Aardvark Israel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aardvark Israel is a Jewish educational organization that offers gap year and semester abroad programs in Israel for young adults. Founded in 2010, the organization operates programs in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, providing participants aged 17–21 with structured immersive experiences combining professional internships, language study, and cultural engagement. The program is a partner organization of Masa Israel Journey and a member of the Gap Year Association.[1][2]
Background
Gap year programs in Israel have been a fixture of Jewish young adult education since the late twentieth century. Aardvark Israel was established in 2010 with offices in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, positioning itself within the broader ecosystem of Masa Israel Journey — a joint initiative of the Jewish Agency for Israel and the Israeli government designed to bring young Jews from around the world to Israel for extended programs.[3]
Programs
The classic track combines professional internship placements with Hebrew language instruction (ulpan) and weekly field trips throughout Israel. Participants may earn college credit through a partnership with Portland State University and the Jewish Theological Seminary.[4]
The tech track is a full-stack JavaScript coding bootcamp developed in partnership with Methodian, alongside startup internship placements in Israel's technology sector.[5]
The service track provides community volunteer placements emphasizing civic engagement within Israeli society.
The culinary track places interns in culinary arts settings in Israel's food and hospitality industry.
The Nativ track is offered in partnership with United Synagogue Youth (USY), focusing on Conservative Jewish studies. The track was relaunched in July 2025 through a new partnership with Aardvark Israel, which provides housing in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and college credit arrangements through Portland State University.[6]
The StandWithUs track, developed in partnership with StandWithUs, provides training in Israel advocacy and public diplomacy.