Study, work and volunteer in Israel:

Hasbara Fellowships
Description: Hasbara Fellowships, a program spearheaded by Aish International, educates and trains university students to be effective pro-Israel activists on their campuses. Started in 2001 in conjunction with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hasbara Fellowships brings hundreds of students to Israel every summer and winter. Now within their fifth year, Hasbara Fellowships has trained over 1,000 students on over 220 campuses, providing its participants with the information, tools, resources, and confidence to return to their campuses as leaders in the fight for Israel’s image. The most critical aspects of the Fellowships program is the opportunity for Fellows to network with one another, learning from each other and sharing experiences about Israel activism.
Bank HaPoalim Internship
Description: Following a successful internship program in 2006, Bank HaPoalim is again offering this unique opportunity to 20 outstanding students from the U.S. participants will gain a firsthand look into Israel’s banking industry and a deeper understanding of international financial markets. The program is designed to provide students with a glimpse into various aspects of the Bank’s work though practical work as well as seminars, meetings with bank executives and visits to different offices.
Stagerim: Professional Internship Program
Description: 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.  In addition students may be eligible for university credit.

Study Tour
Description:  Back by popular demand, the International School will again be offering the Study Tour in summer of 2007. “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.
Marva: Israel Outdoor Course
Description:  Marva offers young adults a unique opportunity to experience the physical and emotional challenges of Israel, its problems and people.  For those who want to strengthen their ties to Israel, and particularly to the land, Marva is an experience like no other. Activities include camp craft, navigation, topography, hikes, seminars, and walking tours.  Special emphasis is placed on Israel’s security situation and settlement of the land, through lectures on specific social and political problems.  
Hike and Explore
Description:  Description: an intensive 3-week opportunity to make new friends and learn about oneself, while exploring the magnificent beauty of Israel and our Jewish heritage. 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. Featuring… fun, physical and spiritual challenges, adventure, building community and helping others. Our program is based out of our campuses in Jerusalem and Tzfat. We plan to splash in rivers, crawl through history in the Bar Kochba caves, and watch the sun rise in the Judean desert. As we explore the land, we will learn what Judaism has to say about relationships, philosophy and each other.  

 Amirim
Description: Amirim is a four or six week summer program where college students and young professionals 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.
Yochai Porat Magen David Adom Volunteer Program
Description: 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
Description: 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
Description: 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.
Livnot Galilee Fellowship Program
Description: Livnot Galilee Fellowship is an opportunity to turn a trip to Israel into a unique opportunity to travel, learn, help and challenge yourself. Participants will work with Israelis and peers to rebuild Kiryat Shemona and Tzfat, two of the communities hardest hit by the war in northern Israel. The 14-day program features hands-on community service, informal classes, hiking, touring and two special Shabbats! Livnot’s Galilee Fellowships Program in Kiryat Shemona generously supported by the UJA Federation of New York. Livnot’s Galilee Fellowships Program in Tzfat generously supported by an anonymous philanthropy.
Ben Gurion University Summer Ulpan
Description: 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
Description: 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    
Description: 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.
Hebrew University Summer Ulpan
Description: 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.
Pardes Summer Hebrew Ulpan
Description: 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
Description: 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.
Academic Summer Institutes for Middle Eastern Studies
Description: 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. Academic credits are available.
Arava Institute Summer Course 2007
Description: 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 from Sunday June 10 until Friday June 29, 2007 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
Description: The Conservative Yeshiva Summer Program includes: Mornings devoted to intense classes in either:     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.
Keren Kolot
Description: 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
Description: 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!
Avodah – a chance to Fight Poverty, Explore Judaism, Build Community. You have just few more days to apply!! AVODAH is the Jewish Service Corps that combines front-line anti-poverty work, Jewish learning, and community building in a one-year program for young people, 21-26. Help fight for justice and equality in New York, Chicago, and Washington DC’s most underserved neighborhoods. Work full-time on issues you care about—immigration, hunger, literacy, public health, domestic violence, and more. Learn first-hand from activists, educators, and each other. Live together with other young Jews committed to integrating social change and Jewish values in a pluralistic environment.  Apply now Avodah.net or contact us at apply@avodah.net or 212-545-7759 (Amy).