A wonderful, deeply rewarding experience

It's a cliche to say something is life-changing, but for me, Otzma truly was. I arrived in Israel several months after graduating college, excited for a break from school but uncertain about my plans for after the program. During the 10 months ahead, I would make rapid progress in Hebrew, and would be invited to return to Israel after the program to work for the organization I had interned at through Otzma. I ultimately stayed in Israel for three and a half years, becoming fluent in Hebrew and developing a deep and lasting bond with Israel and all the challenges it faces. I made wonderful friends who I am close with today, nearly eight years after I first landed in Israel, both among other Otzma participants and Israelis I encountered during the program.

Beyond the programming Otzma offers, it's also a wonderful opportunity to experience life overseas and to experience life after college. I learned a tremendous amount about myself - what I like, what I don't like, how to fend for myself in the post-college world, and so on. I came back to the States having been enriched professionally, culturally and personally, and am extremely grateful that I went on the program.