Spend Your Gap Year in Israel

Are you interested in the opportunity to spend a semester or year experiencing another culture – volunteering, interning, studying, developing your Jewish identity, or having an adventure – before you head off to college?

A gap year in Israel with Masa Israel Journey offers college-bound high school graduates the opportunity to gain a global perspective and a taste of independent living – all while having an incredible Israel experience.

Our gap year programs in Israel allow college-bound students to experience living independently, to see things through an international lens, and to encounter Israel first-hand. During their gap year in Israel, program participants are able to live like locals and understand what it means to live in Israel.

  • Gain hands-on experience
  • Build lifelong
    professional & social networks
  • Return home with an
    impressive, enhanced resume
  • Why spend a gap year in Israel before college?

    Israel offers a unique environment in which pre-college students can explore their interests while exploring Israel. From the more than 2,000-year-old Western Wall in Jerusalem to the newest art in Tel Aviv, there’s something for everyone. Israel combines thousands of years of history with new and exciting adventures.

    Many universities across North America recommend that students defer their formal education for a semester or a year before deciding what they want to study. While on a gap year program in Israel, students can have an information education and discover their passions.

    Our Israel gap year programs offer students the chance to live independently before going to college. This means that they will live in a foreign country and take part in all it has to offer including nightlife, culture, and much more.

    What our alumni say

    Canada flag

    Brandon Tomash

    Internship
    Incredible experience overall
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Usa flag

    Binyamin Klein

    Jewish Studies
    The Yeshiva of Orayta, located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, is an incredible growing and learning experience for any young man...
    Turkey-flag

    Sani Azuz

    Internship
    It was one of the greatest experiences of all time. I met so many great people in this program. Eventhough I am not...
    Usa flag

    Tal Cook

    Internship
    The other participants were amazing. The trips planned by career Israel consisted mostly of sitting in a bus for long periods of time...
    Canada flag

    Alice Lengler

    Jewish Studies
    I was in Meohr Bais Yaakov. Its an excellent seminary. Highly recommend it. Thanks for helping me be there! and I still use...
    Canada flag

    Brandon Tomash

    Internship
    Incredible experience overall
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Usa flag

    Binyamin Klein

    Jewish Studies
    The Yeshiva of Orayta, located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, is an incredible growing and learning experience for any young man...
    Turkey-flag

    Sani Azuz

    Internship
    It was one of the greatest experiences of all time. I met so many great people in this program. Eventhough I am not...
    Usa flag

    Tal Cook

    Internship
    The other participants were amazing. The trips planned by career Israel consisted mostly of sitting in a bus for long periods of time...
    Canada flag

    Alice Lengler

    Jewish Studies
    I was in Meohr Bais Yaakov. Its an excellent seminary. Highly recommend it. Thanks for helping me be there! and I still use...
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Canada flag

    Brandon Tomash

    Internship
    Incredible experience overall
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Usa flag

    Binyamin Klein

    Jewish Studies
    The Yeshiva of Orayta, located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, is an incredible growing and learning experience for any young man...
    Turkey-flag

    Sani Azuz

    Internship
    It was one of the greatest experiences of all time. I met so many great people in this program. Eventhough I am not...
    Usa flag

    Tal Cook

    Internship
    The other participants were amazing. The trips planned by career Israel consisted mostly of sitting in a bus for long periods of time...
    Uzbekistan flag

    Olesya Barabanshchikova

    Study in Israel
    Программа была хоть и давно в моей жизни, но помню ее до сих пор .Впечатления шикарные, новые знакомства, я даже встретила свою первую...
    Canada flag

    Alice Lengler

    Jewish Studies
    I was in Meohr Bais Yaakov. Its an excellent seminary. Highly recommend it. Thanks for helping me be there! and I still use...
    Canada flag

    Brandon Tomash

    Internship
    Incredible experience overall
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Usa flag

    Binyamin Klein

    Jewish Studies
    The Yeshiva of Orayta, located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, is an incredible growing and learning experience for any young man...
    Turkey-flag

    Sani Azuz

    Internship
    It was one of the greatest experiences of all time. I met so many great people in this program. Eventhough I am not...
    Usa flag

    Tal Cook

    Internship
    The other participants were amazing. The trips planned by career Israel consisted mostly of sitting in a bus for long periods of time...
    Uzbekistan flag

    Olesya Barabanshchikova

    Study in Israel
    Программа была хоть и давно в моей жизни, но помню ее до сих пор .Впечатления шикарные, новые знакомства, я даже встретила свою первую...
    Canada flag

    Alice Lengler

    Jewish Studies
    I was in Meohr Bais Yaakov. Its an excellent seminary. Highly recommend it. Thanks for helping me be there! and I still use...
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Usa flag

    Michael Mintz

    Internship
    My Masa Career Israel experience was exactly what I needed. Not only was I able to jumpstart my career as a software engineer...
    Usa flag

    Liora Reiken

    Gap Year
    Year Course was the best year of my life. I was able to explore Israel, give back to the community, and learn about...
    Usa flag

    Gabriella Canales

    Internship
    Truly one of the best experiences of my life. It not only strengthened my love for Israel but made it a second home...
    Canada flag

    Brandon Tomash

    Internship
    Incredible experience overall
    Usa flag

    Binyamin Klein

    Jewish Studies
    The Yeshiva of Orayta, located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, is an incredible growing and learning experience for any young man...
    Turkey-flag

    Sani Azuz

    Internship
    It was one of the greatest experiences of all time. I met so many great people in this program. Eventhough I am not...
    Usa flag

    Tal Cook

    Internship
    The other participants were amazing. The trips planned by career Israel consisted mostly of sitting in a bus for long periods of time...
    Russian flag

    Valentina Dybovskaia

    Study in Israel
    Программа Маса Oranim English for the workplace действительно очень полезная и насыщенная. За четыре месяца занятий с преподавателями из разных стран вся наша...
    Uzbekistan flag

    Olesya Barabanshchikova

    Study in Israel
    Программа была хоть и давно в моей жизни, но помню ее до сих пор .Впечатления шикарные, новые знакомства, я даже встретила свою первую...
    Argentina Flag

    Micaela Jarast

    Internship
    El programa fue muy lindo para mi. Aprender hebreo, y trabajar en los museos de Tel Aviv y Jerusalem fue una experiencia hermosa...
    Ukraine flag

    Artem Nykyforov

    Study in Israel
    Отличная программа для знакомства с Израилем. Возможность приобрести минимальные языковые навыки, программа смегчает репатриацию, дает возможность ближе познакомиться с регионами и населением израля.
    Germany flag

    Roman Motsa

    Jewish Studies
    I was in Yeshivat Shapell's Darche Noam College of jewish studies and it was the most formative year of my life! Thank you...
    Canada flag

    Alice Lengler

    Jewish Studies
    I was in Meohr Bais Yaakov. Its an excellent seminary. Highly recommend it. Thanks for helping me be there! and I still use...
    Canada flag

    Tali Wiesenthal

    Gap Year

    Shani Kadoch

    Study in Israel
    El programa de Mejina en la Universidad Hebrea es muy completo. No solo brinda una educación de alto nivel, también te da la...

    Sabina Babanli

    Study in Israel

    Who is a gap year in Israel for?

    Our Israel gap year programs are designed for Jewish college-bound high school graduates who are looking to have an international experience before starting their degree:

    Those looking to live independently before transitioning into a college environment
    Students who are looking to volunteer, study, or intern during their gap semester/year between high school and college and explore their interests or deepen their knowledge of a particular field
    Students who wish to see Israel on the ground and experience Israeli life for themselves

    A gap year in Israel isn’t a year off, it’s a year on! When you’re on your Israel gap year program you’re learning about what interests you, all while experiencing Israel as a local. This is your chance to have an adventure before starting your degree.

    FAQs on Spending a Gap Year in Israel

    What is a Gap Year in Israel?

    A gap year in Israel with Masa is a unique opportunity that allows recent high school graduates to learn, intern and volunteer in Israel for an extended period, ranging from five to ten months. Masa is an organization that partners with various Israeli organizations to offer a wide range of gap year programs that cater to different interests, backgrounds, and goals. Some of these programs focus on Jewish studies, while others focus on community service, leadership development, or career exploration. Fellows on a Masa gap year program engage in a variety of activities and experiences that help them connect with Israeli culture, society, and history. These include volunteering with local organizations, studying Hebrew, exploring the country's natural and historical sites, and participating in workshops and seminars. Overall, a gap year in Israel with Masa is a transformative experience that helps young adults grow personally, academically, and professionally while deepening their connection to Jewish heritage and the State of Israel.

    What programs are available for a gap year in Israel?

    A gap year in Israel offers many exciting personal growth and development opportunities. Non-affiliated gap programs provide a wide range of specializations, studies, and volunteer opportunities, focusing on a rich social and educational curriculum. You can gain college credit toward your degree through academic programs while immersing yourself in Israeli culture. For members of youth movements, a classic year of training based on ideological principles can provide a unique opportunity for personal and ideological growth. Additionally, the Masa Year of Service track allows fellows to engage in meaningful volunteer work within a national service framework. Overall, a gap year in Israel offers a chance to explore new interests, make lifelong connections, and gain valuable experiences that will shape your future.

    What are the benefits of a gap year in Israel?

    Taking a gap year in Israel can offer many benefits for students. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and traditions. Additionally, participants can develop important life skills such as independence, leadership, and problem-solving. Other benefits include building a global network of peers and mentors, improving language skills, and gaining work experience through internships or volunteer programs. The three most important pieces of information regarding the benefits of a gap year in Israel are: 1. A gap year in Israel offers an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish history, culture, and traditions. 2. Participants can develop important life skills such as independence, leadership, and problem-solving. 3. Other benefits include building a global network of peers and mentors, improving language skills, and gaining work experience.

    Can I earn college credits during my gap year in Israel?

    Yes, earning college credits during your gap year in Israel with Masa Israel Journey is possible. Several of the programs offered by Masa Israel Journey, such as the Academic Fellowship, allow fellows to earn college credit towards their degrees. To qualify for college credit, fellows must meet the program's academic requirements and receive approval from their home institution. Masa Israel Journey works closely with partner universities to ensure that credits earned during the program are recognized and transferable. Earning college credit while participating in a gap year program can be a great way to combine travel and cultural immersion with academic advancement. It also allows participants to gain a global perspective and develop valuable skills that will benefit them in their academic and professional careers.

    How to apply for a gap year program in Israel?

    To apply for a gap year program in Israel with Masa Israel Journey, follow these steps:

    1. Browse the Masa Israel Journey website to explore the programs and opportunities available.
    2. Select the program that aligns with your interests, goals, and desired length of stay.
    3. Review the eligibility requirements and ensure that you meet the necessary criteria.
    4. Fill out the online application form and submit the required documents, such as a resume and academic transcripts.
    5. Schedule an interview with a Masa representative to discuss your application and learn more about the program.
    6. If accepted, confirm your participation and pay the required program fees.
    7. Prepare for your gap year in Israel by obtaining the necessary visa or vaccinations, booking travel arrangements, and packing accordingly.

    Masa Israel Journey offers a wide range of support services, including pre-departure orientations, on-site staff, and post-program resources to help ensure a successful and meaningful gap year experience in Israel.

    Additional Information and Resources about Taking a Gap Year in Israel

    What Part Does Masa Play in Your Gap Year in Israel?

    Everything You Need to Know About Gap Year and University

    Logistics

    Spend a Gap Year in Israel, Learn Hebrew, Live it like a local

    All Israel gap year programs are in English
    Hebrew learning is provided with weekly ulpan classes
    Local housing/dorms and health insurance are provided through program organizers
    Grants and scholarships are available to help with Gap program costs and other day-to-day needs

    Immersive Experience in Israel

    Your Israel, Any Way You Want It

    Integrate with local culture in your home city
    White compass
    Venture out on your own to explore the Israel you want to see
    Travel around the country with organized trips
    Volunteer opportunities available in many areas of ‘tikkun olam’ such as working with African refugees, underprivileged youth, Jewish-Arab coexistence, and more

    Why wait? Get started now

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