Jerusalem Experience

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Jerusalem Experience is broken into three phases: Orientation, Hebrew Studies (Ulpan), and Placement.

• Orientation Orientation begins the moment each participant arrives in Israel and lasts for the first week of the program. It is an opportunity to meet your fellow participants, acquaint yourself with the staff, and get settled on your new journey in Jerusalem. Jerusalem Experience participants will also be introduced to their host families during this time allowing participants to feel at home in Jerusalem from the very beginning of the program.

• Hebrew Studies through Ulpan follows the completion of Orientation. It takes place every day for two weeks and will prepare Jerusalem Experience participants to communicate effectively in Hebrew during their everyday life in Israel. Once placements begin, Ulpan continues for fewer days and hours a week, though Hebrew Studies remain a consistent part of the Jerusalem Experience to reinforce the language skills developed during the intensive period of study.

• Placements begin after completing Orientation and Hebrew studies. This is to ensure that the Jerusalem Experience participants have passed the stage of settling into Israel and can communicate with their internships from Day One. During this time, interns are also involved in several group activities and excursions in order to strengthen the participants' appreciation and knowledge of Israel and what the country has to offer.

Oranim understands the difficulty faced when working in a country that speaks a completely different language than one's native tongue. As such, we provide the indispensable benefit of having two weeks of Ulpan before placements begin, with the classes continuing two nights a week throughout the remainder of the Jerusalem Experience. By learning in the classroom and having the opportunity to practice your new language skills around the city, facilitating understanding through full immersion.

Over the weekends, we will provide you with ample opportunities to explore the rest of Israel's exciting and historical locations. Whether on your own or on coordinated trips, we will allow you to discover all that Israel has to offer over the five months you are here. Furthermore, the coordinator will encourage you to take advantage of everything that Jerusalem has to offer by planning group events around the city on days off or in the evenings. We want you to learn the ins and outs of the city, to learn about Jerusalem's rich history, and to experience life like a real Israeli. The coordinator will also be available to give suggestions on how to spend your free time in order to cater to your specific interests. Our interns will have numerous opportunities to attend MASA seminars, Shabbatons, and other events with participants from all other MASA programs.

The majority of your time in Jerusalem will be spent working at your placements. You will be given the chance to give back to Israel through volunteer work. Even if you decide to pursue an internship for the duration of the program, you will be spiritually fulfilled by the experience of volunteering with Israeli youths, conserving the beautiful Israeli environment, or tying your hobbies into worthwhile projects to serve the community. We promise you will finish the Jerusalem Experience with a professional edge and the pride that Tikun Olam fills your heart with.

Once you arrive in Jerusalem, the city coordinator will introduce you to a host family with whom you can spend holidays, Shabbats, and other various events with. This will not only allow you to have a home away from home, but provide you with another view of Israeli culture. Host families allow you to eat, relax, and get to know the less advertised side of Jerusalem living.