Teach in Israel for a year, and be amazed at what you learn along the way
OVERVIEW
FOCUS
Teaching & Childhood Development
AGES
Ages 21-35
DURATION
10 Months
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Teach English and volunteer on this highly subsidized and rewarding program. Based in one of three communities – Netanya or Be’er Sheva – on Israel Teaching Fellows you’ll spend a meaningful ten months picking-up new skills and connecting with Israeli society on an individual level.
After an initial period of training, you’ll be placed in a community public school with one or two other Fellows where you’ll tutor small groups of students in English outside of the classroom, providing personal attention and helping them learn key concepts like vocabulary, grammar, and spelling (25-30 hours per week). In addition to teaching English, you’ll take part in community volunteer projects according to your background and interests.
Fellows live in the communities where they work, so you’ll have ten months to get to know Israel like a local. Outside of teaching and scheduled programming, your nights, weekends, and holidays are free for you to explore Israel on your own.
WHERE WE’RE BASED
Israel Outdoors NEXT hosts Israel Teaching Fellows in the cities of Netanya (beach town) and Be’er Sheva.
WHAT IT COSTS
$1,000 | Including the Masa subsidy
Above the nominal cost of the program, Israel Teaching Fellows receive a monthly cash stipend of 1,750 shekels (~$490) for teacher aides and 4,000 shekels ($1,100) for experienced teachers.
NEW! Prior Masa grant recipients are eligible for Israel Teaching Fellows (extra costs apply – learn more)
GENEROUSLY SUBSIDIZED BY
TESTIMONIALS
It’s been really challenging and rewarding, but I’ve learned so much about myself! I see so much love and potential working with these kids.
Erika Durben
Fellow, 2017
I feel more in touch with the Jewish community and Israel. Through teaching here, I’ve learned more about what I want to do with my life.
Matthew Skurnick
Fellow, 2017
TEACHING
Join Israel Teaching Fellows to contribute to sustainable social progress in Israel. If you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are immeasurable. Here’s what to look forward to:
ORIENTATION & TRAINING
Before entering the classroom, you’ll take part in an intensive training seminar lead by Israel’s Ministry of Education. Top educators from across Israel come together to build your teaching skills and prepare you for the Israeli classroom experience.
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
You’ll work alongside your peers 25 hours a week in a local public school. Often, you’ll be working in smaller groups of 3-5 students outside the classroom. Depending on your school placement, the primary focus is on students in grades 3-9.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
In addition to your time teaching, you’ll have a chance to create your own community volunteer project, based on your skills, talents, and interests. Past projects have included coaching, after-school theater programs, and working with adults on English reading and speaking skills.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Check out what a typical day looks like for a Fellow.
FAQS
You have questions? We’ve got answers! Our most frequently asked questions are answered below. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us to learn more.
WHAT IS ISRAEL TEACHING FELLOWS?
A 10-month, hands-on service program which brings exemplary college graduates from English-speaking countries to teach English in Israel. Our goal is to address Israel’s educational achievement gap and the widespread underperformance of youth in low-income communities.
WHO FUNDS IT?
Israel Teaching Fellows is made possible by the generous support of Masa Israel and the Ministry of Education of the State of Israel. Masa Israel is a joint venture of The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Fellows are responsible to pay $1,000 for the full 10-month experience. However, certified teachers will earn a monthly compensation of 4,000 NIS (about $1,100 USD) and will, after initial training, teach their own English classes. English teaching assistants (non-certified teachers), will earn a monthly cash stipend of 1,750 NIS (about $485 USD).
The $1,000 program fee includes accommodations, Hebrew Ulpan classes, pedagogical orientation, health insurance, trips around Israel, and other enrichment activities. You will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for the cost of your flight upon completion of the program. If your flight to Israel was provided by Birthright Israel, you must submit your ticket home to be reimbursed for your return flight. Please note that you won’t receive a flight reimbursement until you complete the program.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible for the subsidized terms of the program, you must:
- Identify as Jewish
- Have a Bachelor’s Degree before the start of the program
- Not have Israeli citizenship OR if you do, you must have left Israel before the age of 14 and have lived outside of Israel for at least four consecutive years prior to receiving a Masa Israel grant or scholarship
- Have not spent four consecutive months or longer in Israel within the 24 month period prior to the start of your program after the age of 18
NOTE: Applicants who have received a Masa grant in the past are eligible to participate in Israel Teaching Fellows. The cost of participation for prior Masa grant recipients is $5,500, however, they are eligible to receive the full teaching stipend and flight reimbursement.
WHAT IF I AM NOT ELIGIBLE?
If you have participated in a four month or longer Israel program, then you are not eligible for the $1,000 discounted fee. You are still eligible to participate in Israel Teaching Fellows, but you will be responsible for the full $4,500 USD total cost of the program.
WHERE IS THE PROGRAM BASED?
Israel Outdoors NEXT hosts Israel Teaching Fellows in the cities of Netanya (beach town) and Be’er Sheva (desert metropolis).
HOW DOES ROOMING WORK?
During the initial orientation period, you will get to know your fellow participants, and you can decide who you will live with for your time in Israel. In some situations a single bedroom is available for a supplemental fee.
CAN I PARTICIPATE WITHOUT LIVING WITH THE GROUP?
No, living together with fellow program peers is a central and required component of the overall experience.
WHO WILL SUPPORT ME DURING THE PROGRAM?
A full time field coordinator is available to assist you all along the way. Your local staff is backed up by a larger team at our headquarters near Ben Gurion Airport.
WHAT WILL MY DAILY SCHEDULE BE LIKE?
You will work in your school four days a week (Monday – Thursday) for at least five hours a day.
WILL I HAVE DAYS OFF AND VACATION?
Fellows are committed to working 25 hours and at least 4 days a week. You will get all school and Israeli holidays off (there are many!), and can take up to 5 additional days off school, subject to pre-approval, for things like visiting family, vacation, etc. If you need to take off additional days beyond the school holidays and the 5 days off, you will need to obtain special permission. You will also get 15 sick days (no more than 3 per month and doctor’s notes are required). If you need to take a sick day, you will have to notify your city coordinator the day before. If, for family reasons or medical reasons, a Fellow needs to go abroad and be absent from school after you have used up all your holidays, special permission is required and relevant documentation will be necessary. Just like in a a job, deviation from allowed number of vacation and sick days may be cause for program participation to come under review.
WHAT TRAINING WILL I RECEIVE?
To prepare you for the classroom, Fellows receive orientation in educational methods and teaching English as a foreign language, created and led by Israel’s Ministry of Education. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening your skills as a leader, communicator, and educator and improving your experience in the classroom. Participants take part in mandatory full-day training seminars at least once per month (a total of 10 training days plus two enrichment days). All Fellows must attend all orientation days to maintain you fellowship status. All Fellows must attend all training days to maintain you fellowship status.
WHAT’S THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
The full process is described here.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY?
Admission for Masa Israel Teaching Fellows is on a rolling basis. We are currently accepting applications from exceptional candidates. Don’t delay!
DO I NEED A VISA TO PARTICIPATE?
Yes, you will need to apply for an A-2 visa to participate. Learn more at Getting Ready.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE?
We posted some general guidance on how to get ready for the program ahead, and more specific pre-trip preparation information will follow once you have signed up.
WHAT OTHER RULES SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
Inappropriate behavior, drug use, violence, danger to other participants or oneself, criminal offense, and any out of ordinary discipline problem will lead to immediate removal from the program. Remember that failure to complete the full 10 month program will mean you will not be reimbursed for your flight. If you do not complete the program you may be asked to absorb some of the cost of the scholarship granted or your deposit may be non-refundable.
ENROLL
STEP #1: Check your eligibility
To qualify for Israel Teaching Fellows, take a moment to ensure you meet their basic criteria:
- Identify as Jewish
- Have graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree
- Not have Israeli citizenship OR if you do, you must have left Israel before the age of 14 and have lived outside of Israel for at least four consecutive years prior to receiving a Masa Israel grant or scholarship
- Have not spent 4 consecutive months or longer in Israel within the 24 month period prior to the start of your program after the age of 18
STEP #2: Apply for the Fellowship
Once we’ve had a chance to connect, we’ll formally invite you to apply for the Fellowship through an online application. The registration deadline is July 15, but keep in mind that admission is rolling and subject to availability. Don’t delay applying!
STEP #3: Confirm your participation
Stay tuned for an official program acceptance notice via email. This email will guide you through what it takes to officially accept your spot on the program. Expect to complete a basic medical background form, sign a supplemental waiver, upload a copy of your passport, submit a criminal background check report, and pay a $300 deposit. You have a two week window to accept your spot on the program by paying the deposit. The passport copy and criminal background check can be submitted later on.
NOTE: Once submitted, your payment of $300 is refundable up to 90 days prior to the program start date.
STEP #4: Pay the balance
The balance of what you owe for the program ($700) is due 60 days prior to the program start date. If you choose to withdraw within 30-60 days of the program start date, a 50% refund is available. Within 30 days of the program start date, no refunds are available.
STEP #5: Submit a security deposit
A refundable $250 security deposit is due at least two week in advance of the program start date (and can be paid as part of your main program payment). The deposit is returned in full at the conclusion of the program to participants in good standing. Participants who are removed from the program, choose to leave early for any reason, do not attend scheduled activities or cause damage to the apartments, or other infractions as determined by staff, will not receive a refund of their security deposit.
KEEP IN MIND!
- You’re responsible for your flight and will need to send us your plans by a set date. You will receive a reimbursement of up to $1,000 at the conclusion of the year.
- Detailed pre-trip preparation material will be provided in the lead up to the summer. In the meantime, review these general tips for getting ready.
- Since you’ll be in Israel for more than three months, you’ll need a special A-2 Visa which is easily obtained at your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate (no cost). We recommend starting the visa application process 60 days in advance of your arrival.
- Your acceptance and participation in this program is conditional and may be revoked should you not comply with the enrollment requirements/deadlines or according to the discretion of the program staff.
CONTACT US
Talk to us!
Before formally enrolling, we’ll want to connect with you to learn a little more about who you are, and so you can get a better sense of what this program is about. This is also a great opportunity to talk through our city placement options:
- Netanya (beach town)
- Be’er Sheva (desert metropolis)
