Real Life Israel | Israel Immersion Program
FAQ
Got questions about Real Life Israel? Get your answers here!
- What are the program dates?
- What is the tuition?
- What scholarships or grants are available?
- Why is the program based in Jerusalem?
- Where in Jerusalem will we be living?
- What are the apartment and living arrangements like?
- Who pays the rent, utilities, groceries and travel expenses?
- Do I have to make Aliyah or consider making Aliyah to participate?
- Is this a religious or secular program?
- Do I have to know Hebrew to be able to participate?
- Where will I be interning/volunteering?
- Can I get an adoptive family?
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- What are the upcoming program dates?
A: The Spring 2011 session runs from Feb. 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011. The Fall 2011 session will start on September 1, 2011 and end in late January 2012. Apply now -- space is limited and enjoy reducted tuition if you apply and pay your deposit early. - What is the tuition?
A: Please see the Tuition & Scholarship page for details. - What scholarships or grants are available?
A: MASA Israel Journey provides grants of $3000 towards participation. Participants can apply for additional needs based scholarships from MASA as well as seek financial aid locally. Learn more here. RLI has many participants who have received $4500 from MASA alone and have raised additional funds from Jewish Federations, organizations, family and friends. - Why is the program based in Jerusalem?
A: Every Jewish young adult should experience living in the Jerusalem area at some point in their life. Why? Because Jerusalem one of the world's most fascinating and intriguing cities -- if not the most! It also happens to be the eternal capital of the Jewish People and the capital of the State of Israel. No other place in Israel (or the world) offers as much diversity as Jerusalem does. Ancient and modern, religious and secular, urban and rural, culture, shopping art, nightlife, pubs, museums...action and down time -- Jerusalem pretty much has it all. What it doesn't have is a beach -- and that's a short hour away in Tel Aviv. Moreover, you'll be living in the BEST neighborhood of Jerusalem -- see below. - Where in Jerusalem will we be living?
A: The program apartments are located in Nachlaot neighborhood of Jerusalem. Not only is it the most centrally located area in all of Jerusalem, it also happens to be the coolest! Such a setting is important for our program as it grounds participants in "real life" in Israel. - What are the apartment and living arrangements like?
A: Each fully furnished apartment is set up for between 4-6 participants with shared rooms. There is an option for your own room for an additional charge. The apartments are within easy walking distance from one another. Learn more about what you get. - Who pays for rent, utilities, travel and groceries?
A: Your program tuition covers the rent and city taxes of the apartment, all utilities provided with the apartment and bus passes for free travel within Jerusalem. - Do I have to make Aliyah or consider making Aliyah to participate?
A: No. The Aliyah decision is an important personal decision. RLI provides the opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in Israeli society. Such "immersion" can give those considering living in Israel a great head-start. It can can also enrich the life of one who does not ultimately make Israel their home. - Is this a religious or secular program?
A: Real Life Israel is open and suitable to all young Jewish post-college individuals, whether religious, traditional or secular, Ashkenazi or Sephardi, etc. Our staff will work to ensure that all feel comfortable during the program, regardless of affiliation or background. - Do I have to know Hebrew to be able to participate?
A: No. Our Hebrew Ulpan is designed to provide you the practical skills to advance in your knowledge and usage of Hebrew, regardless of your present level. The 128 hours of ulpan will focus on the most practical aspects of the language -- what you'll need to know in the personal, social and professional aspects of your life. - Where will I be interning/volunteering?
A: Prior to the internship and volunteering aspect of the program, our staff will work with each participant to learn about their personal and professional aspirations. Then we'll work to find an internship/volunteering opportunity that advances and enhances your life. - Can I get an adoptive family?
A: If you are interested in being set up with an adoptive family with which you can spend Shabbatot/weekends and holidays, we'll work to match you with a family that shares your personal and/or professional interests.