Amazing experience and Incredible Opportunity

OTZMA is one of those experiences that has the potential to change your life. It was most definitely life changing for me, as I learned so much about Israel and myself throughout the amazing 10 months of experiences. One of the highlight of this program over the many Israel programs to chose from is it's variation. OTZMA has 3 distinct parts, as well as other seminars and trips that really give participants the tools to experience all of Israel- no barriers, no holds, and there are many different aspects to the program that give it a wholistic approach to Israel. There are some things on the program that even Israelis don't have the opportunity to do- like meet with Arab Israeli english students and have engaging discussions about Israel. The program has 3 main parts. The first part is what I would consider the get acquainted to Israel part, where you get to know everyone in the group really well, study a bit of Ulpan, start volunteering a little, and take lots of trips and educational seminars. This part really helped me prepare for the next 6 months ahead. The second part, my personal favorite, is the full time volunteering in a small city in the periphery. This is really such an amazing opportunity to live in some of these really small communities and to experience Israel on a whole new level that you ever had before. I was placed in Beit Shean, where my volunteering was unbelievably rewarding and had a tremendous impact on both the city of Beit Shean and my own life. In this part, it's really important for participants to take initiative and make the most out of living in these small communities. The people in these communities are so warm, and have so much to offer. It's really a tremendous experience. The 3rd part is an internship in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. I was in Jerusalem, and I loved it! I had a really great internship and lived with some of the best girls I know. Part 3 overall was a really nice chance to spend some time in the city after being in smaller communities throughout the year. Basically if you sign up for OTZMA you are should be ready for a year of amazing experiences, new friends and even family, and an incredible opportunity to learn about Israel, yourself, and give back to the communities. It's a great program to do post-college when you are at a cross-roads and unsure what to do. Trust me, OTZMA will help you figure out. As long as you have initiative and the ability to take advantage of the awesome opportunities presented to you, you are in for the best year of your life!