How do I apply?
To apply for the Aardvark Israel Gap Year or Semester program, please fill in and submit the simple online registration forms and pay your $100 application fee (securely through Paypal.)  The deadline for applying is July 15 for the year-long and fall semester programs and November 1 for the spring semester.  Applications submitted after these dates will be accepted based on availability - all efforts will be made to accept late applicants!

Who can apply?
All Jewish, recent high school graduates and university students are encouraged to apply.  Our goal is to bring as many young people to Israel as possible to give them a positive Jewish and Zionist experience.

When does the program start and end?
The Gap Year program begins in Israel on September 1, 2010 and ends May 31, 2011.  The Semester program for Fall 2010 begins August 15, 2011 and ends January 16, 201.  The Spring 2011 Semester begins January 16, 2011 and ends June 16, 2011.

Where do participants live?
Participants live in furnished apartments in desirable neighborhoods of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with other students from the program.  Each student spends half of the year in Jerusalem and half in Tel Aviv.  Participants in the Aardvark Israeli Military Program will live on an army base for a portion of that Special Interest semester but will also have an apartment to come back to during free weekends.  Students will have the opportunity to shop for their groceries, cook their meals, clean their apartments and generally look after themselves, under the watchful supervision of qualified counselors.  Understanding that this will be the first time many participants are living on their own, staff will work with each apartment group to ensure a positive group dynamic and the health and welfare of the participants.  Throughout the year, the counselors hold weekly apartment meetings to facilitate and solve any issues which may arise, and also pay friendly visits to the students’ apartments often.  As the year progresses, the students will be encouraged to be more independent in their problem-solving in order to foster growth and maturity.

How do participants travel around Israel?
Participants will each receive a monthly local bus pass which will allow them to travel around the city in which they are living (Jerusalem or Tel Aviv) using the public bus system. This will enable them to get to and from their volunteer placements, classes and explore the city. Private busses will be provided by the program for all group activities outside of the city, such as hiking trips, field trips, and seminars.  An extensive network of inter-city busses and trains makes travel between cities easy as well.  While students are responsible for their own travel during their free time, the staff is always available to help them plan their free weekends or chofesh (vacations).

Can I earn academic credit which is transferable to North American universities?
Yes, the Aardvark Israel Gap Year and Semester Programs are operated in partnership with the American Jewish University (AJU) which is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the organization providing accreditation for colleges and universities in the western United States.  Participants may earn up to a year’s worth of credit on the program upon successfully completing course requirements which, like all universities, will include quizzes, exams, papers and other assignments. Students are encouraged to consult with the college or university they wish to attend after Aardvark Israel in order to ascertain which courses are appropriate and will be most readily transferable.  It is within the discretion of each college or university to determine transfer credit eligibility.  Students may choose to defer their university acceptance or apply for college while in Israel.

Aardvark students are also encouraged to consider attending the American Jewish University in Los Angeles.  The AJU is a Jewish, non-denominational and highly eclectic institution.  With one of the lowest faculty-student ratios in the country, the professors in the College of Arts and Sciences don’t address the classroom, they engage each student in dialogue.  Students wishing to continue their studies after the year in Israel at the AJU, should be in touch with the Director of Admissions for the AJU regarding the application process.  Once accepted, Aardvark participants will receive full credit for their studies on Aardvark Israel.  Special scholarships are also available to Aardvark graduates.

How do we pay for the program?
The application fee must submitted at the time of registration using Paypal, which provides a secure link online.  Tuition payments may be submitted by credit card or bank transfer.  Detailed payment information will be provided after registration.  

Are there any scholarships available?  Can we pay in installments?
Yes, you are welcome to pay in installments provided your tuition is paid in full by the appropriate deadlines.  There are many scholarships available for gap year programs such as Aardvark.  Please see the scholarship page of our website for specific information.  Those in need of additional assistance should also be in touch with our staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that we can help you identify possible sources of scholarship and additional forms of assistance. For more info...

How do you keep the participants safe?
Aardvark Israel Gap Year and Semester Programs operate as a part of the MASA program of the Jewish Agency.  We receive security updates on an ongoing basis and adjust security guidelines for the students accordingly (this includes restricting their free time when necessary).  When going out on excursions and hikes we always obtain clearance and guidance from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.  All students are required to have a cellular phone from Israel Phones which allows the program staff to utilize the technology to locate all students in the event of an emergency.  Furthermore, all the phones are united in one text messaging service so we can send immediate guidelines and warnings to students if the situation warrants.  Aardvark Israel also has a strict safety and security in place and participants must comply by these rules.

Is there a meal plan available?
Students will be living in furnished apartments, including kitchen equipment and utensils.  Since every persons’ eating habits are different, in our experience working with student groups, we have found it is most cost effective and therefore beneficial to everyone for each student to be responsible for his/her own needs with regards to food.  It is for this reason, the cost of meals has been deducted from the price of tuition and each participant is responsible for their own food costs.  However, each apartment group will be encouraged to pool some of their resources so as to most efficiently manage their funds.  The counselors and staff of the program will work with each group to help them learn to budget, shop, and cook for themselves.  

How do I get a cell phone?
Aardvark Israel Gap Year and Semester Program participants are required to rent an Israeli cell phone for the duration of the program through an exclusive arrangement with ‘Israel Phones,’ a company which offers competitive rates, including free calls to the other participants on the program.  ‘Israel Phones’ is a highly respected company which provides phone service to many tourists and long term visitors to Israel.  Phones will be distributed within the first day or two of the program by a representative of the phone company.  All participants must have their cell phone with them and charged at all times.  Complete details as to rates and how to register will be available in June.

Who can parents contact in Israel with questions or concerns prior to or once the program has begun?
The staff in Israel working with the students is also available to parents to answer any questions or concerns which may arise.  Weekly e-newsletters will also be sent from Israel updating you on the activities and events going on within the program.  There is also an emergency phone number that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in case of emergencies.

How much free time is there for participants?
Many weekends are free and many optional activities are available for those who wish to participate during their free weekends.  In addition, hiking and camping equipment is available to those who wish to take advantage of their weekends to explore Israel on foot. Many evenings are also free.  There are optional programs offered throughout the week during the evenings for those who are interested.  There are also two vacation periods during the year – Winter break and Pesach (Spring) Break.

When is the best time for parents to come to visit?  When can students visit home?
There are two vacation periods during the year – Winter Break and Pesach (Spring) Break. The dates of winter break are December 24, 2010 – January 3, 2011.  The dates of Pesach break are April 15-26. 2011. These are the best times for parents to visit their child or bring them home as participants will not miss any part of the program during these dates.  Students are expected to be full participants in the program except if there are extenuating circumstances.

Do I need to have my own health insurance?
Basic medical insurance is provided by the program.  Coverage includes doctor’s visits, medications, and emergency care for most illnesses and incidents which may arise during the program.  Pre-existing conditions are excluded, as well as other limitations applying, therefore students are encouraged to maintain their own private health insurance from their country of origin.  Specific information detailing the medical insurance policy is made available to participants’ families prior to the start of the program.  In addition, upon arrival to Israel, students will be briefed about how to use the health services and where to which local English-speaking doctors and pharmacies are recommended.

Can I volunteer for Magen David Adom (the Israeli ambulance service)?
Yes, by enrolling in the Mind-Body Connection Special Interest Program.  Exclusive to this exciting add-on program, participants have the option to take the intensive training course of Magen David Adom (MADA) and upon successful completion of the exam, will be able to volunteer with Israel’s ambulance service.

Can I do the Marva army program?
Yes, by enrolling in the Israeli Military Special Interest Program.  Exclusive to this challenging add-on program, participants are given the opportunity to sign up for the Jewish Agency’s two-month simulated basic training “Marva” program run in conjunction with the Israeli Army.

Can I participate in more than one Special Interest Program?
Yes – we encourage you to do this in order to custom design your year in Israel to best suit your interests.   Most of the Special Interest programs run for one semester, enabling a participant to choose two over the course of the year.  In addition, students may also sign up for  the Special Interest Weekend/Holiday program (Hiking the Israel National Trail)  Please see the add-on section of the website for more info about Special Interest Programs.

Will there be internet access?
Every apartment will have wireless internet access, so you will be able to skype, e-mail and share photos with each other as often as you like.

Who is supervising my child?
The Aardvark Israel staff are a highly experienced group of educators and administrators and together with trained madrichim (counselors) will be supervising your child. Our goal is for your child to successfully complete the year in a healthy and happy way, which allows them to explore both their connection to Israel and Judaism.

Can my child travel into the West Bank?
Your child may only travel on his/her free time into the West Bank with your written permission and even then only with the permission of the program staff, who will make the determination based on the advice of our security advisors and their current recommendations. There will be some group trips to specific sites within the West Bank, during which participants will be escorted by security personnel.

What is the drug and alcohol policy?
There is a strict no tolerance policy for drugs on the program.  Drinking in Israel is legal from the age of 18 and thus participants are allowed to drink as long as they do so responsibly.  Drinking is a privilege and not a right and may be revoked if it is determined by the staff to be in the best interest of the participant and/or the program.

How do I fly to and from Israel?
Round trip airfare to/from Israel is not included in the program tuition in order lower the costs to the participant.  Students are welcome to fly on the airline of their choice or purchase a ticket using frequent flier miles.  Our travel agent, who specializes in Israel travel, will be in touch with participants’ families several months prior to departure in order to assist in finding the best fares to suit each student’s needs.  A preferred flight will be offered to the group as an option.  

How much spending money will I need?
The amount of spending money you will use will depend on your personal spending habits, but you should expect that you will need approximately $1500 for the year for meals and approximately $150-300 per month to cover the cost of entertainment,  occasionally eating out, and transportation and attractions in your free time.  Most gap year participants find that they prefer to use their ATM card from home or a pre-paid Payoneer MasterCard debit card to withdraw cash and make purchases in Israel.   Payoneer is a US-based company with offices in Israel providing financial services to a large number of gap year students in Israel.   Further details will be provided in preparation for departure.

Should I bring my laptop?
Yes!  Gap year students highly recommend bringing a laptop.  It is also highly recommended to insure your laptop for the duration of the year.

How religious is the program?
Aardvark Israel Gap Year and Semester Programs are multi-denominational with student populations representing the entire spectrum of Jewish practice from secular to orthodox.  We strive to blend these backgrounds together to make as comfortable an environment as possible for everyone, while also encouraging the students to learn from each other and accommodate each other's needs creating a dynamic, caring community.  Kosher food and utensils are provided and program activities on Shabbat are respectful of the observance level of the participants.

If I’m living in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, will I get to see the rest of the country?
Yes, participants will have a variety of field trips throughout the country and even have the chance to volunteer in several low socio-economic and remote towns.   Trips will include visits to kibbutzim and moshavim, the Negev Desert in the South, the Northern Galilee, the Golan Heights, the Sea of the Galilee, and the Dead Sea, Masada and more!  Students are also highly encouraged to take advantage of their free time to explore the country.  A trip consultant is available to students to help plan their free weekends and camping equipment is available to borrow.

Will I have to buy books for my courses?
All readings are provided to the students and there is no book fee.  Notebooks and school supplies are not included and may either be brought from home or bought in Israel.

I have additional questions, who can I speak to?
Please email your questions to the staff of Aardvark at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will promptly provide you with answers!

Why is the program called Aardvark?!?!
It’s a secret.  We can’t tell you until you get here…  See you then!