FAQ
Q: How does someone apply?
A: Register via the online application and pay the $50 non-refundable deposit. You will then be contacted for a phone interview.
Q: Who is right for this program?
A: Amirim is perfect for anyone who has already been to Israel. It is suited for those who have had a taste of what Israel has to offer and are looking for a way to come back and contribute to Israeli society. Someone who wants to spend quality time in Israel, live in apartments just like and with Israelis, volunteer for a meaningful organization, mix with Israelis everyday, pick up and use some Hebrew, and experience the culture – this program is for them. Of course, this program is also good for people who have already been to Israel many times and want a new and different experience
Q: Can someone participate on Amirim if he/she hasn’t been to Israel before?
A: While they are allowed to apply, applicants who have not been to Israel before MUST speak with Yael Libedinsky, who manages the program, at yael.libedinsky@youngjudaea.org or 917-595-2100 ext 203. Yael will explain the mode of the program and assess whether the applicant has the right expectations and would be suitable to attend. Amirim does not provide the traditional program of touring Israel that is typical of first time visits. Amirim does not provide the traditional program of touring Israel that is typical of first time visits.
Q: How does someone apply?
A: Register via the online application and pay the $50 non-refundable deposit. You will then be contacted for a phone interview.
Q: How does someone get accepted?
A: After your interview is completed and your application is reviewed, you will be notified via e-mail of acceptance. If you are sent an acceptance offer, you will be responsible for paying the non-refundable acceptance fee (25% of the program tuition) within 2 weeks of the offer. This will hold your spot in the program.
Q: Who comes on Amirim?
A: Participants are college students and young professionals, ages 18-27, who come from North America, Europe, Israel, and many other countries. Most participants have visited Israel previously.
Q: Is airfare included in the tuition?
A: No, you need to make your own travel arrangements to and from Israel. Late arrivals to the program and early departures from the program are not allowed.
Q: Can participants arrive before the start of the program or stay later?
A: Yes. Please note: all participants are responsible for arranging their own flights. Participants are welcome to come early, or stay late in Israel, but it’s their responsibility to take care of their own transportation and accommodations before the program begins and after it ends. Participants will not be allowed to enter the Amirim apartments early or stay at the apartments after the program ends. (Check out from the apartments is at noon on the last day of the program).
Q: How does one get from the airport to the apartments?
A: There will be two pick up times for each session which will be announced closer to the program’s start date. These pick up times will be based upon participant flight arrival times. Participants will be notified of the pick up time options two weeks prior to the beginning of the program.
Participants will be responsible for their own transportation back to the airport at the end of the program.
Q: Can students get college credit from Amirim?
A: Undergraduate college students who register for the 8 week Jerusalem session can earn 3 service credits for an additional cost. The credits are allocated by the American Jewish University in Los Angeles through their “Community Volunteering – Service Learning” course.
It is the responsibility of the participant to determine whether their college of choice will accept AJU credits. Colleges often make the determination whether to accept transfer credits on a course-by-course basis.
Q: What kind of organizations can a participant choose from?
A: We offer a variety of organizations that deal with various issues in Israeli society. The fields we work with include education, women’s rights, co-existence, health, community building, children, human rights, animal rights, the gay and lesbian community, and more. If someone is interested in a different field, we would be very happy to try to find an option for him/her.
Q: Is there Ulpan available on the program?
A: Yes! Participants on the Arad session may have an optional Ulpan component on their program for an additional cost. There is no Ulpan component for the Jerusalem and Bat Yam sessions, but our staff will be happy to recommend a local Ulpan which the participant can register for independently.
Q: How competitive is the program?
A: Since Amirim is one of our most popular programs, we do encourage people to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid being wait-listed. The program is on a first come, first serve basis.
Q: What does the price of the program include?
A: The price includes apartment and utilities (no phone), insurance (medical and third party), internship/volunteer placements, staff support and guidance, evening activities (twice a week), weekly day trips, two day opening trip and a two-day trip/hike at the end of each session. Jerusalem and Bat Yam participants will receive unlimited bus passes for the Jerusalem and Bat Yam/Tel Aviv areas, respectively. Arad participants will receive bicycles for traveling around the community.
Q: Are all the activities mandatory?
A: The two-day trip/hike at the beginning of the program is mandatory and every Sunday there will be a group session which is mandatory. All the other weekly day trips and evening activities are optional.
Q: Are there scholarships available for the program?
A: While we do not provide scholarships, we suggest participants contact their local Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, synagogue, Hillel, and other local Jewish organizations
For more information go to: Scholorship Opportunities
Q: What can someone expect for Shabbat?
A: Participants are free to make their own plans on Shabbat. There will be one optional Shabbat program for the 4 week session and two for the 8 week session (if the participants express an interest) additionally our staff is happy to provide suggestions/ideas on how to make Shabbat meaningful, special, and fun.
Q: What are the safety procedures on the program?
A: Like any other student program that Young Judaea runs, every trip will be coordinated through the security agencies in Israel. The rakaz (coordinator) for each group is in contact with Moked Teva (the official Hikes & Tours Command room in Israel) and will be aware of every safety and security issue. During the participant’s free time, guidelines will be given as to where it is recommended, and not recommended, to go.
Every participant must have an Israeli cell phone that they will have with them at all times while on the program. The phone should be able to receive standard text messages for meeting times, change of plans, alerts, and emergencies. We recommend renting a cell phone from IsraelPhone (http://www.israelphones.com/amirim.htm). Rental information will be provided to all participants when accepted to the program.
Q: What does the apartment set-up include?
A: Apartments include a basic kitchen setup (cooking materials, utensils, oven, microwave, stove, refrigerator/freezer, and basic kitchen supplies), table, chairs, sofa, bathroom with shower, pillows, blankets, and sheets. There will usually be four to six participants in each apartment with two people sharing a room.
Apartments are divided based on gender.
Q: Are meals provided on the program?
A: Participants are responsible for all meals on the program. Meals will be provided during the mandatory two-day orientation hike (opening Tiyul). We are happy to provide a starter kit of food upon arrival to each apartment on the first day.
“…The apartment was very nice and fit our needs exactly, lots of space, working kitchen…” – Alex. GA. 2012
Stay Connected on Facebook