What does WUJS Israel offer?
WUJS Israel has a number of key components that it offers its participants. These components include: career building, deep exposure to Israel - the culture, land, and people, Ulpan – Hebrew learning, development of a stronger Jewish identity, personal growth, and all that in a homelike atmosphere that encourages a sense of community.
What is included in my tuition?
The price includes: accommodation, local bus passes, intensive Hebrew Ulpan, tailor-made internship/mentor placement, weekly field trips, overnight trips, educational seminars and courses, Aliyah support, professional and caring staff.
The cost does not include: flight, food, health insurance, personal expenses and phone coverage.
Why is WUJS Israel the best post-college Israel program?
WUJS Israel provides the complete package with all the extras. We take a holistic approach at the concept of an Israel Experience. That is why we offer so much more than just an internship or just doing your art. Our program includes elements that help you better understand and become part of Israeli society, such as field trips, Hebrew language study, courses about Judaism, Zionism and Israel, meeting with Israelis, contribution to Israeli society and lots of opportunities for informal Jewish experience. These experiences are not limited to the beginning of the program but happen on a daily basis. WUJS Israel is also the only program that offers you a professional support system in your Aliyah process if you choose to stay in Israel.
Where can I get more information about WUJS Israel?
Very simple. Just click here and follow the instructions. Someone from the WUJS staff will contact you in the very near future.
What certification do I get at the end of the program?
Upon successfully completing the program, participants will receive a certificate from WUJS Israel in addition to a letter of recommendation from WUJS Israel staff and the internship placement where relevant.
What language is the program conducted in?
All classes and activities are conducted in English apart from the Hebrew language Ulpan. Although we have participants from all over the world speaking many languages, all official communication between the staff and the participants, such as group meetings, email updates, text messaging etc, is being done in English. In order to participate in the program you should have a decent level of English. It doesn’t have to be your mother tongue, but you need to be able to understand, speak, read and write in it, in a level that will allow you to participate in a discussion and to communicate with your staff and peers. Those participants who can communicate in Hebrew will have a wider choice of internship placements available to them.
I am thinking about making Aliyah. Should I come on WUJS Israel first?
Yes. WUJS Israel is a great stepping stone for someone who is considering Aliyah. Spending 5 months in Israel before Aliyah can provide ground for a soft landing into the country. Additionally, being on WUJS Israel will help you build professional and personal connections as well as a sense of community for when the program is over. Also, WUJS Israel makes special efforts to expose its participants to Israeli society and to help them feel comfortable in their surroundings.
Will WUJS Israel help me make Aliyah once I am in Israel?
Yes. WUJS Israel will help you through the exciting yet bureaucratic process of making Aliyah In the middle of the program there is an Aliyah seminar where you will hear from experts about Aliyah rights and benefits, education, employment, army, and navigating the Israeli bureaucratic system. Additionally, a WUJS staff member will help you create a resume in Hebrew and in Israeli standard, and will have five personal meetings to help you with apartment hunting and navigating employment websites.
Cost and Scholarship
How much does the program cost?
WUJS Jerusalem internship track: $7,600
WUJS Tel Aviv internship track: $7,750
WUJS Jerusalem Arts track: $7,850
WUJS Tel Aviv Arts track: $8,000
The price includes: accommodation, local bus passes, intensive Hebrew Ulpan, tailor-made internship/mentor placement, weekly field trips, overnight trips, educational seminars and courses, Aliyah support, professional and caring staff.
The cost does not include: flight, food, health insurance, personal expenses and phone coverage.
What about spending money?
Each participant must bring enough money for food, toiletries, transportation outside their city etc. Cost of living varies depending on the city that you live in. From past experience-the cost of living for participants in Jerusalem varies between $500-800 a month and the cost of living for participants in Tel Aviv varies between $600-900 a month.
Can I receive a MASA scholarship?
WUJS Israel is recognized by MASA. As such, all participants under 30 are eligible to apply for MASA funding.
Download an application for MASA funding or to read more about the MASA funding policy for your country.
What about other scholarship opportunities?
Many Jewish Federations, synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and other community organizations may provide scholarships for Israel programs. Should you require financial assistance, we encourage you to seek out and contact these funding sources as early as possible to meet any required deadlines.
WUJS Israel also has a scholarship fund that you can apply for by contacting info@wujsisrael.org
You can also refer to our scholarships page for more information.
Fastweb is another excellent resource for scholarship opportunities for program applicants.
What is the payment schedule?
- $100 application fee (non-refundable) to be paid upon submission of your application to WUJS Israel. This fee is not part of the tuition payments.
- Upon acceptance to the program first tuition payment of $US 1000.
- One month prior to program opening, payment of remainder of tuition.
What is WUJS Israel refund policy?
Application and Eligibility
How and when do I apply?
Click Here to access our short online application form. Once submitted, you will be contacted by our representative. Applications must be followed by a US$100 application fee that can be paid by check or credit card.
Please note: Application deadline is 30 days prior to the session's start date. All material must be received at WUJS Israel by the date of the deadline.
Am I eligible for WUJS Israel?
WUJS Israel is open to any Jewish, college or university graduate between the ages of 21-35. Those who have not technically graduated from college or university are also eligible for the program as long as they are between the ages of 21-35. Participants can be single, or married without children. In order to participate in the program you should have a decent level of English. It doesn’t have to be your mother tongue, but you need to be able to understand, speak, read and write in it, in a level that will allow you to participate in a discussion and to communicate with your staff and peers.
Can I be religious on WUJS Israel?
Absolutely! Beyond the opportunities to learn during program hours, participants are encouraged to explore and experience Judaism within a pluralist environment. On Shabbat, participants can enjoy one of the many communities within Jerusalem or Tel-Aviv, be they Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist or Secular. We want all of our participants to have the opportunity to be part of an environment rich with Yiddishkeit. At the same time you have to remember that most WUJS Israel participants are not religious. If possible we will try to create Kosher apartments to all those who keep kosher. In cases when this is not possible, we will provide you with your own utensils. With regards to Shabbat, all program activities will be "Shomer Shabbat" but participants are allowed to behave according to their own beliefs in their apartments. Being religious can mean different things to different people and the level of observance can vary significantly. If you have more specific questions on that matter please contact us at info@wujsisrael.org.
Before the Program Starts
Do I need to arrange a visa?
Yes. If possible, participants should arrange their A2 'MASA' visa with their local Israeli consulate before arriving in Israel. If that is not possible, participants receive an automatic 3-month visa upon arrival in Israel. WUJS Israel will then help you arrange visa extensions with the Ministry of Interior near the end of the first two months. More information will be provided after acceptance to the program.
What about medical insurance?
All participants must have medical insurance while on WUJS Israel. It is recommended that participants come with their own travel medical insurance from home. Alternatively, participants can buy tourist medical insurance in Israel. In general this does not cover pre-existing conditions and related medication.
Make sure to bring with you all your medical insurance documentation and details.
More information will be provided after acceptance to the program.
Should I bring my medicines with me?
Definitely Yes. If there are any medications you are taking on a regular basis, we highly recommend that you will bring enough of them to last for your entire stay in Israel and that you will have an extra prescription with you as well. Medication in Israel can be more expensive, or it could be that the brand you are used to does not exist here.
Also, although you can get medications for any condition in Israel, we recommend that you bring with you a little health kit with medications you sometimes take and work well for you: for headache, allergies etc, since your body will react better to medications you are used to.
What kind of documents should I bring with me?
You should bring at least two identifying documents with a picture of them.
If you plan on ever renting a car in Israel you should bring an international driving license.
You should scan and save online a copy of you passport.
Should I insure my belonging?
WUJS Israel's insurance does not cover your personal belongings. If you are bringing anything of value – jewelry, electronic devices, etc – they should be insured. Under no circumstances will WUJS Israel cover any damage lost or theft of your belongings.
Hebrew and Israelis
Can I learn Hebrew on WUJS Israel?
Yes, yes and yes! WUJS Israel offers a Hebrew language Ulpan. In addition, there are opportunities to mix with local Israelis through internships, social activities and simply living an everyday life in the Jewish State.
Does the fact that most people are English speakers affect the amount of Hebrew I am likely to learn?
Despite the preponderance of English speakers on the program, there are plenty of opportunities to mix with Israelis and to speak the language. It is true that students tend to use English outside the Hebrew class. However, you will find that you can speak as much Hebrew as you want to. Our students are highly motivated learners and the participant body is homogenous in terms of age. All this creates an atmosphere of serious study and enables motivated students to advance rapidly. Additionally, students can visit their adopted families frequently, do their own shopping and spend time volunteering within the community.
Will I have enough Hebrew at the end of the course to start work in Israel?
Your fluency in Hebrew upon leaving WUJS Israel will depend on three factors: how much Hebrew you started with, your own linguistic ability and the extent to which you apply yourself during the program. Generally, WUJS Israel provides its students with a very firm foundation on which they build, once they get out to work and begin to use the language on a day-to-day basis. If your profession is not one of those in which language is a tool of the trade, you should have enough Hebrew by the end of the course to start work. However, lawyers, psychologists, social workers, etc., may encounter more difficulty if they wish to work in their profession, until they acquire fluency.
Will I have a chance to get to know Israelis?
Yes, but it will depend on your own efforts to take advantage of the opportunities. Depending on the number of applicants who come on the program we invite Israeli peers - either students or young professional - to live in the building with WUJS Israel participants and to take part in some WUJS programming. The program also tries to build connections with Israelis through events and combined activities. These opportunities allow participants to meet Israelis of similar age, learn about Israeli society and culture, and make Israeli friends that will last a lifetime.
Internships
How many days a week and how many hours a day will I intern?
Internships are 4 days a week - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and participants can intern between 20-30 hours each week. All internship supervisors are informed of this arrangement before the internship begins. For WUJS Arts Tel Aviv internship is 2 days a week.
What is the process of assigning an Internship?
After you pay the first $1,000 you will be contacted by an Internship coordinator. You will schedule an online interview (usually via skype) to discuss your interests, your experience and your abilities, and to decide together what will be the best internship options for you. From that point until you start your actual internship you will be in constant touch with this coordinator to make sure the fit is right and the internship placement can accommodate your needs and you can contribute to them. Usually the internship coordinator will provide you with a couple of job descriptions in different internship placements, you will then have a chance to check them out and decide which one seems the best for you. The internship coordinators will make sure you internship placement is arranging everything for you, and that they have the right expectations. At the same time they will make sure that you have the right expectations from your placement.
Can I choose my place of internship?
Once the internship coordinator contacts you there will be a detailed discussion via Skype about the kind of internship you are looking for. If you already have organizations in mind, and even contact people, then the internship coordinator will be in touch with these organizations/people to arrange the internship and to provide them with information about WUJS Israel.
Please note that acceptance to an internship is often dependent on your experience and qualifications. In addition, those who have a good command of the Hebrew language will have more options available to them.
Can you guarantee me an internship in my field?
The internship coordinators on WUJS Israel do their best to cater the internship placements to the participants needs. They are all experienced and well connected in many internship fields. However, acceptance as an intern will depend on the skills and background of each participant and if the organization can accept interns at that time.
I want to use this opportunity as a career change - is that possible?
Yes, it is possible to explore a different field on WUJS Intern. However, having background in a specific field of interest will make it more likely to receive an internship in that field and to receive challenging work as an intern. Again, skills, experience, and background are key factors to an internship. If you wish to intern in a field where you have no experience, bare in mind that you might need to take a ground level job and start building your way up gradually. Remember that you will intern for almost 5 months, this is a long time to prove yourself worthy and to climb to more interesting meaningful positions. This is exactly the opportunity we in WUJS Intern are seeking to give you, but it might take some patience on your side.
I want to intern for an internationally based company- is that possible?
Yes, it is possible to intern for an internationally based company and many past WUJS interns have interned for such companies. Many of them have received job offers and are now paid employees of these companies, both in Israel and in their home countries.
Can I meet with someone at my internship placement before the program begins either on Skype or in person?
Yes. Once the internship coordinators have contacted certain placements a meeting is arranged with the intern to see if the placement is a suitable fit for both the intern and the internship placement.
Can I switch internships in the middle of the program?
As a general rule we do not encourage participants to switch internships in the middle of the program. Internship placements always prefer candidates who come for a long period of time, because serious internship take training and mentoring and it looks better on your resume if you intern at the same place for a significant amount of time. Our ability to switch your internship in the middle of the program depends on three factors:
When do you want to change? If after a short period of time you find that the internship placement does not meet your expectations, we will find you a new placement. But the longer you wait the harder it will be to find a meaningful internship.
What do you want to change into? It is possible to explore a different field on WUJS Intern. However, having background in a specific field of interest will make it more likely to receive an internship in that field and to receive challenging work as an intern. Again, skills, experience, and background are key factors to an internship.
Why do you want to change? If the participants behavior was the cause of terminating the previous internship – being late, rude or unprofessional – it will be their own responsibility to find a new internship placement.
What kind of support do I get from WUJS Intern during my internship?
WUJS Internship coordinators are in constant touch both with you and with the internship placement to make sure all is going well, and that both sides are satisfied (they also send your internships your entire schedule so they are aware what is going on with you outside the internship). In cases where there are minor issues between the intern and the internship placement (many times deriving from cultural differences), the coordinator will help you resolve them. In the rare cases that things do not work out between the intern and the internship placement, the coordinator will find a new placement.
Can my internship lead to a job offer?
Absolutely YES! Many of our participants have received job offers from their internship placements and are still working for them either in Israel or in their home-countries.
Arts
How much time per week will I have to dedicate to my art?
Participants on WUJS Arts Jerusalem will have three and a half days a week to work on their art projects and dedicate to their art. The requirements for participants on WUJS Arts Jerusalem are two classes each week, one in the morning and another in the evening. On some weeks there will be a field trip instead of these classes.
Participants on WUJS Arts Tel Aviv will have one and half days to devote to their art projects and dedicate to their art. The requirements for participants in WUJS Arts Tel Aviv are two days of internship and one arts class. On some weeks there will be a field trip instead of the class.
In both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem artists can also work on their art during the weekend.
Will I get my own studio?
Participants on WUJS Arts Jerusalem may use classrooms as a working place, based on availability. They would also have a small storage room to store their art work.
Participants on WUJS Arts Tel Aviv will discuss with their internship coordinator, the possibility of having access to a studio in their internship placement.
Participants who require more specific facilities such as advanced digital printers and scanners, pottery wheels or a dance studio will have to fund those themselves; however the WUJS staff can assist on locating those facilities before your arrival in Israel.
What type of artistic equipment do you have?
WUJS Arts Jerusalem's participants can have basic items such as easels and a closet to store materials. Other items will need to be bought by the participant and can be found in a number of stores in the neighborhood.
Participants on WUJS Arts Tel Aviv will discuss with their internship coordinator, what kind of equipment they will be able to use at their specific internship placement.
As a general rule, all artistic materials such as paint, clay, film etc, should be bought by the participant. Please note that some of these things are a lot cheaper in your home countries than in Israel and it might be worthwhile to bring them with you (depending of course on their size and weight). The same rule applies to any software or digital equipment you might need for your art. WUJS can assist you in finding this equipment in Israel but you will have to pay for it.
Should I bring my own artistic equipment (cameras, recording device, design software)
Yes. it is very important that all artists bring their own artistic equipment if possible. WUJS Arts is not an arts school and therefore we do not have art equipment. Additionally, there is certain artistic equipment that is not accessible in Israel or is very expensive. However, if certain items are impossible to bring on the program, the art coordinator will try to find the equipment in Israel, though the participant is responsible for any payments necessary.
My equipment is very expensive. Will is be insured by you?
No. artistic equipment will not be insured by WUJS Arts Program. It is the responsibility of the participant to insure any equipment before coming on the program.
Can you guarantee me an internship in my field (only applies to Tel Aviv)?
The internship coordinators on WUJS Intern do their best to cater the internship placements to the participants needs. However, acceptance as an intern will depend on the skills and background of each participant and if the organization can accept interns at that time.
Can I meet with someone at my internship placement before my internship begins (either in person or on Skype - only applies to Tel Aviv)?
Yes. Once the internship coordinator has contacted certain placements a meeting is arranged with the intern to see if the placement is a suitable fit for both the intern and the internship placement.
Who is this program for?
WUJS Arts Jerusalem is a program for artists looking to take some time to work on their art, expand their portfolio and be inspired by the amazing city of Jerusalem.
WUJS Arts Tel Aviv is a program for artists who are looking to combine working on their art and expanding their portfolios with earning some professional experience in an internship that is related to their art.
Both programs does not offer skills classes, but rather time and space to work on your art, and artistic community of peers and connection to the Israeli artistic scene.
Will I be able to participate in skills classes in my art (music, drawing. Fashion designing, pottery etc)?
You will be able to on your own expanse and time, since it is not part of what WUJS Arts offers. The arts coordinator will help you find a suitable teacher for you, but you will pay them on your own.
I am an actor/musician, and I want to perform while I'm in Israel. Will you help me in getting auditions or gigs?
WUJS Arts coordinators will do their best to connect you with auditions and venues where you can perform, but we cannot guarantee that they would accept you. No matter what kind of artist you are, you should take into consideration the option that you might be working on your art on your own and not show it in front of an audience. Luckily, WUJS Arts final show allows all artists to perform their art in front of an audience.
Program
What kind of informal education activities does WUJS Israel offer?
WUJS Israel is the only post college program that offers weekly field trips and classes, along with occasional overnight trips, speakers, holiday celebrations and parties. On top of those activities that were planed in advance for you, your madrich (counselor) will help you create your own activities according to the interests of your specific group – be it a football match, joint learning of Jewish texts or meeting with Israeli soldiers. We offer you programming 2-3 nights every week.
Are these activities mandatory? What if I just want to relax?
During the first month of the program all activities are mandatory in order for participants to be exposed for all the different options WUJS Israel offers them. After the first month a participant can choose whether or not they are interested in joining a class or a field trip or any other activity. The only thing that is mandatory throughout the program is attending a group meeting once a week. This is our time to meet as a community, pass information and discuss burning issues.
What do I do when I am not at my internship/studio or participating at WUJS Israel activities?
WUJS Israel accommodation in both Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv are conveniently located close to the cultural centers of the cities. During free time, this allows participants time to explore the many cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, theaters, shops, beach and more. Over the weekends, further exploring can be done around the country including camping, hiking and other leisure activities. WUJS Israel employs a weekend consultant who can help you plan your time effectively.
What does a typical week on WUJS Israel look like?
Staff
Who is responsible for the group in Israel?
WUJS Israel is a program run by Young Judaea's student division. Each city has a city coordinator who is usually also the internship coordinator and a counselor who is responsible for the education, wellbeing and personal connections with participants. On staff we also have an art coordinator, an Aliyah consultant and a weekend consultant.
To learn more about WUJS Israel Staff - http://www.wujsisrael.org/wujs-staff.html
Accommodation
Where will I live?
What are the living arrangements?
Typically, WUJS Israel participants live in apartments suitable for 4-6 people. Each apartment has at least 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living area. Participants should expect to be sharing a room. The apartments are furnished with basic items- beds, closets, sofas, table and chairs and all kitchen equipment needed to live comfortably.
Please note that for many people apartments in Israel are in lower standard then what they are used to. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are major cities, and like in all Major cities (imagine New York, or London) buildings are usually older and a bit run down. The location though is wonderful in both cities.
Can I be promised a single room on WUJS Israel?
No. Depending on the number of participants on the program and the availability of rooms it is possible to have a single. Living in a single room is an additional cost of $150 to the program. If for some reason a single room will not be available for you, we will notify you in advance and reimburse you.
If I live off campus will I receive a discounted price for the program?
No. The program has a fixed price and all participants pay the same amount whether they live in program housing or not.
Keeping in touch
How can I get a cell phone?
All participants of WUJS Israel MUST have a cell phone.
There are two options to get a cell phone while on WUJS Israel. You can either arrange for yourself a monthly contract with any of Israel's cell phone companies or you can rent a cell phone from Israel Phones. The monthly contract is usually cheaper per minute and is better for smart-phones. Israel phones allow participants to call each other free of charge and also offer special rates for overseas calls.
Israel phone can be arranged in advance via their website http://www.israelphones.com/ . Unfortunately Israeli cell phone companies do not have English versions of their website (they do have it in Russian if that helps you), but once you are in Israel every city has a costumer service center where there would be English speaking representatives.
How will people contact me while I am on WUJS Israel?
The most efficient way to keep in contact is online which is made easier by the fact that all WUJS Israel apartments have wireless access. In addition participants can receive packages through one of the WUJS Israel offices in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv.
Address for Jerusalem based participants:
Your name, WUJS Israel, PO Box 9241, Jerusalem, 91092, Israel
Phone: 972-2-632-2804
Fax: 972-2-672-2406
Address for Tel-Aviv based participants:
Your name, WUJS Israel, 1 Struma Street, Bat-Yam, 59515, Israel
Phone: 972-3-508-9570
Fax: 972-3-509-0760
What computer facilities are there and can I bring a laptop?
There are wireless routers in all WUJS Israel apartments. It is important for participants to bring laptops/smart-phones or tablet computers with them, since a significant amount of information is sent to them by e-mail, including weekly e-mails with schedules, sign up documents for trips, program activities and information on cultural activities taking place in the cities in which they live. People who are unable to go online on a daily basis will have a harder time following everything the program offers. All apartments will have wireless internet connection and many coffee shops and restaurants will have free internet access as well.
It is important to note that internet connection might not be as fast or as reliable as you are used to.
Miscellaneous
What is the weather like in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv?
Summers are very hot and Tel-Aviv is humid. The winters in Tel-Aviv are pleasant while in Jerusalem it can get very cold and even snow.
How do I do laundry?
In Jerusalem there are Laundromat facilities available in the apartment building. In Tel-Aviv, you will do your laundry in one of the local Laundromats. For a small fee you can also leave your laundry with them and they will do it for you.
Can I bring a pet?
No pets of any kind are allowed in WUJS Israel apartments.
Are there gym and sports facilities?
There is a medium size gym with all the necessary equipment in Jerusalem that is free of charge and that is shared with other Young Judaea Jerusalem programs. The hours of the gym are in the evening and range from 4pm-11pm.
In both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv participants can become members of local gyms that are conveniently located close to the apartment buildings. For the Young Judaea gym in Jerusalem and the local gyms in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, participants must bring a letter from their doctor stating that they are in proper physical condition.
What about Transportation?
From Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv WUJS Israel participants have direct buses to almost the entire country. Participants also receive a monthly bus pass that provides free transportation within the cities of Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv respectively.
What about banking?
The banks in Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv provide all the banking services that participants need including ATM machines. Most international debit cards work with Israeli ATM machines. Money can be exchanged into shekels at any of the local Change stands in either city or at any of the major post office branches. The WUJS Israel offices each have a safe where money and small valuables such as passport and flight tickets, may be kept.
If you wish to open a bank account in Israel, it is highly recommended to contact the bank in advance to find out what kind of documents you will need. In most cases two identifications cards with pictures on them will be enough, but some banks might want to see a transcript from your home bank or any other thing.
It is highly recommended that upon arrival you will bring with you enough cash for the first two weeks of the program, for the rare case that something goes wrong with your credit card or bank account.
Are there any security concerns?
On all excursions, WUJS Israel arranges for all proper security measures, including an armed escort and medic when necessary. We encourage students not to visit potentially dangerous areas such as the West Bank while in Israel. Further security instructions are given upon arrival to the program.
