Come on a Gap Year in Israel and achieve personal and professional growth that will better prepare you for university, and beyond!
Spend Your Gap Year in Israel
Are you interested in the opportunity to spend a semester or year experiencing another culture – volunteering, interning, studying, developing your Jewish identity, or having an adventure – before you head off to college?
Apply Now to a Gap Year Program in Israel
A gap year in Israel with Masa Israel Journey offers college-bound high school graduates the opportunity to gain a global perspective and a taste of independent living – all while having an incredible Israel experience.
Our gap year programs in Israel allow college-bound students to experience living independently, to see things through an international lens, and to encounter Israel first-hand. During their gap year in Israel, program participants are able to live like locals and understand what it means to live in Israel.
professional & social networks
impressive, enhanced resume
Why spend a gap year in Israel before college?
Israel offers a unique environment in which pre-college students can explore their interests while exploring Israel. From the more than 2,000-year-old Western Wall in Jerusalem to the newest art in Tel Aviv, there’s something for everyone. Israel combines thousands of years of history with new and exciting adventures.
Many universities across North America recommend that students defer their formal education for a semester or a year before deciding what they want to study. While on a gap year program in Israel, students can have an information education and discover their passions.
Our Israel gap year programs offer students the chance to live independently before going to college. This means that they will live in a foreign country and take part in all it has to offer including nightlife, culture, and much more.
For your convenience, you can compare all of Masa’s gap year programs in Israel here.
What our alumni say
Who is a gap year in Israel for?
Our Israel gap year programs are designed for Jewish college-bound high school graduates who are looking to have an international experience before starting their degree:
A gap year in Israel isn’t a year off, it’s a year on! When you’re on your Israel gap year program you’re learning about what interests you, all while experiencing Israel as a local. This is your chance to have an adventure before starting your degree.
FAQs on Spending a Gap Year in Israel
What is a Gap Year in Israel?
A gap year in Israel with Masa is a unique opportunity that allows recent high school graduates to learn, intern and volunteer in Israel for an extended period, ranging from five to ten months.
Masa is an organization that partners with various Israeli organizations to offer a wide range of gap year programs that cater to different interests, backgrounds, and goals. Some of these programs focus on Jewish studies, while others focus on community service, leadership development, or career exploration.
Fellows on a Masa gap year program engage in a variety of activities and experiences that help them connect with Israeli culture, society, and history. These include volunteering with local organizations, studying Hebrew, exploring the country’s natural and historical sites, and participating in workshops and seminars.
Overall, a gap year in Israel with Masa is a transformative experience that helps young adults grow personally, academically, and professionally while deepening their connection to Jewish heritage and the State of Israel.
What programs are available for a gap year in Israel?
A gap year in Israel offers many exciting personal growth and development opportunities. Non-affiliated gap programs provide a wide range of specializations, studies, and volunteer opportunities, focusing on a rich social and educational curriculum. You can gain college credit toward your degree through academic programs while immersing yourself in Israeli culture. For members of youth movements, a classic year of training based on ideological principles can provide a unique opportunity for personal and ideological growth. Additionally, the Masa Year of Service track allows fellows to engage in meaningful volunteer work within a national service framework. Overall, a gap year in Israel offers a chance to explore new interests, make lifelong connections, and gain valuable experiences that will shape your future.
What are the benefits of a gap year in Israel?
Taking a gap year in Israel can offer many benefits for students. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and traditions. Additionally, participants can develop important life skills such as independence, leadership, and problem-solving. Other benefits include building a global network of peers and mentors, improving language skills, and gaining work experience through internships or volunteer programs.
The three most important pieces of information regarding the benefits of a gap year in Israel are:
1. A gap year in Israel offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and traditions.
2. Participants can develop important life skills such as independence, leadership, and problem-solving.
3. Other benefits include building a global network of peers and mentors, improving language skills, and gaining work experience.
Can I earn college credits during my gap year in Israel?
Yes, earning college credits during your gap year in Israel with Masa Israel Journey is possible. Several of the programs offered by Masa Israel Journey, such as the Academic Fellowship, allow fellows to earn college credit towards their degrees.
To qualify for college credit, fellows must meet the program’s academic requirements and receive approval from their home institution. Masa Israel Journey works closely with partner universities to ensure that credits earned during the program are recognized and transferable.
Earning college credit while participating in a gap year program can be a great way to combine travel and cultural immersion with academic advancement. It also allows participants to gain a global perspective and develop valuable skills that will benefit them in their academic and professional careers.
Additional Information and Resources about Taking a Gap Year in Israel
What Part Does Masa Play in Your Gap Year in Israel?
Everything You Need to Know About Gap Year and University
Logistics
Spend a Gap Year in Israel, Learn Hebrew, Live it like a local
Immersive Experience in Israel
Your Israel, Any Way You Want It
Why wait? Get started now
"*" indicates required fields