Zman Tel Aviv

ZMAN TEL AVIV is a dynamic 5-month program that enables young adults to immerse themselves in the arts, leisure and culture that have defined Tel Aviv as a leading Mediterranean city and trend-setting metropolis. The program is divided into two phases; a preparatory 4-week course in Hebrew at the acclaimed ulpan of the WUJS Institute in Arad followed by the 4-month Tel Aviv experience which is centered on a project of the participants' choosing. Over the course of the program, participants will gain first-hand experience of life in the center of Israeli society, culture, economy and diplomacy and actively participate in initiatives in these areas. Whether interested in long-term Israel experience or testing the waters towards a new life here, this program is for you.

Phase 1: Preparatory Hebrew Course
Our Hebrew course will give you the basic language skills to make the most of your Israel experience. Participants will study Hebrew 5 days a week over the course of 4 weeks in the ulpan of the WUJS Institute, housed in the Yafit young adult campus in Arad. The Ulpan will give participants a functional level of Hebrew through nearly 100 class-hours in the development of reading, writing and speaking skills. It is geared for beginners ("Aleph" level), but more advanced levels may be open depending on the size of the group.

While in Arad, participants may choose to volunteer, and will have the opportunity to socialize with the paticipants of the other WUJS Institute programs. During the Arad period, there will also be a field study tour outside of Arad and other educational and social activities coordinated by the WUJS Institute staff.

The city of Arad itself balances small-town charm, stunning desert vistas, and the opportunity to experience one of Israel's most diverse towns. The city has a mall, commercial center with cafes and banks, 3 pub-restaurants, and a country club. Be'er Sheva, the largest city in Israel's southern region is 45 minutes away and offers easy access to the rest of the country through the convenience of train and bus service. Arad is a half-hour from the Israeli landmark of Masada, and the resorts and spas of the Dead Sea.

Phase 2: Tel Aviv Experience
After the preparatory period in Arad, particpants will move to their apartments in Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Once in Tel Aviv, participants will begin work on a project which is selected from the following fields:
- Art & Theater
- Media & Entertainment
- Politics and International Relations
- Fashion
- Event Planning

The projects will be carefully selected through a multi-staged process coordinated by the program's staff and will be finalized with the participant during the Arad period. Each project will run 25-30 hours a week for the duration of the 4-month Tel Aviv experience. The project can be an opportunity to gain international experience in an existing career field, or to begin a new and exciting direction. While every effort will be made to tailor the project to each participant's skills and interests, Hebrew ability and the short-term nature of the project can impose certain limitations. During the Tel Aviv period, the Zman Tel Aviv coordinator will organize extra-curricular activities, and ensure that the participants' needs are met.

Requirements
Zman Tel Aviv students are required to participate in the Hebrew ulpan, participate in any group activities, and to complete the requirements of their project. A certificate will be awarded by the WUJS Institute for successful completion of the program.

Housing and facilities
In the first semester, all Zman Tel Aviv participants live with a roommate in a studio apartment, which has a bathroom and kitchenette. The apartments are located in the Yafit Absorption Center, which in addition to the WUJS Institute programs, houses programs for immigrants from Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union and South America. A computer lab offers free internet and wireless access, and a student lounge is equipped with free wireless internet and cable TV. One hot meal per day is served in the cafeteria.

While in Tel Aviv, participants will live in apartments (with roommates) throughout the Tel Aviv-Jaffa area. Monthly bus passes will be provided as will a daily meal stipend.

Eligibility
Young Jewish adults from all countries, aged 21-35. Please note that any group activities, with the exception of the Hebrew language course (Ulpan), are run in English.

Costs
Program tuition is $7000 which covers housing in Arad and Tel Aviv, Ulpan, all program activities and one meal per day (hot meal in Arad and stipend in Tel Aviv). Meals during breaks or weekends are not provided.

All other expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Generous MASA scholarships are available.

Period of Study
Fall Session (September-January):

     September 1-27, 2008—WUJS Arad ulpan

     September 28-Jan. 31, 2008—Tel Aviv

Spring Session (January-June)

     January 5-February 4, 2009—WUJS Arad ulpan

     February 4-June 5, 2009—Tel Aviv

Summer Session (May-September)

     Future dates TBD

For More Information
Email: info@wujsarad.org

To see Zman Tel Aviv flyer click here >>