Top 10 Things to do in your First 10 Days 10) Buy a map and know where you are.  Walk around as much as possible, there is no better way to get to know an area. 9) Learn about the store hours in your area.  Take note of when things close during the week and on Friday.  Also, make a note of what places open on Saturday night…never hurts to know where you can buy something after your weekend food reserves have been used up. 8) Learn the exchange rate and remember that’s not Monopoly money you got in your hand.  7) Get a feel for the local transportation in your area, it’s a lot cheaper than taxis. 6) Find local internet access.  Major coffee shops, such as Aroma and Coffee Shop, typically have it.  Warning: if you have a Mac internet access can be a little tricky. 5) Be aware of your presence on the street and in the shops.  You are not a tourist, don’t act like one. 4) Program phone numbers of staff into your phone.  Important to have those in a flash. 3) Understand where you can and cannot go (for example, Gaza is off limits in most programs).  Those caught in forbidden areas will be sent home, guaranteed. 2) Don’t make friends or enemies too quickly.  It’s amazing how deceiving first impressions can be. 1) Keep your eyes and mind open

Top 10 Things to do Before you Leave  10) Go over your program guidelines and checklists and make sure you have all the elements covered. 9) Bring any personal products you can’t picture yourself separated from.  Although Israel is not a 3rd world country, it is not guaranteed you will have access to your specific and oh so favorite brand of deodorant, for example. 8) Buy a camera and know how to use it. 7) Bring good a variety of sandalwear: those for hiking and those for fun. 6) Stock up on favorite TV episodes and movies…there are many a lonely night in the land of no television.  If bringing a laptop, buy a lock. 5) See the dentist and the doctor, and make sure you understand the limits of your Israeli health insurance.  On that note, stock up on personal prescriptions and other medication. 4) Learn how to say “Hi beautiful” in Hebrew 3) Figure out the most effective way for you to access money in Israel.  Credit cards are usually the best, but make sure to check with your bank how much they will charge you for accessing your money from a foreign ATM.  Sometimes those fees are ridiculous.  2) Say goodbye to family, friends, and pets. 1) Sign into Footprints – MAP online on Facebook to see what you’re getting yourself into and who will be there with you.