Young Judaea Israel Programs

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.

I want to start off by saying that gap years are not for everyone!! But anyone looking for a way to grow, experience a new culture, travel, learn through experiences rather than a textbook, or even just have a year to explore and make memories, this is the program for you!! You very much get out what you put into it. To anyone nervous about being behind in college, my school initially said they wouldn’t take the credits but I ended up with 35 (23 from YC) . I’m also graduating a semester early.

Going on year course was an extraordinary experience! It helped me become more independent, taught me so much about my country, and gave me all the tools I needed to make a living while I was away. Though being overseas from the people you love can be stressful, I felt a sense of home and security from the staff that gave a similar vibe. Overall this program was really good for me and I definitely recommend going if you have the chance! Also- the food is TO DIE FOR. promise your kids will not go hungry while they’re away :)

Year Course absolutely changed my life. After high school I thought I knew who I was and what my interests were, but my time in Israel completely changed that. I loved being able to live in my favorite country with all my favorite people. Being immersed in the country through different activities, learning Hebrew, and living with Israelis was an unmatched experience. I deepened my connection to Judaism and Israel as well as discovering so much about myself in general: I was able to decide what I wanted to major in and gain more direction going into college. Go on YC!