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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the program (when does it start/end)?

Year Course is nine months. It starts late August/Early September and ends in late May/early June. Those chanichim (participants) who sign up for Olami will start one week earlier so as to accommodate their first international (outside of Israel) trip.

What is the application process?

The Year Course application is similar to a college application. We request an official high school transcript and an autobiographical essay, as well as 2 letters of recommendation. Participation in Year Course Orientation, in the late spring, is mandatory. The application can be completed online by following the links on www.yearcourse.org. Participants with a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible to earn academic credit for their studies in Israel while on Year Course.

What is the application deadline?

Applications will be accepted on a rolling admissions basis until July 1, 2012

Registration late in the season may impact notification of your application status, and may make it difficult to accommodate participants’ requests regarding section and volunteer placements, etc.

Are most people who apply accepted?

Yes. Our goal is to accept as many people as possible, as long as they meet the acceptance criteria. We do everything we can during the application process to ascertain that the applicant and the Year Course program are right for each other.

What are the criteria for acceptance?

We are looking for students who show that they are very interested in the benefits Year Course has to offer and who will be able to contribute in a positive manner to the group.

When do I find out about acceptance?

Candidates with complete applications who have attended and successfully completed Year Course Orientation will receive notification of acceptance approximately two weeks after Year Course Orientation.

Is there a minimum GPA for acceptance to Year Course?

In order to be eligible to receive credits for studies on Year Course through American Jewish University applicants must have a high school GPA of 2.0 or higher. For applicants wishing to take classes on a not-for-credit basis, there is no GPA requirement. Attendance and active participation in classes on Year Course is mandatory, even for those taking classes on a not-for-credit basis.

Does everyone get the section they want? When will I find out what section I am in?

The three sections of Year Course are made up of the same three components— Jerusalem; Bat Yam; Negev—but experience them in different order. Participants will be placed in one of the three sections after Year Course orientation. Friend requests will be considered. Participants who have enrolled in a Specialty track (Sports, Arts, Medical etc.) will be placed in the section correlating to that specific track. Preference is given in section placement to students who complete their application and registration process early.

What is included in the cost of Year Course?

Round-trip airfare between New York (this could mean Newark NJ) and Israel, accommodations, meals, medical care, academic courses, field trips and the 3-day Year Course Orientation program (transportation to/from YCO is not included). The additional cost for Specialty Tracks includes all of the enrichment activities throughout the year, including workshops, excursions and courses, specialty staff and teachers. The additional cost for Olami includes round trip airfare between Tel Aviv and each of the Olami track destinations, accommodations and meals in each country, preparatory weekend seminars prior to each trip. Flights can also be arranged from LA or Toronto and are subject to additional cost.

Are scholarships available? How do I apply?

Yes, thanks to Hadassah, limited scholarship money is available for those who need it. In order to be eligible you must submit a separate scholarship application by the deadline. Details are available here. We encourage you to contact your local Jewish Federation, synagogue, and any other local organizations (including non-Jewish ones) which might have money to give.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx and Discover.

I can’t afford to pay by the deadlines. Can I pay in installments?

Yes, we do make arrangements for payment plans when absolutely necessary. You may contact the Year Course Registrar at yearcourse [at] youngjudaea [dot] org to discuss options.

If I pay the $100 non-refundable deposit now but can’t get enough scholarship, will it be refunded?

No. The $100 deposit covers the administrative costs of processing one’s application, and is non-refundable.

If the program is cancelled mid-year, is the tuition refundable?

Year Course has been offered every year since 1956, and has never been cancelled. We will make fair and equitable decisions in the very unlikely event that Young Judaea should decide that it is necessary to cancel the program once it has commenced.

Can you explain the purpose of Year Course Orientation (YCO)?

YCO is a three-day orientation session for all Year Course applicants. The orientation provides us with an opportunity to learn more about each applicant and to help decide if Year Course is right for them. The benefits of the program are:

• It’s an opportunity to learn much more about Year Course, and what to expect during the year.

• It’s an opportunity to learn about the different components of the Year Course program.

• It’s an opportunity to get to know some of the Israel staff members of Year Course.

• It’s an opportunity to meet and get to know many other applicants who will be on Year Course.

• It will make the adjustment at the beginning of the year much easier since you will already know other people and have a support system. YCO is a mandatory part of the application process and acceptance is not final until after final notification following YCO.

My daughter has been very involved in Young Judaea; does she still have to attend YCO?

Yes. All Year Course applicants must attend YCO. Many of the people who come on Year Course are involved in and are leaders in Young Judaea and other youth organizations. For the reasons stated above, it is still vitally important, and mandatory, that your daughter attend YCO. Essentially, we do not make exceptions when it comes to YCO.

Is there a chance that my son’s acceptance to Year Course would be revoked after attending YCO? What would be a reason that someone would not be accepted?

The conditional acceptance to Year Course of the vast majority of those who attend YCO is confirmed. Unfortunately, that conditional acceptance of a few may be revoked following YCO. In YCO, we are looking to make sure that each applicant is committed to participating in every aspect of Year Course, and will make a positive contribution to the group. Postive, committed, active students can feel confident that they will succeed at YCO and that their conditional acceptance will be confirmed.

Can my daughter earn college credit while on Year Course?

Yes. Most Year Course participants have the opportunity to earn up to a year’s worth of college credits. The academic program is supervised by American Jewish University (AJU), located in Los Angeles, CA, and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. All Year Course applicants must submit an official high school transcript as part of their Year Course application. The minimum GPA required for eligibility to earn credits on Year Course is 2.0. Acceptance to Year Course is not based on acceptance to AJU in Israel. One can participate in Year Course without earning credits.

Are the credits transferable to a college here in the US?

This depends on the college the student goes on to attend after Year Course. Many Year Course participants have been able to transfer some or all of the credit they received while on Year Course to their universities. Applicants should check with each university to which they are applying and ask what their policy is since each school is different. Applicants can show the universities the academic course descriptions located on the Year Course website.

Should I apply to a university in the U.S. before going on Year Course?

We advise that Year Course participants apply to universities while in their senior year of high school and request to defer admission for one year. Many schools are more than happy to do this but applicants are responsible to check with the school to see what its policy is. Some universities will not allow credit to be transferred if it is earned during a “deferred” year. In this case, the applicant can sometimes reapply while in Israel in order to get the maximum credit transferred possible.

Can my daughter apply to college while on Year Course?

There are always a few participants who, for one reason or another, apply to college while on Year Course. Our staff is more than happy to help and will write letters of recommendation if asked.

Do participants fulfill any freshman requirements (science, math) while on Year Course?

Year Course does not offer the opportunity to take science or math courses; there simply is not the time and it does not fit into the program. However, most schools have a language requirement and everyone on Year Course studies Hebrew. In addition, many of the electives are in the History and Philosophy departments in a liberal arts program and will fulfill a humanities or general breadth requirement.

What’s the academic program like? What kinds of courses do participants take?

The types of courses offered range from Hebrew language study to philosophy, political science, history and literature. Please click here for more details.

How much time is spent studying Hebrew?

Hebrew is studied during all three trimesters. There are many additional opportunities during each trimester for participants to hone their Hebrew skills. Living, volunteering and exploring constantly surrounded by Israelis is the best way to pick up Hebrew conversational skills. Many participants come away from the program speaking Hebrew (even those who entered knowing little or no Hebrew).

My son has a learning disability. Will this be a problem? Is there a staff that can help him?

Every year there are participants on the program who have learning disabilities. The participant needs to know that he/she has to ask for extra help when needed, and to make the Education Director and instructors aware of his/her needs. Participants should submit their IEP or 504 plans as part of their applications so our Education Team in Israel can have the proper information. In many cases, our staff can work with the individual to help him/her succeed in the academic program, but the participant must be aware that he/she must take initiative and show effort.

My daughter has a learning disability and her grades are not very good. Does this mean that she would not be accepted?

When we review an application, we are looking to get to know the applicant as a whole. If there is a specific reason why she has a low GPA, she should be sure to either write about this in her essay, or attach a special letter explaining the grades. We do need to make sure that she would be able to handle the academic program, but we would not necessarily reject her solely on the basis of her grades. If she is planning on taking classes for credit, she must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

My daughter has a day school background; will she be bored in your academic program?

Most courses are sectioned according to the background of the students. Therefore, she should find the courses adequately challenging. We have also made special arrangements in the past for students who are so proficient in Hebrew that they are above the level of our Ulpan. All students are tested in Hebrew and their knowledge of Zionism when they arrive in Israel. At that time it will be determined if she requires a special framework for Hebrew classes and any specific placement for the Zionism course.

Is there free time during Year Course?

Yes. Most weekends are free, and we encourage the students to travel throughout Israel during this time. Members of the Year Course staff are available to help students plan their trips as well as set them up with adoptive families, if requested. At various points throughout the year, travel during weekends may be limited (while on Marva, for example). Also, on a daily basis, if someone is not working or in class, he/she is free to go out. There are also two vacations during Year Course, one in December and one during Passover.

Is Marva really the Army?

No. Marva is not considered actual army service. Marva is a program sponsored by the Israeli Army and the Jewish Agency for Israel which consists of two months of advanced gadna (a simulated basic-training program run by the education branch of the IDF). Some components of Marva include: hikes and marches, navigation, weapons training, simulated combat conditions, and studying the history of the IDF.

What is the housing like throughout the year?

Living with roommates in an apartment will be a new experience for many Year Course chanichim (participants) and will help each student to develop life skills that will serve him/her well in Israel and in life after Year Course! In Bat Yam and in the Negev, participants live in apartments in the towns in which they work. They become familiar residents of the area, working in the schools and shopping in the local markets. Participants receive a stipend for their food, keep a kosher kitchen, and share responsibility for cooking meals with their roommates. In Jerusalem, participants either live in apartment-like suites at Beit Ar-El, Young Judaea’s campus in the Baka neighborhood, or in apartments nearby. Living conditions are similar to those in Bat Yam and in the Negev.

I am observant. Will this program meet my needs?

Shalem (Shnat Limud U’Ma’aseh), is our Year Course track for Orthodox participants. This section provides all the study, volunteer and other experiential components of Year Course but with a greater emphasis on limudei kodesh (religious studies), within an observant framework. There is a separate application for those interested in this program and anyone interested should contact the Shalem Recruiter at shalem [at] youngjudaea [dot] org and visit www.tochnitshalem.org.

Shevet focuses on exploration of Jewish ritual, tradition, and halacha (law). This program is designed for students who want to be in a Shomer Shabbat and Kosher environment, and learn about halacha, try new things, and be encouraged to explore Jewish religious practice. Click here for more information.

Young Judaea is a pluralist youth movement and that philosophy holds true for all Year Course sections. Though we do not offer t’fillot (with the exception of during group Shabbatot and for those on Shalem and Shevet), there are plenty of local synagogues, no matter what section a participant is on. In some years, participants have organized daily t’fillot on their own. All Year Course sponsored activities are Shomer Shabbat.

Does the program observe kashrut?

Any food served in public forums by the program is strictly kosher. Participants’ suites and apartments are kosher. When participants are out on their own, Kashrut is not enforced.

What happens if my child gets sick during Year Course?

If a participant becomes ill, it is important that s/he take the initiative to let his/her madrich/a (group leader) know. If a participant would like to see a doctor, the madrich/a will help him/her arrange an appointment. In most instances, the medical coverage Year Course provides will cover all doctors’ visits (as long as proper procedure is followed—it works similar to an HMO in the US). Some illnesses (i.e. pre-existing ones) and tests may not be covered by the health insurance provider, which is why Year Course requires that participants maintain personal medical insurance while on Year Course.

My daughter has Attention Deficit Disorder and is on medication. Will she be able to get it in Israel?

Whenever possible, participants should bring a year’s supply of medication with them. In the specific case that it is not possible to fill a year’s supply in advance she will need to bring a prescription from her doctor, including the generic name of the drug. She will need to see a doctor in Israel to get a prescription that will be honored by Israeli pharmacies. It is important to note that the cost will not be covered by the Year Course insurance, so she will need to be prepared to pay. Alternatively, if friends or family are planning on visiting during the year, they can bring refills of the prescription with them. Participants or parents should check with their physician and insurance company in regard to specific drugs being available in Israel.

My son plans to wean himself off his medication in the summer before Year Course. If he needs new meds in Israel, will someone be able to prescribe them?

Year Course is NOT the appropriate venue to experiment with a medical regimen. Students taking medication for any number of physical or mental health issues should maintain the same medical regimen while on Year Course. Year Course works with several psychiatrists who can meet with students and evaluate their medical regimen, prescribe new medicine or refills for existing meds etc. Psychiatric visits are not covered by Year Course insurance so he will need to be prepared to pay at the time of the visit.

What kind of supervision is there during the year?

In general, each Year Course location is staffed with 3 madrichim (group leaders), who are in ongoing contact with the chanichim (participants). Madrichim may be Americans, British nationals or Israelis. Israeli madrichim have completed their military service. Cell phones are mandatory and participants are in contact with their madrichim regularly.

The madrichim are supervised by a section head throughout the program. These mekashrim are part of the senior staff of Year Course, which includes a director, an assistant director, an education director, a director of special programs, among others. The director of Year Course is supported and supervised by the central leadership of Young Judaea Israel. Senior staff are based at Beit Ar-El in Jerusalem or at Young Judaea’s office in Bat Yam, and visit the groups in their various locations frequently.

There are two Parent Liaisons, each tasked with serving as the point person for communication with parents about any issues of concern.

What happens during free time? Is staff available just in case?

During free weekends and vacations, there is always a staff member on call. Also, at the beginning of the year, all participants receive materials with the emergency contact information for staff members and are told how to reach a staff person in an emergency. All participants must have a cell phone.

With the constantly changing situation in Israel, what kind of precautions do you take to make sure the kids are safe?

The safety and security of Year Course participants is our primary concern. Young Judaea has a designated security officer and committee which constantly review and update our security procedures. We retain as consultant the head of security of the Israeli Society for the Protection of Nature – the agency responsible for fieldtrips throughout the country – and he is in daily contact with all of Israel’s security services. We also receive in real time all security alerts posted by the Security Department of JAFI and its subsidiary company, The Israel Experience.

Are participants allowed to use public transportation?

Year Course participants are allowed to use public transportation within the current year’s security guidelines. However, we reserve the right to restrict travel if the security situation warrants it.

Are participants allowed to go to the Old City in Jerusalem? The West Bank?

In general, Year Course participants are allowed to go to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. They are not allowed to enter the West Bank without permission of the Director of Year Course AND parental consent communicated to the Parent Liaison no less than 48 hours before the expected travel (subject to change depending on the security situation). Participants are not allowed to enter the Gaza Strip or any areas under Palestinian Authority control.

Is there someone in my area who has been on the program that my daughter can call?

Definitely. Please contact your local Young Judaea Israel Program recruiter / shaliach or the Year Course Registrar in NY at yearcourse [at] youngjudaea [dot] org for references.

How much spending money do you recommend?

We recommend bringing between $3,500 and $4,500 for personal expenses. Olami participants may want to bring more for their international travel journeys.

What is the best way to send money?

We recommend that your child sign up for a Payoneer Prepaid MasterCard® that has been developed specifically for participants on our Israel programs. The Payoneer Prepaid MasterCard® provides an easy way to manage participants’ spending money while in Israel. Through the use of this card, participants have the ability to withdraw funds from ATMs around Israel and charge items to the card. Additionally, parents can load money to the card through Payoneer’s personalized Young Judaea/Payoneer website, and can manage the account online. As a significant benefit, should a participant lose their card or have it stolen, the Year Course staff has the capability to immediately issue a replacement card. For more details and to sign up for the Payoneer ATM/debit card, go to: https://programs.payoneer.com/programs/youngjudaea/.

Do the kids have cellphones? Access to e-mail? Fax? What is the best way to reach my son while he is in Israel?

Cellphones are mandatory for all Year Course participants. All Year Course apartments are equipped with Internet access. At Beit Ar-El in Jerusalem, Internet is available not only in each participant suite, but also on public computers throughout the campus. Some sites—such as Marva—do not have internet access. Feedback we’ve received from parents indicates that the cellphone and Skype are the most common ways to stay in touch. Year Course participants love getting mail. Even if you are emailing and calling, they miss getting mail. You can also send faxes to Beit Ar-El in Jerusalem and to the Year Course office in Bat Yam, which will be delivered as mail and brought with the mail to the other Year Course sites every week. There is a fee to receive faxes.

I am an Israeli citizen. Can my son go on the program without getting drafted by the Israeli Army?

Yes, previous participants in this situation have done so by contacting the local Israel consulate and requesting a year-long deferral from the army. (Find your local consulate by visiting www.mfa.gov.il)

It is our understanding that Israeli law states that children born to Israeli citizens are automatically Israeli citizens, even if only one parent is Israeli and even if those children are not born in Israel. If a Year Course participant has Israeli citizenship, it is essential that s/he obtain the year-long deferment from military service as well as a valid Israeli passport prior to departure. Israeli citizens should be aware that they cannot stay in the country for more than 12 months without endangering their future immigrant rights if they should choose to move to Israel.

Compliance with applicable laws is the responsibility of the participant, and while the information above is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing, participants should consult with their own advisors, as Year Course cannot accept responsibility for the sufficiency of this information or for its applicability in any particular situation.