Below is a list of our most frequently asked questions. Is there something you want to know that's not below? If so, visit our Contact Us page to ask us your question.
- What is the difference between Community Involvement Gap Track and the regular community involvement program?
Community Involvement Gap Track is designed specifically for mature individuals immediately following their high school graduation. One of the central differences between the two programs is that Gap Track provides a more comprehensive package: it includes flights between New York and Tel Aviv-Yafo, health insurance, and a monthly meal stipend – for only $5000! The regular program is available only to individuals between the ages of 20 and 30. Community Involvement Gap Track is available only to individuals between the ages of 18 and 20.
- What does the Community Involvement program offer me?
Community Involvement offers you an incredible opportunity to spend 5 meaningful months immersed in Israeli society as a functioning member of the community. You will be exposed to life in Israel by living among its citizens and working together strengthening your ties with the country and its people. You are not a tourist, you're family! Working in communities our volunteers play a key role in the lives of many. Whether helping youth realize a potential they thought not possible or simply giving care to the elderly, Community Involvement volunteers are able see and feel the impact they have within the community.
- When should I apply?
It is recommended that you apply two-three months before you intend to begin.
- How do you apply?
Beginning the application process is simple. Start by completing the Preliminary Application form. Within 24-48 hours after you submit your application, an Israel Service Corps team member will contact you to conduct a phone interview. Upon completion of the phone interview, you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance to the program and asked to fill out Additional Forms and post a $500 deposit. (You will receive the full $500 deposit back after successfully completing the program.)
- Who can join the program?
Program participants must be Jewish, English-speaking, between the ages of 18-31, have not been on an organized long-term program in Israel since September 2004 and have graduated high school by the program start date.
- What kind of certificate do I get at the end of the program?
At the end of the program, participants will take part in a farewell ceremony. There, each participant who successfully completed the program will get a certificate from Oranim and JCC detailing your participation in the program. The certificate is also signed by the municipality in which you volunteered in.
- What language is the program conducted in?
The program is conducted in English. All participants must have a high comprehension level of English in order to take part in all activities.
- Can I learn Hebrew on the Community Involvement program?
Absolutely! Part of our three-phase structure includes a minimum of four weeks of Ulpan (intensive Hebrew studies).
- Who is responsible for the group in Israel?
Israel Service Corps is a project of Oranim Educational Initiatives. Approximately every 30 participants will have a Madrich assigned to them (approximation is based on size of group per city). On trips, the group will also be accompanied by a licensed Tour Educator, as well as a medic/security guard when necessary.
- What will my day look like?
The program is divided into three phases: Orientation, Hebrew Studies and Volunteering. To get a better idea of the typical program structure, take a look at our Sample Schedule.
- Do I have any required responsibilities besides reporting for work at my volunteer placements?
In addition to your volunteer work, the program includes informational and educational seminars as well as day and overnight trips. Participation in all of the above is required.
- How much does the program cost?
The program costs $5000 and includes airfare between New York and Tel Aviv-Yafo, health insurance, a monthly meal stipend, group activities and travel, and a MASA grant.
- Is the cost of airfare included in the price?
The cost of airfare between New York and Tel Aviv-Yafo is included.
- What about banking?
Most banks throughout Israel provide all the banking services that participants need including ATM machines. Most international debit cards work with Israeli ATM machines (be sure that your PIN is only four-numbers to work in ATM machines in Israel). Money can be exchanged into shekels at any of the local change stands or at any of the major post office branches. The Israel Service Corps office also has a safe where money and small valuables such as passport and flight tickets, may be kept.
- What computer facilities are there and can I bring a laptop?
All program apartment or villas are connected to secured high speed wireless internet. As long as your laptop has a wireless card, you should be set to surf in minutes!
- Will I have a chance to get to know Israelis?
Yes. Each program participant is paired up (or "adopted") with a host family near to the community in which they are volunteering. There are plenty of chances to meet Israelis during the program: your teachers, the staff and tour guides, medics, community members, etc. Israel Service Corps will even hold occasional events with groups of Israeli peers your age.
- How many hours per week are I required to be volunteering?
Program participants are required to volunteer for a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program Coordinators will help you create a volunteer schedule that works for you.
- If I don't like my volunteer placement or I don't fit in there, will I be able to transfer to another volunteer placement?
During the Orientation phase of the program, Program Coordinators work with each participant individually to set them up with volunteer placements that fit their specific interests. Should an arranged volunteer placement not work out, the participant should contact the Program Coordinator and request assistance in finding another volunteer placement.
- How can I rent a cell phone?
Israel Service Corps works with Israel Phones to offer participants the best rental rates possible while in Israel. In addition to superior rates, calls within the group are free! More information on ordering your phone can be found in the Additional Forms section.
- Are there any security concerns?
Israel Service Corps arranges for all proper security measures, including an armed escort and medic when necessary on all organize trips and excursions. We encourage students not to visit potentially dangerous areas such as the West Bank while in Israel. A Safety & Security session will be held during the Orientation phase of the program.
- Do I need to arrange a visa?
Tourists receive an automatic 3-month visa upon arrival in Israel. Israel Service Corps will arrange visa extensions with the Ministry of Interior near the end of the first three months (for a fee in shekels). If you leave Israel on your own and re-enter as a tourist, you receive another free automatic three-month visa. (On re-entry to Israel from Egypt or Jordan, tourists receive a visa for only one month.)
- Where can I get more details?
Still have questions that weren't answered here? Simply visit our Contact Us page to ask us your question.
Photos
Videos
Facebook
Twitter
