HILLEL@FSU

This information was valid for 2009, and we have not had the resources to update it BUT all the websites and contact information should still be accurate enough to get you where you need to go! Please call the office 850-222-5454 to discuss ideas or for more details.
Below you will find summer opportunities especially appropriate for:
a. anyone looking for a second (or third or fourth) trip to Israel
b. Taglit-Birthright Israel participants who want to extend their trip this summer

The information is divided into seven categories:
I.     Most Popular Programs
II.   Internships and Fellowships
III. Touring and Experiential Activities
IV.  Volunteering Programs
V.    Hebrew Language Programs
VI.  Academic Programs
VII.Jewish Studies Programs

The information below was pulled from many sources and if there are programs not listed here, please let us know so we can update this guide. As always, the program websites will have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For longer programs (5 months and longer), you can check the MASA web sites with 160 (!!!) more programs http://www.masaisrael.org/masa/english/

I. Most Popular Programs

1. Yochai Porat Magen David Adom Volunteer Program
a. Organization: Israel Program Center, Jewish Agency for Israel
b. Dates: May 18 – June 30; June 29 – August 11, August 3 – Sept. 15
c. Price: $500 + flight + meals
d. 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.
e. Web Site: http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Israel+Programs/MDA/

2. Amirim
a. Organization: Young Judea
b. Dates and Pricing:

c. Description: Amirim is a summer volunteering program for college students and young professionals ages 18-35. It gives participants a structured framework in which they volunteer at a non-profit organization four times a week (they commute with a city bus pass), explore the Israeli landscape through weekly day trips, and discover Israeli culture and society through different educational and cultural events. The program also includes a three-day tiyul at the beginning of the program in order for participants to ‘break the ice’ and get to know each other while having fun. Participants live in apartments in the Tel Aviv area (either Holon or Bat Yam) or in Jerusalem. Within the format of the program, participants are given plenty of free time for personal growth and exploration and are expected to be independent. Participants enjoy cultural events, weekly group trips, camping, and free time for personal exploration.
e. Web Site: http://www.yjimpact.org
f. Contact: Mireille Roc, mroc@youngjudaea.org or 212-303-4585

3. Hasbara Fellowships
a. Organization: Aish HaTorah
b. Dates: May 24, 2009 – June 14, 2009 August 2, 2009 – August 23, 2009
c. 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 sixth 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.
d. Web Site: http://www.israelactivism.com/index.php?mode=israelprograms
e. Contact: 212-909-2709

II. Internships and Fellowships

Career Israel Short Track
a. Organization: Career Israel
b. Dates:? May 4th – July 1^st, June 1st – July 31^st, July 1st – August 31st
c. Cost: $400* for the 2009 year. Housing, Ulpan and overnight trips are not included in this price, but are available at an additional cost. It is also possible to extend your participation for up to two additional months at the cost of $100 a month.
* This does not include a non-refundable $50 application fee.
d. The Career Israel Short Track is a two to four-month professional internship program open to college/university students and graduates from all over the world. The program provides internship placements in leading companies and organizations in the private and public sectors in Israel in every field including law, medicine, media, economics, politics, public relations, education, social work, engineering, computer science, advertising and business and more. The program also offers options for accommodations, a Hebrew study program, tours and extracurricular enrichment activities at an additional cost.
e. Website: http://www.israelexperience.org.il/career//shorttrack/about.asp
f. Contact: Elana Kaminka career@israelexperience.org.il

World Magshimey Herut Internship Program
a. Organization: World Magshimey Herut
b. Dates: Flexible
c. Cost: $150 US registration fee.
d. Description: The program is a tailor made personal program with flexibility in duration, time of arrival and internship placements.
Live and work in Israel through Magshimey Herut’s Professional Internship Program. We are a young Zionist movement that helps set up internships for young adults ages 18-30 in Israel. We tailor the internship to the field of your choice. This is a flexible and independent program. So if you want to know what it’s like to live and work in Israel like an Israeli, and you want to explore Israel at your own pace, this is the program for you.
You can check out our website at: www.worldmh.org.il
Feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding the program – office@worldmh.org.il (212) 444-9511 10am -3pm EST

III. Touring and Experiential Programs

1. Study Tour
a. Organization: Haifa University
b. Dates:September 1  - 23
c. Price: $1900 + flight + housing
d. Description: The International School will again be offering the Study Tour in the fall of 2009. 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. This course combines classes with field trips and on-site lectures. Students will be required to keep a journal and write a term-paper in order to receive a final grade. The Study Tour is worth four academic credits.
e. Web Site: http://www.uhaifa.org/page.asp?id=44&a=a3&b=b4

2. Marva: Israel Outdoor Course
a. Organization: Israel Program Center, Jewish Agency for Israel
b. Dates: March 29 – May 28, June 28 – August 20, Oct. 11 ? Dec. 3
c. Price: $900 + airfare
d. 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.
e. Web Site: http://www.jewishagency.org/JewishAgency/English/Aliyah/Israel%2BPrograms/Marva/

3. Excavating Through the Bible at Ramat Rahel
a. Organization: Ramat Rahel Archaeological Project
b. Dates: July 19th to August 16th, 2009, with 4 sessions:
First period: July 19th?July 26th 2009
Second period: July 26th?August 2nd 2009
Third period: August 2nd?August 9th 2009
Fourth period: August 9th?August 16th 2009
c.Price: One person in a double room, Full Board: $629 per week
One person in a single room, Full Board: $902 per week.
Three people in one room, Full Board: $580 per person per week.
Four people in one room, Full Board: $552 per person per week.
d. Description: The Ramat Rahel Archaeological Project is a joint project to Tel Aviv University (Israel) and to Heidelberg University (Germany) joining scholars from Israel, Germany, and USA. This is an international scientific project combining people from all over the world. The Ramat Rahel Archaeological project involves more than just excavations. The team members joining us from all over the world undergo rich and transforming experiences, combining archaeological fieldwork, visits to the holy city of Jerusalem, tours in beautiful Israel, academic lectures, and many social activities. From Monday to Friday, work begins early, with digging as the sun rises over Jerusalem. At 9:00 a.m., Israeli breakfast is served on the beautiful hilltop of Ramat Rahel. Afterwards, digging continues until noon and then everyone gathers for a “pottery wash” where pottery is handled, looking for seal impressions and ancient inscriptions. During the afternoons, the volunteers enjoy the hotel facilities, resting at the pool or shopping in Jerusalem. During the afternoons and the evenings there are academic lectures, tours of Jerusalem and its museums, discussions of the finds of the day, and parties. Students interested in academic credits can join one or more of the three academic courses offered.
e. Website: http://www.ramatrachel.co.il/ARCHEOLOGY/VolunteerPrograms.htm
f.Contact: Omer Sergey, omertelaviv@gmail.com

4. ADL’s Campus Leaders Study Mission to Israel
a. Organization: Anti-Defamation League
b. Dates: June 7th to June 17th, 2010
Application Deadline: March 10^th 2010
Students who have previously visited Israel are not eligible
c.  Price: No cost for selected participants.
d.  Description: The Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process, US-Israel relations, Hamas, Hezbollah and the threat of a nuclear Iran make daily headlines and often resonate on your campus. To learn about and assess these important issues first-hand, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is offering qualified campus leaders the opportunity to go on a free study mission to Israel. provides student journalists and politically active leaders with an up-close and personal perspective of Israel by learning about the strategic and social challenges facing Israel today. Mission participants will meet with key decision-makers, government and military officials, diplomats, journalists, students and everyday Israelis –Arab and Jewish — from diverse communities, cultures and backgrounds. Participants will visit sights of historical, religious and contemporary interest. The group will travel by private bus. To apply for this unique opportunity complete the application form, accompanied by two letters of reference, your resume, and a 500 word essay. You can register online at www.adl.org/campusmission or fax your application to 561-989-0712
If you have any questions, please contact Yael Hershfield, ADL Florida’s Associate Regional Director at 561-988-2916 or email yhershfield@adl.org

IV. Volunteer Programs

1. Kibbutz Volunteer Program
a. Kibbutz Program Center
b. Dates: Open   it’s up to the volunteer.
c. Price: ~$500 plus flight.
d. 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.
e. Web Site: http://www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org/volunteering.htm
f. Contact: 212.462.2764, mail@KibbutzProgramCenter.org

2. Livnot Galilee Fellowship
a. Organization: Livnot U Lehibanot
b. Dates: July 5 – July 19
c. Price: $1000 including airfare
d. Description: Work on community service projects throughout northern Israel, and go on challenging hikes. A typical day features working in the morning with Israelis and your peers, hiking in the afternoon, fun and thought provoking programs in the evening. The 14-day trip is for young Jewish adults ages 21-30 with minimal Jewish background.
Projects for Summer 2009 Include: Renovating kindergartens and youth centers, repairing the homes of less fortunate families and the elderly, painting and repair playgrounds in economically challenged neighborhoods, bombing shelter renovations and adapt them for use as mini activity centers, and performing excavations in Ancient Tzfat.
This Program is being sponsored by the UJA Federation of New York under the Breaking New Ground Initiative and is opened to those residing in NYC and the surrounding burroughs ONLY.
e. Web Site: http://www.livnot.com/pages/Galilee%5FFellowship/

3. Volunteers for Israel
a. Organization: Sar-El
b. Dates: Various throughout the year
c. Price: $80 registration + flight + spending money and some other expenses
d. Description: 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.
e. Web Site: http://www.vfi-usa.org/

V. Hebrew Programs

1. Ben Gurion University Summer Ulpan
a. Organization: Ben Gurion University
b. Dates: July 30 – August 24 (3 weeks- 3 credits); July 30 – Sep. 10 (6 weeks- 6 credits)
c. Price: 6 weeks: $2300+ flight, 3 weeks: $1400 +flight
d. 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.
e. Web Site: www.bgu-osp.org
f. Contact: osp@aabgu.org, 800-962-2248

2. Summer Hebrew Ulpan
a. Organization: Haifa University
b. Dates:July 6 –  July 29 ; August 3 -August27
c. Price: Tuition: $1100
d. 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.
e. Web Site: http://overseas.haifa.ac.il/page.asp?id=72&a=a3&b=b4
f. Contact: info@mail.uhaifa.org, 972-4-824-0766?

3. Jerusalem Ulpan
a. Organization: Hebrew University
b. Dates: June 25 – July 26
c. Price: $1400 + flight
d. 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. Classes are usually offered on five levels, ranging from elementary (Aleph) to advanced (Heh). Field trips in Jerusalem are an integral part of the curriculum.? Classes are usually held during the morning, Sunday through Thursday, and on 1-2 Fridays, five academic hours per day.
e. Web site: http://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics.asp?cat=45&in=24

4. Summer Ulpan
a. Organization: Hebrew University
b. Dates: August 5 – September 24
c. Price: $1890 + flight
d. 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.
e. Web site: http://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics.asp?cat=45&in=24

5. Summer Hebrew Ulpan
a. Organization: Pardes
b. Dates: June 30 – July 21; July 23 – August 13
c. Price: $150 per session + flight, housing and food
d. 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.
e. Web Site: http://www.pardes.org.il/programs/summer/ulpan/

6. Kibbutz Summer Ulpan
a. Kibbutz Program Center
b. Dates: July 8 – August 20 (6 weeks), June 29th-August 24^th (8 weeks)
c. Price: $2050 + flight; $2800 + flight
d. Description: Live on Kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon in central Israel for 6 weeks or at Kibbutz Mashabei Sadeh located in the desert just south of Be’er Sheva. 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.
e. Web Site: http://www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org/newprogram.htm

VI. Academic Programs

1. Department of Summer Courses and Special Academic Programs
a. Organization: Hebrew University
b. Dates: June 25 – July 29
c. Price: $1000-$1600 tuition
d. Description: This summer’s academic program focuses on the following areas: Jewish and Religious Studies, Israel Studies, Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, and Jerusalem: Past and Present. In addition, a wide range of language studies will be offered, along with archaeological field schools and special programs in Trauma and Resilience in collaboration with the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, and Holocaust Studies in conjunction with Yad Vashem.
e. Web Site: http://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics.asp?cat=23&in=0

2. Summer Course 2009
a. Organization: The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
b. Dates: June 28-July 24
c. Price: $3000
d. 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 Summer Course 2009 will be held at the Arava Institute, which is located on Kibbutz Ketura in the quiet Arava Valley of Israel. Studies take place both in the classroom and in the field, and include trips to the Dead Sea and Jerusalem, Eilat, and possibly Aqaba (Jordan). The course is divided into two main sections: Natural History of the Desert, and Development Challenges in a Desert Environment. Accredited by Ben-Gurion University the Institute is looking for students for this Summer (July 4, 2009   July 31, 2009).
e. Web Site: http://www.arava.org/cat.asp?catid=2&subcatid=11
f. Contact: Rabbi Michael Cohen at rabbimichael@friensofarava.org or 972-8-6356618

3. Summer Programs at Galilee College, Israel
a. Galillee College
b. Dates: July 1 – August 4
c. Cost: $ 2,850
d. Description: There are two sessions to choose from: A Religious Mosaic in the Holy Land, and Political Science & Middle East Studies. The program focuses on the Israeli/   Palestinian conflict, its roots, background and current situation.
The program begins with an overview of the Land of Israel-Palestine region, presenting the historical background of the region, as well as an overview of social and economic conditions, ethnic and religious background. The lectures are supplemented by Study Tours to enable students to experience these issues at first hand. A large part of the program is dedicated to the Israel/Palestinian conflict. Different aspects of the conflict are examined by Palestinian and Israeli lecturers and the different points of view are discussed. Additional processes in neighboring countries, which affect Israel and the Palestinian Authority, are presented as well. The program seeks to deepen the participants knowledge of conditions, developments and trends in Israel, the Palestinian territories and the surrounding lands and to highlight some of the diverse issues at the centre of the political, social and religious divides in the Middle East.
e. Website: http://www.galilcol.ac.il/page.asp?id=89
f. Contact: (972) 4-642-8888, International_Department@galilcol.ac.il

VII. Jewish Studies Programs

1. Conservative Yeshiva in Jerusalem
a. Organization: The Conservative Yeshiva
b. Dates: June 28 – July 16; July 19 – August 6
c. Price: $650 for one session, $975 for both and significant scholarships are available.
d. Description: The Conservative Yeshiva Summer Program features:
The opportunity to study the classic texts of Judaism, including Rabbinic literature, Bible, and Philosophy. Intensive Ulpan to build Hebrew speaking and reading skills, learning appropriate for students of all levels, backgrounds, and interests. Courses built on the traditional model of chevruta, learning one-on-one with a partner, and shiur, a seminar-style class.
e. Web Site: http://www.uscj.org.il/yeshiva/summer.php
f. Contact: 972-2-622-3116

2. Pardes Summer Program
a. Organization: Pardes
b. Dates: June 2  - June 23, June 30 – July 21, July 26 – August 13
c. Cost: $550, $490 if tuition is paid in full before April 26, $650 for July session
d. 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.
e. Web site: http://www.pardes.org.il/programs/summer/summer_sessions/
f. Contact: 212-447-4333