Kol Ami Mechina Leadership Gap Year in Israel

Non of my friends did a gap year but I decided to do one, and I chose Kol Ami because it’s diversity, so much different people from all around Israel and all around the world. I met people that became my best friends and we became so close.
Another thing that is so good in Kol Ami is that I challenged myself with a lot of outdoor activities such as: navigation Week, Army-prep week, South challenge. There were the best weeks in mechina.
Also the regular weeks are amazing and I learned so much new things in mechina in classes of economy, philosophy, judaism, leadership skills etc.
So, my tip SIGN IN!

I always wanted to go on a gap year program and it took me forever to find a program that would suit me. However, I then came across Kol Ami which has definitely given me experiences of a lifetime. From the regular weeks on the mechina with full intense schedules, responsibility, and creativity, to the crazy, fun, and adventurous weeks out of the mechina like navigation week and south challenge. Mechina is really a place to grow, and develop yourself on a gap year. Make sure you come with an open mind and willing to give your full potential to the group 🏋🏽‍♀️⛹🏼‍♀️🥇🎤🎼🏔🍕🍦🍩.

I’m from the US and I came to Kol Ami to expand my knowledge on Israel and the way Jews live around the world. I can confidently say that I’ve learned more than I expected and I’ve come out more ready to start the next step in my life. The experiences I’ve shared in Kol Ami will stay with me for the rest of my life and the friends I’ve made are forever. The biggest challenge was working together as a group because we are all so different and everyone holds different values. It was still a lot more of a special experience because I have more experience working with people who are different from me and learning how to collectively deal with our problems, like coming late to class and not cleaning up after ourselves. I cherish all the experiences I’ve had in Kol Ami and it is really special to live with people and work together with everything we do.

For a long time I knew I wanted to do some program before I go to the army, I was looking into both shnat sherut and mechina, Kol Ami really stood out to me because of the contant it offers and because it was shorter than most of the other programs. I’m so happy that I got to learn so many new stuff In the mechina, subjects that I wouldn’t necessarily come across very easily somewhere else. Kol Ami is really a chance for you to choose to learn for yourself while meeting lots of new friends from all over the world. Going to mechina was one of the best decisions I’ve made and I don’t regret it for a second. I love my friends, the kibbutz and the fact that I really did learn a lot, not only from the classes but mostly from the ppl in the mechina with me. Developing independence and close friendships, learning how to cope with always being with ppl, having a group that shares its highs and lows and adding another very big experience to your life:)

I really wanted to do something before I joined the army to have a more unique experience. I ended up hearing about Kol Ami and it sounded like a great opportunity. After some doubts , I got to a kibbutz , named Kiriyat Anavim for the first day of Mechina!!
Till now it's been an amazing and crazy journey. There have been some really challenging and tough experiences - for example South challenge , 5 days in the desert with all of our equipment on our backs , navigating in groups of 4 through the desert ,it was a huge physical challenge, as well as a mental challenge, but finishing it was one of the most satisfying things I've experienced. I got to learn and get to know so many different parts of the Israel society, of the Jewish people and of the land of Israel. Some of the things I've learned have been really eye-opening. I think one of the most important things I've acquired in Mechina is the thirst to study and learn more , and I have regained the curiosity to love learning (that I unfortunately didn't really have during school.) All in all - It's kind of hard to describe this wonderful experience in words , but the main thing I can say is that I recommend this program to anyone who wants to develop themselves and create new friendships with people from all over the world.

At the right timing I heard about Kol Ami . I was in need of a destruction in my life in a combination of a fun educational program. The people here are the exact definition for the most friendly and homie partners I could’ve potentially made. After moving 2 years in the UK , starting to live again with Israelis and Jews from all around the world in such a pastoral social kibbutz very close to the heart beating JERUSALEM makes me extremely satisfied . There is no weekend that I don’t look forward coming back.
Every week here focuses on a different topic; politics, sports, religion, social issues, nature etc. Our instructors and lecturers are passionately inspiring. If you are willing to go on a non basic typical program with just plenty of Americans then Kol Ami is your ultimate choice !

When I started I had no idea what mechina was but it was recommended since I was thinking about army. I decided to do a mechina and it’s amazing how much I changed since I got here. I feel completely different. The friendships I’ve made will definitely be lifelong and I’ve learned so much not only about myself but also about being a part of something bigger than myself. Exposing myself to so many new ideas, challenges, and everyday tasks I’m glad I’ve gotten used to. There truly was never a moment where I didn’t feel at home. I’ve had so much fun and wish it was longer 6 months sounds so long but time flies. So far I can easily say it’s been the best several months of my life. It’s definitely been challenging and overall a great experience.

I came to Kol Ami after hearing about it in school. At first I didn’t want to do mechina because I wanted to start my army service as soon as possible, but a friend changed my mind, and it turned out to be one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done! I got to meet great people from Israel and from all around the world and made good friends. You really get to experience life in Israel, with Israeli teens, traveling and seeing the country. I learned so much about Israel and myself, I really feel like I’m improving every minute I spend here! I highly recommend to come to Kol Ami if you want to experience something different with people your age from all around the world, make strong connections, learn new things, and generally have fun!!