In addition to the core programs, Aardvark Israel offers add-on features for an additional fee.   These elective programs create a framework that taps into the talents and passions of the students.  The programming combines instruction with exposure to accomplished local professionals.  Through hands-on workshops, volunteering, seminars, academic courses, field trips, and interactions with local experts, students benefit from enrichment in their area of interest.  Creating immersion opportunities in the subjects that are most interesting to the student increases their sense of identification and appreciation for Israeli society and modern Israel.

Each special interest semester program is offered throughout one semester.  A student may sign up for one special interest program each semester.

The Mind-Body Connection – Offered in Tel Aviv in the Spring semester, this program is perfect for students interested in physical and mental health.  Included in this program is the option to enroll in the Magen David Adom (Israeli Red Cross) training course, which teaches participants the skills required to volunteer on an ambulance or in a hospital.  Students may also elect to enroll in a course in Psychology, which trains students to be able to volunteer in various crisis intervention and support centers in Jerusalem.  Through enrichment programs, the students meet doctors and mental health professionals and learn about the field of health in Israel.  The program also includes workshops in Chinese medicine, acupuncture, meditation, art therapy, reflexology, homeopathy, and nutrition.  Guided discussions are held with the students to synthesize their learning and experiences into a better understanding of the mind-body connection. Click here for more...

Israeli Military – Offered in Jerusalem during the Spring semester, this program will expose participants to the Israeli Defense Forces as a tool to help students better understand Israeli society.  Participants take part in the army’s Marva program, which simulates basic training.  In addition they will spend time in Sar-El, another army program, which allows participants to live on an air force or army base and volunteer in a variety of areas such as packing parachutes or medical kits, organizing supplies, and kitchen duty.  Students will meet officers in the Israeli army and speak with war heroes.  They will also have classes in Krav Maga (Israeli self-defense) and some students will volunteer with Mishmar Ezrachi (the civilian guard).  Students enrolled in this program will be given preference in registering for courses related to the military, such as “War Stories: The Israeli Army as a Socialization Tool.” Click here for more...

Digital Art and Media – Offered in Tel Aviv during the Fall semester, this program gives creative students the opportunity to increase their skills and build their portfolios.  Some areas of programming will include graphic design, photography, illustration, video, web design, and drawing.  Students will meet top professionals in these fields and learn about career development in Israel.  They will also have the chance to intern with companies and experts in these fields. Click here for more...

Law and Government – Offered in Jerusalem during the Fall semester, students in this program will receive an insider’s look into law and government in Israel, while also developing specific skills necessary in these disciplines.  Through coursework, seminars and activities, participants will learn about the political situation in Israel as well as meet politicians, lawyers, judges and other important figures.  By visiting several foreign embassies in Tel Aviv, students will be exposed to world opinion and policy on Israel.  Field trips to major law firms and think tanks will allow students to research topics of particular relevance to Israel such as rights of terrorists vs. rights of victims, international law, land rights, and immigration law.  Volunteering for various lobbying groups will enable students to gain a better understanding of issues such as the environment, illegal immigrants, and religious rights.  Click here for more...

Sea Quest Sports – Offered in Tel Aviv during the Fall semester, this program takes advantage of Israel’s Mediterranean climate and coast which serves as both a beautiful and fun landscape for participants!  Taking part in a wide range of water sports and beach activities, as well as studying about Israel’s chronic water problem, students learn to truly appreciate Israel’s water resources.  Sports may include, sailing, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing, beach volleyball, and jogging.  Additionally, a seminar in Water Conservation and the Efficient Use of Limited Water Resources will present to students possible solutions to Israel’s water crisis. Click here for more...

Entrepreneurship – Offered in Tel Aviv during the Spring semester, this program recognizes Israel as the vanguard of the entrepreneurial marketplace.  In this special interest program, students will learn about the Israeli economy from a variety of perspectives: creating a company, project management, writing a business plan, creativity, finances, and more.  Participants will have the opportunity to intern with a small business in order to learn from within.  Through meeting successful Israeli entrepreneurs, students will learn from their experiences and gain a better understanding of Israeli commerce and economic forecast. Click here for more...