FAQs, Hints and Useful Information
What does WUJS Israel Hadassah offer?
The WUJS program offers a unique combination of Jewish and Israel studies, professional work experience, Hebrew Ulpan, Jewish experiences, organized group tiyulim (hikes) and cultural events throughout Israel.
Why is WUJS Israel Hadassah the best post-college Israel program?
All WUJS program tracks take a holistic approach to the concept of an Israel Experience. Each of the tracks combines elements of Hebrew language study, Jewish study and experience, contribution to Israeli society and personal growth and development. In addition, all tracks take place within a warm yet dynamic environment and are supported by professional and experienced staff.
How and when do I apply?
Click Here to access our short online application form. Once submitted, you will receive an email from us with further instructions. Applications must be followed by a US$100 application fee that can be paid by check or credit card.
Please note: Application deadline is 60 days prior to the session's start date. All material must be received at WUJS by the date of the deadline.
Am I eligible for the WUJS program?
The Jerusalem Learning, Arts and Peace and Social Justice programs are open to any Jewish, college or university graduate between the ages of 21-35.
The Intern Tel-Aviv program is open to any Jewish person between the ages of 21-35.
Where can I get more information about the WUJS Israel program?
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 Hadassah in addition to a letter of recommendation from WUJS and the internship placement where relevant.
Can I learn Hebrew on the WUJS program?
Yes, yes and yes! All WUJS Israel tracks offer a Hebrew language Ulpan with multiple levels. In addition, there are opportunities to mix with local Israelis through internships, social activities and simply living an everyday life in the Jewish State.
What language is the program conducted in?
All classes and are conducted in English apart from the Hebrew language Ulpan.
Those participants who can communicate in Hebrew will have a wider choice of internship placements available to them.
Who is responsible for the group in Israel?
WUJS Israel Hadassah is a program run by Young Judaea's student division, YJ Impact!
What do I do when I am not learning or at my internship?
All WUJS Israel programs in 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.
Can I be religious on the WUJS Israel program?
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.
What does a typical week on the WUJS Israel program look like?
Please click on the links below to check out a typical week on each of our 4 tracks.
WUJS Jerusalem Learning
WUJS Arts
WUJS Peace and Social Justice
WUJS Intern Tel-Aviv
What are the living arrangements?
Typically, WUJS participants live in apartments suitable for 4 people. Each apartment has at least 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living area. The apartments are furnished with beds, closets, sofas, table and chairs and all kitchen equipment needed to live comfortably.
I am thinking about making Aliyah. Should I come on the WUJS Israel program first?
Yes. The WUJS Israel program is a great stepping stone for someone who is considering Aliyah. Spending 6 months in Israel before Aliyah can provide ground for a soft landing into the country by making the simple choice of an internship in Tel-Aviv or study program in Jerusalem.
Will the WUJS Israel program help me to make Aliyah once I am in Israel?
Yes. WUJS will help you through the exciting yet bureaucratic process of making Aliyah as well as aid you in the search for accommodation, employment and social networks.
How much does the program cost?
US$7600. The price includes accommodation, local bus passes, classes, internship, informal educational activities, overnight tiyulim (hikes) and partial food subsidy.
What about spending money?
Each participant must bring enough money for food, toiletries, transportation etc.
From the past experience of participants somewhere in the range of $250 - $500 a month is to be expected.
Can I receive a MASA scholarship?
WUJS Israel Hadassah is recognized by MASA. As such, all participants are eligible to apply for MASA funding.
Download an application for MASA funding or to read more about the MASA funding policy for your country.
What about other scholarship opportunities?
Many Jewish Federations, synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, and other community organizations may provide scholarships for Israel programs. Should you require financial assistance, we encourage you to seek out and contact these funding sources as early as possible to meet any required deadlines.
WUJS Israel also has a scholarship fund that you can apply for by contacting info@wujsisrael.org
Fastweb is an excellent resource for scholarship opportunities for program applicants.
What is the payment schedule?
-$US100 application fee (non-refundable) to be paid upon submission of your application to WUJS. 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.
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Can I drop out of the program prior to its conclusion?
Students canceling their participation in the program will be entitled to refunds of tuition payments made to WUJS as follows:
• Cancellation up to 2 months before the program begins – full refund of any tuition payment made.
• Cancellation up to 1 month before the program begins – refund of paid tuition minus $750
• Cancellation within the month before the program begins – refund of paid tuition minus $1000
• Cancellation/departure or other voluntary withdrawal by student up to one month after the program’s opening -refund of paid tuition minus $2,000.
• Cancellation/departure after one month into the program, no refund will be given.
Students dismissed or otherwise involuntarily removed from the WUJS program for disciplinary reasons at any time, will not be entitled to any refund of tuition.
How can I rent a cell phone?
Participants on the WUJS program are required to rent a cell phone from Israel Phones. This arrangement allows participants to call each other free of charge and also offers special rates for overseas calls. It also allows participants to receive the most up to date security information in Israel.
Does the fact that most people are English speakers affect the amount of Hebrew I am likely to learn?
Yes. Students tend to use English outside the Hebrew class. You will find, however, 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. There are Hebrew classes during the day and extra Hebrew tutoring is available to students in the evening. All this creates an atmosphere of serious study and enables motivated students to advance rapidly. Additionally, students can visit their adopting families frequently, do their own shopping and spend time volunteering within the community. All this means that, despite the preponderance of English speakers at on the program, there are plenty of opportunities to mix with Israelis and to speak the language.
Will I have enough Hebrew at the end of the course to start work in Israel?
Your fluency in Hebrew on leaving the WUJS Israel program 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, the WUJS Israel program 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. You may choose to be "adopted" by an Israeli family or you can do volunteer work in the local Israeli community. There are plenty of chances to meet Israelis during the program: your teachers, the staff and tour guides, medics, etc. WUJS Israel holds occasional events with groups of Israeli students.
How will people contact me while I am on the WUJS Israel program?
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: 972-2-632-2739
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 the WUJS apartments so feel free to bring a laptop. In addition there are computers in the student lounge in the Judaean Youth Hostel in Jerusalem with internet access and printing facilities.
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?
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. There is also the option of doing your laundry in the Judaean Youth Hostel.
Can I bring a pet?
No pets of any kind are allowed in WUJS Israel apartments or the Judaean Youth Hostel.
Are there gym and sports facilities?
In Jerusalem participants will have access to the gym and pool (during summer months) at the Judaean Youth Hostel. Participants must bring a letter from their doctor stating that they are in the 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.
What should my living expenditure be?
Depending upon your spending habits, a reasonable monthly budget for groceries, supplies, transportation, entertainment, etc. should be $US250-$US500 per month.
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.
Do I need to arrange a visa?
Tourists receive an automatic 3-month visa upon arrival in Israel. WUJS Israel will arrange visa extensions (for a fee in shekels) with the Ministry of Interior near the end of the first three months. If you leave Israel on your own and re-enter as a tourist, you receive another free automatic three-month visa. (On re-entry to Israel from Egypt or Jordan, tourists receive a visa for only one month.)
If I need certain medications, how should I arrange receiving them on the WUJS Israel program?
The medical insurance plan at WUJS Israel does not cover all pre-existing conditions, so if necessary, you will need to supply your own medicine from home or purchase it at a pharmacy in Israel. Participants are advised to bring as much of the medication as possible from their home country.
