. Even if you’re not spiritual, there is something magnetic about the lay of the land in Israel, which has attracted religious pilgrims for many hundreds of years. Jerusalem is considered the Holiest City in most of Western religion, and traveling there is a truly powerful experience. Plus, the people you can meet during high school programs in Israel are likely to become great friends and valuable connections to maintain in the future. There’s no downside to expanding your global contacts even at a young age!

We highly recommend taking a trip to the Dead Sea (we promise it’ll make you feel alive!), eating all of the hummus and falafel you can get your hands on, and taking the time to get to know the people you encounter. It may be easy to walk into your high school program in Israel thinking you know what to expect, but be prepared to be surprised—you’ll love every minute of it!

When you return to high school from your program in Israel, you will have a greater understanding of life and yourself and the world. But this is only the beginning! You will still have so many more opportunities to challenge yourself and continue to change your perspective of your place in this world. Be bold! Let us help you find your high school program in Israel today!