Am Yisrael World Travel Programs

In addition to the core program, the Am Yisrael World Travel programs offers students the opportunity to participate in organized trips outside of Israel, allowing them to customize their gap year or semester by choosing from the menu of countries offered.  For an added fee, students may choose amongst several one-week educational and recreational excursions.  Itineraries are designed to give students a relevant Jewish experience while also visiting the most popular tourist destinations in each country.  Delving into the history of the local Jewish community and their relationship to Israel, students will better understand Zionism and in turn their own connection to Israel. These excursions also serve to foster a sense of Jewish peoplehood and link the students to Jews around the world.  The trips are scattered throughout the year and students may sign up for all if they choose.

Click here to read the Educational Rationale and other Important Information regarding the Aardvark Israel World Travel Program.

China - "Made in China". You have seen this stampled on most of the products you use - now it's time to go see where it all originates! This trip is focused on Beijing, a city of 22 million people. Some of the famous sites you will see include: Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and of course, panda bears. A visit to the Israeli embassy will allow you to appraise the current connection with Israel as well as delving a bit into the history of Jews who live in China. Finally you will have bragging rights that you visited China while none of your friends have. Click here for more on China

Poland - For hundreds of years Jews had a rich and vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust.  During this trip you will witness the site of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, the horrors of Auschwitz, the Jewish quarter of Krakow where Schindler’s List was filmed, cemeteries where famous rabbis are buried, and meet some of today’s Jews who are still living in Poland.  The country happens to also be a strong supporter of Israel so you will learn about this cooperation and partake in various cultural local folk dance and singing activities.  In addition Poland is rapidly becoming a major tourist destination and you will have a day to ski at a resort. Click here for more on Poland

Italy (Spring 2012 Only) – Thousands of years of western and Jewish history will be explored as students visit Rome and Venice.  Feasting on the delicious Italian cuisine and exploring the country’s rich culture, participants will enjoy a week of discovery of many of Italy’s treasures.  Highlights will include a gondola ride in Venice, the Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Vatican, as well as a memorable Shabbat spent with the local Jewish community. Click here for more on Italy