Year Course - Gap Year Program in Israel

Amazing and meaningful program. Rabbi Adam and all the Year Course staff were helpful and supportive. Highly recommend. Spent the year during the war, and safety was the utmost priority throughout — the staff communicated clearly and adjusted plans thoughtfully whenever the situation on the ground changed. Beyond the logistics, the program struck a great balance between structure and independence, and the community we built together made the experience feel really special. I'd tell any family considering this program that the staff's judgment and care during a hard year gave me real peace of mind.

Both of my children recently participated in the YJ gap year. It was absolutely life changing for both of them. Both were there during difficult war times in Israel, and I always felt that they were safe. The staff were fantastic and ensuring the psychological and physical safety of my children. The programming was rigourous and the internship opportunities really amazing learning experiences. Both of my kids made lifelong friends, became more independent, and became very educated in Middle East politics and culture. Both of my kids have adapted wonderfully to college and I credit it to their amazing YJ experience.

When we sent our son in this program last year we were hoping for lots of fun and friendships with some educational content. The transformation and growth we saw in him over the course of the year was profound. The experiential education that he received in this program is second to none and connected him deeply to his heritage and expanded his sense of self. The talented and dedicated staff and faculty on this program are second to none. They took care of our child while building his confidence and independence.

Our daughter had a phenomenal year at Young Judaea Year Course. It was an experience that helped her grow in so many ways and truly prepared her for college and the next chapter of her life. She gained independence, confidence, and a deeper connection to Israel and her Jewish identity, all while making friendships that will last a lifetime. We are so grateful for the incredible year she had and would recommend Year Course to any family considering it. It was truly one of the best decisions we made for her.

This was a well run program. They kept the young adults safe (despite the war) and parents informed. They learned a lot. Had the freedom to learn to behave like adults, but the oversight to do it well. I’m planning to send my next child to this next year.
My child did MADA and worked in an ambulance. Had fascinating experiences and learned a lot of skills she will carry with her, her whole life.
Overall it left her far better prepared and confident when she went to live at university dorms. Set her up for success in her next years.

Year course truly changed my life and shaped who I am as a person. I spent half the year in Jerusalem immersing myself in the geo-complexities of the Middle East. It taught me to always search for more perspectives because there’s so much nuance to humanity and it’s so important to see. The second half of the year, I volunteered as an EMT for MDA. This was the best decision. I got to be exposed to the most vulnerable moments in Israelis lives and see how the people come together in times of need.

I had a great year with my friends, but the program was average. The staff meant well but they had no idea what the kids were really up to and so there were a lot of people doing things they shouldn't have been doing, like partying, and skipping classes. The food in Jerusalem was terrible and the staff tried to justify it all the time as being ok. The counselors were cool but it didn't really seem like they had the authority ever to solve problems that came up. It was good to be in Israel and I'm glad I did it but I expected more from the program.

I am so thankful for my Year Course experience. There are many parts of the program that are amazing the way I assume other programs would be: being in Israel, living on your own, exciting opportunities, and making friends. What makes Year Course stand out, however, are the little things that create an overall feel.
Year Course does a great job of balancing independence with structure. From what I have heard about other programs from friends many do not provide enough structure or are too controlling and planned. Year Course runs interesting activities and provides exciting volunteering and internships, while also allowing plenty of time for participants to explore the cities they are living in and find what interests them. You live autonomously with friends and face the various associated survival and social challenges, but you have amazing, caring counselors and staff to lean on.
One thing I will say time and time again about Young Judeans and their programs is that they have the unique ability to build a loving and accepting family out of people who begin as strangers. I can't seem to pinpoint exactly what it is, but there is something about the staff and participants attracted to Young Judea that creates a true feeling of family. Even through a pandemic, Year Course staff (and participants) maintained a safe and comforting community. I am enjoying my first year of college greatly and have made a lot of friends, but something I, along with many friends and sister (who also went on YC), say is that we can't seem to find people we connect with and love as deeply as those from our Year Course.
Choosing Year Course was seriously one of the best decisions of my life.