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 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?
Community Involvement will be starting a group approximately once every 4-8 weeks, beginning May 2009. It is recommended that you apply at least 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 one week after you submit your application, an Admissions Advisor 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 $1000 deposit. You will receive your $1,000 deposit back upon successful completion of the program.
- Who can join the program?
Program participants must be Jewish, English-speaking, between the ages of 18-30, have not been on an organized long-term program 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 Educational Initiatives 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 an intensive Hebrew Ulpan for the first two weeks of the program and then broken down to twice per week until the completion of the program. Overall, you will enroll in 120 hours of Hebrew ulpan at the Beginner's level or 80 hours of Hebrew ulpan at the Advanced level.
- Who is responsible for the group in Israel?
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?
For participants from the USA and Canada over the age of 21, Community Involvement is FREE. The program cost varies based on age and country of residence. For a clear understanding of the cost of the program, please see the Tuition & Scholarships page.
- Is the cost of airfare included in the price?
The cost of airfare is not included in the program tuition. Airfare must be purchased separately.
- How much money should I bring with me?
Program tuition does not cover for daily expenses such as food or social outings. Remember to bring sufficient funds to cover such things as well as toiletries and additional travel. On average, participants are spending between $400-500 a month varying based on their lifestyle. Keep in mind: Israel is not an inexpensive country and plan accordingly.
- How can I get a scholarship to participate in the program?
Community Involvement is a recognized program of MASA Israel, and therefore, all program participants automatically receive a grant. The amount of the grant varies based on certain criteria and can be seen on our Tuition & Scholarships page. Additional needs-based funding is available from MASA Israel. Additional scholarship opportunities are available and can be found here.
- 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.
- Do I need health insurance while on the program?
Absolutely! You can never know what can happen while abroad. Be prepared! Each participant is responsible to purchase their own Israeli health insurance package for the duration of the program. Oranim has paired with an insurance provider at a reasonable price. The cost for the duration of the program is $300. Inside the Application Center you'll find detailed informatoin on the policy as well as all the necessary forms to complete and submit back to us.
- What are the living arrangements?
Participants live in fully-furnished modern apartments or villas within the communities they are volunteering. For more specific information and to view photos, please visit our Accommodations page.
- Can I arrange for independent accommodations?
No. Part of the experience of the program is living within the community. Program participants are required to live in the accommodations we arrange and provide.
- 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. We will even hold occasional events with groups of Israeli peers your age.
- Can I drop-out of the program prior to its conclusion?
No. Upon joining the program, participants are required to sign a contract that they are making a commitment to fulfill all the requirements of the program. From the start of the program, Oranim Educational Initiatives is responsible for you and your well-being. By leaving the program prior to its conclusion, you would be violating the terms of the contract that you signed. Should such a situation arise, you would be required to reimburse the funds invested in your participation in the program until that stage. In addition, if you leave the program before its conclusion, you will lose your MASA Israel funding and will be required to reimburse the program for that funding.
- How many hours per week are I required to be volunteering?
Program participants are required to volunteer for a minimum of 35 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?
We have partnered with 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 Application Center.
- Are there any security concerns?
Oranim Educational Initiatives 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. Oranim Educational Initiatives 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.
- I am thinking about making Aliyah. Should I come on the Community Involvement program first?
Yes. The Community Involvement program is a great beginning for someone who is considering Aliyah. You'll spend five months living in Israel within an established community and already begin to feel part of that community. Many program participants have chosen this route to make their arrival into Israel as an Oleh Hadash and easier and more comfortable one.
- Will Oranim Educational Initiatives help me to make Aliyah once I am in Israel?
Of course! There cannot be anything more exciting for us than to see an alumnus of one of our programs choose to start a life in Israel. Our staff will help you through the exciting yet bureaucratic process of making Aliyah as well as aid you in the search for accommodation, employment and social networks.
- 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.
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