In addition to the core program, Aardvark Israel Gap Year 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.

There are two formats of Special Interest Programs available: Semester Programs and Weekend/Holiday Programs.

Special Interest Semester Programs
Each special interest semester program is offered throughout one semester.  A student can sign up for one special interest semester program each semester.

The Mind-Body Connection – Offered in Tel Aviv in the second 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, or 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 second 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 first 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 first 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...

Special Interest Weekend/Holiday Programs
These year long programs are available to all students, including those who choose to sign up for a special interest semester program.  Students may also sign up for both weekend/holiday programs.

Shvil Yisrael (The Israel Trail) – Those who enjoy camping and the outdoors will spend their year hiking from the northern Golan Heights to the most southern city of Eilat.  Over one long weekend per month, plus the weeks of Sukkot and Hanukah, participants will complete the Israel National Trail, a major accomplishment that few foreigners can claim.  Sleeping under the stars together and preparing their own food will bring this group of students closer to one another and to Israel.  Each trip will continue where the previous one left off.  Participants in this program will have the option to register for “Geography of Israel” and upon completion of all course requirements will receive college credits for participating in this program. Click here for more...

Kiruv (Spirituality) – One Shabbat per month and during the Jewish holidays, this group will explore Jewish identity and venture through a spiritual quest.  Gathering for special Shabbat experiences in places throughout Israel, such as the Carlebach moshav (hippy Orthodox Jews), Kfar Chabad, Hebron, the Old City of Jerusalem, a religious kibbutz, students will engage their Jewish souls and learn more about their Judaism.  During holiday seasons, they will go to Mea Shearim and do kaparot (swing a chicken over their head to be relieved of their sins), study all night by Rabbi Ben Yochai's grave on Mt. Meron, dance with a sefer torah in the streets of Safed on Simchat Torah, make their own shofar, and bake their own matzah.  Participants in this program will have the option to register for a related course and upon completion of all course requirements will receive college credits for participating in this program. Click here for more...