Yahel offers tailored service learning programs for groups of various sizes. All programs combine meaningful service work with learning and create an immersion experience that gives participants the opportunity to experience real life in Israel.

Length

Yahel programs are as short as several weeks and as long as several months based on the needs of volunteer groups and communities.

Location

Each program is based in one community where the group lives and works. Many of these host communities are outside the major urban centers of Israel in towns such as Gedera, Kiryat Gat or Kiryat Shmona.

Participants

For short-term programs Yahel does not accept applications from individuals. We work with groups that have been organized abroad. Participants are usually college age or older.

Service work

Yahel programs are based around a full day of work. Volunteer projects include tutoring, working in community gardens, youth activities, agricultural work and urban renewal projects.

Learning

An integral part of our programs is the learning component which goes hand in hand with the service work. Through formal study sessions, meetings with community members and activists, tours and reflection, participants are able to make sense of their experience and derive meaning from it. Issue based learning differs from program to program and is dependent on the location of the program and the Israeli program partner.

Immersion

During their stay in Israel, participants work with community members on various community projects and live in the communities where they volunteer. Accommodations are either in rented apartments or with local families. Groups spend time visiting families in the community and travel and study with members of their host community when possible.

Touring

Yahel’s programs are an opportunity to experience Israel off the beaten path. Programs are based in a host community and participants travel locally. In addition, depending on program length and group needs, participants tour more broadly throughout Israel.

Staff

Experienced and highly professional leaders accompany the groups, manage the service projects and day-to-day logistics and teach the service-learning curriculum. Yahel’s exceptional educators are trained to help guide participants’ learning and growth throughout the program experience.