Amirim FAQ

Applying to Amirim

How Do I Apply?

Register via our online application and pay the $50 non-refundable deposit. You be contacted shortly after this for a phone interview. Following your interview and review of your application, you will be notified via e-mail of acceptance.

Who is eligible for Amirim?

Amirim participants are college-age self-identifying Jewish students and young professionals between the ages of 18 and 26 who come from North America, Europe, Israel, and around the world.

Is this program right for me?

Amirim is a great opportunity to expand your exploration of Israel, contribute to Israeli society, and grow independently abroad. This program is also perfect if you are searching for a meaningful internship or volunteer experience and the ability to customize your time in Israel.

Internships and Volunteering

How Does Placement Work?

After completing an interview with our internship coordinator for the program, you will receive options for your internship. After looking over the options, the internship coordinator will send your resume to the options you liked from what was given to you. You will have interviews with these companies, and you will decide which internship is the best fit for you.

Is My Internship/Volunteer Placement Mandatory?

Yes!

How Should I Dress For Intern/Volunteer Days?

You should be prepared to dress business casual. However, you will probably find that most offices in Israel are more casual and relaxed than what you’re familiar with.

How Much Time Will I Spend in My Placement?

You will work for about 30 hours a week over 4-5 days.

The Program Experience

What Kind of Programming Is There?

The following activities are mandatory: 2 days of orientation at the beginning of the program and 2 days to wrap-up the program at the end are mandatory. For the 8 week session there is also a mandatory mid-program meeting. All other programming is optional.

You will have optional trips provided to you by Young Judaea that you must sign up for in advance. Additionally, there are always free events provided by the Tel Aviv Municipality that are available to you to go on your own time.

Is Living in Tel Aviv Expensive?

Tel Aviv is like any cosmopolitan city. We recommend bringing between $400-600 for spending money throughout the program.

For example, if you wanted to go out to eat at a mid-range café or restaurant, it would probably cost you around 60 (NIS) shekel. If you wanted to get some falafel or shawarma (street food), that would only run you up around 35 shekel.

Financial

What is included in the cost of the program?

An internship/volunteer placement, an apartment and utilities, health insurance, trips, evening activities, Ravkav (bus pass), support staff, trips and other educational activities.

What is not included in the cost?

Airfare, spending money for food, personal expenses, laundry service, Hebrew lessons, going out to bars, gifts, souvenirs, etc.

Are there scholarships available for the program?

While we do not provide scholarships, you can contact your local Jewish Federation, Jewish Community Center, synagogue, Hillel, and other local Jewish organizations for assistance.

Medical

What if I Get Sick?

You will be provided with health insurance. If you are sick, you will inform your program counselor and they will help you make an appointment. If you need to miss your volunteer placement/internship, you must also inform your boss and get a sick note from the doctor.

What Doesn't My Health Insurance Cover?

Pre-existing conditions, alcohol or drug-related incidents, or treatment required for any condition while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, pre-existing prescriptions (including birth control). This is a limited list—if you have any questions, send an email to wujsr@youngjudaea.org.il

yalla!

Miscellaneous

Can I Travel Abroad During Amirim?

No, you must stay in Israel during the program.

Family/Friends are Visiting - Can I take a Break from my internship/volunteering?

Your family and friends are welcome to visit you, but you must continue going to your internship/volunteering placement.

Are There Any Places I Cannot Go in Israel?

You may not visit Areas A and B in the West Bank. You are allowed to visit Area C only after signing a waiver with Young Judaea. More detailed information will be communicated upon arrival.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter the Country?

No, you do not need a visa during your stay because you are doing an internship on a voluntary basis, a tourist visa is given to you upon entry to the country.

Can I Arrive Before the Program Starts, or Stay After?

Please note that all participants are responsible for arranging their own flights. You are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay in Israel, but it is your responsibility to take care of transportation and accommodations before the program begins and after it ends. You 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).

What Do I Do About a Cell Phone?

All Amirim participants MUST have a cell phone.

There are two options for getting a cell phone while on Amirim. 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 allows participants to call each other free of charge and also offers special rates for overseas calls.

Israel Phone can be arranged in advance. Israeli cell phone companies do not have English versions of their website. However, once you are in Israel, every city has a customer service center with English speaking representatives.

What is the Security Protocol?

All participants will receive a security explanation within the first few days of the program, as part of the program orientation. Safety and security rules and regulations are explained in depth. In particular, participants will be told what actions to take in the event of an emergency.

Covid-19

What Measures Does Young Judaea Take to Keep Interns Safe?

Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have been in constant communication with the Ministry of Health, Home Front Command, and other health and education entities responsible for providing oversight and directives. Whatever rules or guidelines any Israeli institution is required to do, Young Judaea follows them. Each new instruction is explained clearly to participants and the staff entrusted with their care.

Are Companies Still Looking for Interns?

Yes! We have already had several placements for our current applicants and the rest of our applicants are in interviews. Although the internship placement process might take a bit longer than normal, companies are still just as excited as ever to have interns.

What Happens if a Participant Gets Covid-19?

Any sick participants would be provided the appropriate accommodations, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health’s guidelines and separated from the rest of the group, but would still be helped and monitored by IsraelPro staff and the proper medical authorities.

Can You Guarantee That Amirim 2021 Will Run?

There are no trip providers who can give you a 100% guarantee that their program will run as planned this fall – it would be irresponsible to do so, particularly given the fluidity of the ongoing situation.

With that being said, we believe and are confident that Amirim 2021 will run as planned, perhaps with a few modifications.

Amirim 2021 FAQ