 Make A Difference For Tel Aviv, For Israel, And For You |
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Frequently Asked Questions The Basics What does Tikun Olam mean? What does Bina mean? What is the Secular Yeshiva? What makes Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv unique? Should I do the 5-month or 10-month program? Is the Spring Semester program the same as the Fall Semester program? If I do the 10-month program, will I have to do the intensive Ulpan session twice? Is there any vacation time during the program? Living in Tel Aviv What are the living accommodations like? Where in Tel Aviv will I live during the program? What is the neighborhood like? Is it safe to spend time in Israel now? Is it safe to live in South Tel Aviv? Hebrew/Study What if I don't know any Hebrew (or very little) before coming? What if I already know some Hebrew? Who teaches the Hebrew Ulpan classes? What kinds of topics do participants study? Volunteering What kinds of volunteering opportunities are available? What will my volunteering schedule look like? How much will I be expected to volunteer each week? Will there be opportunities for extra volunteer work? How will I get to my volunteering places? Applications and Admissions Where can I find an application for Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv? Can I apply for 2009-10 yet? Can I still apply for Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv if I am outside the recommended age range? How can I hear what past participants think about the program? Can I do Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv if I am not Jewish? Can I live in my own apartment in Tel Aviv and volunteer with Tikun Olam? Financial Issues What are the tuition costs? What does my tuition payment include? What is NOT included in the tuition payment? What can I expect to pay in personal expenses each month? What is MASA? What is the MASA Grant, and how can I get it? Are additional scholarships available? Technical Details Does the program include health insurance? What kind of precautions can I take to ensure my safety? How will I get around in Tel Aviv and in Israel? Is it safe to use public transportation? What cell phone plan does Tikun Olam recommend? If I have family living in Israel, will I be able to spend time with them? What should I bring with me to Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv? Don't see your question here? Please feel free to contact us! The Basics What Does Tikun Olam Mean? Tikun Olam literally means "Repairing the World." The name of our program refers to the biblical commandment that all of mankind should seek to perform acts of tikun olam and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness). Bina and Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv seek not only to educate young Jews about these important tenets of Judaism, but to put them into action with social action and grassroots activism in the neediest parts of Tel Aviv. Back to Top What Does Bina Mean? In Hebrew, the word bina stands for understanding, insight and wisdom. Though not frequently used in day-to-day discourse, the word holds great significance for Bina's lofty educational goals, which are pursued in Bina's many educational programs both at its home campus in Ramat Ef'al and at the Secular Yeshiva, in the heart of South Tel Aviv. Click here for more information about Bina. Back to Top What Is The Secular Yeshiva? Bina's Secular Yeshiva, in its third year of operation, is the center of the Bina groups' educational and communal life in South Tel Aviv. The Yeshiva serves the educational arm of Bina's goal of "putting Talmud into action," through study of the humanistic elements of Judaism, then applying them in real-world community service work. Unlike in traditional yeshivas, the Secular Yeshiva takes a more open-minded approach to the study of the sacred texts, viewing the sources as "inspiration rather than authority." In addition, for all of Bina's groups, including Tikun Olam and many groups of young Israelis, the Yeshiva serves as a center for communal life, hosting periodic Shabbat activities and events for most major Jewish holidays. Click here for more information about the Secular Yeshiva. Back to Top What Makes Tikun Olam In Tel Aviv Unique? Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv offers a total Israel experience unrivaled by any other long-term Israel program, and is one of the only MASA programs located in Tel Aviv, Israel's most exciting and vibrant city. The Fall Semester and Full-Year programs offer participants the opportunity to spend one month on a Kibbutz before moving to Tel Aviv, thus giving participants a very well-rounded experience of Israel. The monthly overnight trips and frequent day-trips and cultural activities throughout the program bring participants to every nook and cranny of this remarkable country, so that upon completing the program, participants truly feel that they have gotten to know Israel as a whole. Furthermore, because Tikun Olam and Bina have become fixtures in the South Tel Aviv community, they have formed ties with a large variety of community service organizations that serve Tel Aviv's neediest residents. Thus, participants are able to choose from a broad range of volunteering options to spend their time in the most meaningful way possible. Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv also strikes the perfect balance of volunteering and study. We ask our participants not only to volunteer their time, but to help them place their work in a Jewish context with study sessions at Bina's Secular Yeshiva. And both the volunteering and study sessions are done alongside Israeli peers, thus fostering an international dialogue about tikun olam and Jewish identity. In addition, no other long-term program in Israel invests as much or places as much emphasis on Hebrew study, with the first full month of the program dedicated to intensive Hebrew study and twice-weekly Hebrew classes throughout the duration of the program. All of this is under the tutelage of Tikun Olam's highly trained and experienced Hebrew Ulpan teachers. Finally, Tikun Olam gives its participants a great deal of independence. We view our participants as adults, and treat them as such. Tikun Olam participants have the freedom to explore Tel Aviv for themselves, and truly feel "Tel Avivi," not like tourists on a program. In keeping with this attitude, our staff views the participants as partners who play crucial roles in planning group trips and activities. The Tikun Olam staff is always open to participant input. Back to Top Should I Do The 5-Month Or 10-Month Program? Although five months is certainly enough time to make an impact in volunteering and study, the ten month program is certainly preferable. One can make a much greater impact over ten months than in five, as well as delve more deeply into studies, learn much more Hebrew and see even more of Israel by participating in twice as many overnight and day trips. In addition, there is no repetition in the programming in the two semesters, so for those who begin in the Fall, the Spring will be all new (see below). While ten months is a long time to spend in a foreign country, we feel that the kind of people we accept to Tikun Olam are the kind of people who are tough enough to make it in a foreign environment for an extended period of time. Back to Top Is The Spring Semester Program The Same As The Fall Semester Program? No, each semester is a different program. Our staff works hard to make each semester by itself a comprehensive experience of Israeli society, as well as a meaningful volunteer and educational experience, so that those participants doing only one semester will not be unduly penalized for being unable to stay the whole year. Even in doing so, our staff also designs each semester to be distinct so as not to bore full-year participants with redundant programming. Each semester has different trips, different cultural activities, and different educational programming. Back to Top If I Do The 10-Month Program, Will I Have To Do The Intensive Ulpan Session Twice? No. While the second semester group is participating in the intensive Ulpan portion of the program, the full-year and first-semester participants will continue the program as usual. Back to Top Is There Any Vacation Time During The Program? Full-year students will have a 10-day break period between semesters. We recommend that those who wish to travel within Israel or have family or friends come to visit from abroad have them come during this time (specific dates will be provided closer to the start of the program). For one-semester participants, time off for travel or receiving visitors must be arranged with Tikun Olam staff and each person's individual volunteer places. Please contact us for more information. Back to Top Living In Tel Aviv What Are The Living Accommodations Like? During the intensive Hebrew study portion of the program (the first month), participants will have dorm-style accommodations, living 2-3 to a room. Full room and board are provided during this portion of the program, and wireless internet will be available. A desktop computer with internet access will also be provided. After the first month, the participants move to apartments in Tel Aviv. Following their acceptance to the program, applicants may elect to receive a $1000 tuition discount in exchange for agreeing to share a room during this portion of the program. Those who do not choose this option will get their own rooms. The apartments are fully outfitted with all necessary furniture and kitchen appliances, as well as all dishes and accessories in the kitchens. All of the apartments are at least partially air-conditioned. Wireless internet is provided, and each apartment has a desktop computer with internet access. Although the apartments are in very good shape, it is important to remember that they are located in a lower class neighborhood, and so may not be up to the standards that some participants are used to. Even so, the apartments are more than satisfactory and perfectly suitable for long-term living situations. Back to Top Where In Tel Aviv Will I Live During The Program? The Tikun Olam apartments are located in the Kiryat Shalom neighborhood of South Tel Aviv. The apartments are about a 20 minute walk from the Tel Aviv New Central Bus Station and Hagannah Train Station, and a short bus ride from the center of Tel Aviv, thus making all of Tel Aviv and all of Israel easily accessible to the participants. Back to Top What Is The Neighborhood Like? More so than perhaps any other part of Tel Aviv, Kiryat Shalom is a neighborhood in the truest sense of the word. Largely inhabited by Sephardic immigrants, it is poorer than most other parts of the city, but also more intimate. Everyone in Kiryat Shalom seems to know everybody else and their families. On Friday nights, after Shabbat dinner is over, the main park in the neighborhood is abuzz with people going out to visit with friends and neighbors. Though the residents of Kiryat Shalom are generally more religious than most Tel Avivians, they are welcoming and grateful for the presence of Bina volunteers. Tikun Olam participants will often get to know the fixtures in the neighborhood, be it the family who owns the supermarket, the elderly couple who runs the falafel stand or the immigrant family who lives downstairs. Kiryat Shalom also contains all the important facilities for day-to-day life, including grocery stores and a supermarket, a bank and ATM, convenience stores, a health clinic and a pharmacy (see Health Insurance Information). Buses to and from the city center come frequently, and the Tel Aviv New Central Bus Station and Hagannah Train Station are each about a 20 minute walk away, making all of Tel Aviv and all of Israel easily accessible to participants. Back to Top Is It Safe To Spend Time In Israel Now? Yes. Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv takes the safety of its participants very seriously, and will never ask participants to do anything we deem at all unsafe, nor will we require participants to do anything which they are not fully comfortable with doing. In addition, Tikun Olam is fully compliant with all MASA regulations, which prohibit programs or participants from crossing the "Green Line" into the occupied territories or visiting neighboring countries during the program. We also pay very close attention to the Israeli government's security advisories and act in accordance with those instructions. We also encourage each participant to register with his or her home country's embassy as a citizen spending an extended period of time abroad. Foreign embassies will often issue travel advisories for their citizens, and we encourage our participants to take these advisories into serious consideration. We understand the seriousness with which applicants and their families view this issue, and invite those with concerns to contact us with those concerns. Back to Top Is It Safe To Live In South Tel Aviv? Absolutely. Although South Tel Aviv is a poor area, it is not dangerous. In South Tel Aviv, and indeed throughout Israel, violent crime rates are extremely low. Although we do recommend that certain common sense precautions be observed (for example, apartment doors should be kept locked, and female participants should walk in groups late at night), there is no need for concern regarding violent crime. Theft, however, is fairly common in Israel, and we strongly recommend that participants take care to secure their valuables. Back to Top Hebrew/Study What If I Don't Know Any Hebrew (Or Very Little) Before Coming? No problem! Our program begins with one month of intensive Ulpan study with experienced and highly qualified Hebrew Ulpan teachers. By the time participants begin volunteering, even those who did not know the Aleph-Bet upon arrival are able to speak at a high enough level to function in their volunteer places. Ulpan instruction continues with twice-weekly sessions throughout the duration of the program to ensure that the participants' Hebrew will continue to improve. By the end of the program, all participants will be able to speak Hebrew at a functional level. The participants who improve the most in Hebrew ability are those who make an effort outside of Ulpan class. Those who practice their Hebrew with fellow participants, as well as with Israelis out in the real world, improve to a far greater degree than those who leave their Hebrew at volunteering and in the Ulpan classroom. There are many Israelis who speak at least rudimentary English, so there is a temptation to take the easy route and just use English. Those participants who are persistent and are dedicated to learning Hebrew will see tremendous improvement throughout the course of the program. No other long term Israel program invests so much time and effort in teaching its participants Hebrew! Back to Top What If I Already Know Some Hebrew? During the Ulpan classes, participants will be split into groups according to their level of Hebrew knowledge. Prior to the start of the program, our Ulpan teachers will send each participant a diagnostic test, which they use to place each person in the appropriate level so that everyone should feel that he or she is being challenged in Hebrew class. In some cases, a participant may speak Hebrew well enough to not require Ulpan at all. This should not discourage anyone from signing up for the program! The Tikun Olam staff and Ulpan teachers will make decisions on a case-by-case basis to ensure that all participants are using their time wisely. In some cases, this may mean that a participant will be exempt from Ulpan, but only if that participant exhibits a very advanced level of Hebrew fluency. If you think this might apply to you, please contact us for more information. Back to Top Who Teaches The Hebrew Ulpan Classes? Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv is very fortunate to have a deeply experienced and qualified Ulpan teaching staff. Our Ulpan teachers hold degrees in Hebrew language study from the top Israeli universities, and have lengthy experience teaching Hebrew to immigrant soldiers in the Israeli Army. The Ulpan system is time-tested to ensure rapid results in Hebrew studies, and our Ulpan teachers are fully versed and experienced in all the Ulpan teaching methods. Back to Top What Kinds Of Topics Do Participants Study? During the once-a-week study days, participants study a broad range of topics relating to Jewish texts and philosophy, Israeli history, Israeli culture and Jewish identity. All of this is done under the tutelage of Bina's wonderful teachers, many of whom represent the foremost minds in their respective fields of study. The Jewish texts and philosophy classes focus on giving the participants a basis in the nuts-and-bolts of Jewish learning -- everything from Tanakh, to Mishna, to Talmud, to Kaballah, to Maimonides, to modern scholarship. Special emphasis is placed on timely topics (discussing holidays at the appropriate time of year) and, especially, on the humanistic aspects of Judaism, such as tikun olam and gemilut hasadim. All of this is done with an open-minded approach and an emphasis on group discussion. The sources are viewed as "inspiration rather than authority." Classes on Israeli history and culture attempt to put in perspective what participants see around them. These classes confront the important issues of the day facing Israeli society, and encourage open-minded debate of those issues. Finally, with classes in Jewish identity, participants are encouraged to take a deep and critical view of what it means to be Jewish, both inside and outside of Israel. Here, participants study alongside Israeli peers, resulting in a serious and meaningful dialogue about what Judaism means to Jews from different cultural backgrounds, and how Jews from all different parts of the globe relate to the Jewish state. Back to Top Volunteering What Kinds Of Volunteering Opportunities Are Available? Tikun Olam volunteers work with many different populations of all ages, though most focus on children. Although the specific volunteering places vary from term to term, a broad assortment of opportunities will be made available in the following general areas:
For those participants with interests outside the pre-arranged offerings, when possible, our staff will attempt to assist the participants in arranging volunteer opportunities more suited to their interests. Back to Top What Will My Volunteering Schedule Look Like? Three days each week are dedicated to volunteering, and participants will choose 3-4 regular volunteering jobs to be done each week, totaling 15-20 hours of volunteering per week. The Tikun Olam staff has been in touch with the volunteering organizations in advance to ensure that the volunteer work will not interfere with other Tikun Olam programming. Back to Top How Much Will I Be Expected To Volunteer Each Week? Participants are required to volunteer 15-20 hours per week. Those who are interested in taking on more volunteer work are welcome to discuss this with the staff. Back to Top Will There Be Opportunities For Extra Volunteer Work? Most likely, yes. In the past, special volunteer projects have been arranged during the week of Passover, as well as during some overnight trips. In addition, many times the individual volunteering places will have opportunities for additional volunteering, such as for field trips and special events. Back to Top How Will I Get To My Volunteering Places? All volunteering places are within walking distance, or close to a bus line or train station. For those participants who take the bus or train to volunteering, Tikun Olam will compensate the full cost of travel expenses. Tikun Olam will not compensate participants for cab fares unless it has been approved in advance. It is also possible to purchase a new or used bicycle. Participants who choose this option are encouraged to take precautions to protect their bike from theft, and are expected to observe all Israel traffic and safety laws. Tel Aviv Municipal law requires that all cyclists wear a protective helmet. Back to Top Applications and Admissions Where Can I Find An Application For Tikun Olam In Tel Aviv? Check out our applications page for information on how to download an application, or request to receive one in the mail. Back to Top Can I Apply For 2009-10 Yet? The application for Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv 2009-10 has not yet been released. The application will become available some time in mid-December. Keep an eye on our applications page for updates. Back to Top Can I Still Apply For Tikun Olam In Tel Aviv If I Am Outside Of The Recommended Age Range? Yes. We will make decisions on a case-by-case basis to determine if such individuals will be a good fit for our program. To find out more, please contact us. Back to Top How Can I Hear What Past Participants Think About The Program? We have gathered alumni testimonials of all kinds on our testimonials page, with many more on the way. You can also get in touch with current and past participants on the Tikun Olam Facebook group. Back to Top Can I Do Tikun Olam In Tel Aviv If I Am Not Jewish? Yes, Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv does not discriminate based on religious affiliation. However, it is important to note that there is a strong Jewish character to the educational components of the program, and some classes encourage personal introspection into issues of Jewish identity. Furthermore, non-Jewish participants may not be eligible for the MASA Grant. Those non-Jews who are comfortable with these components of the program are more than welcome to apply. Back to Top Can I Live In My Own Apartment In Tel Aviv And Volunteer With Tikun Olam? All participants in Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv are required to participate in all components of the program, including volunteering, study days and trips, as well as the month-long intensive Ulpan session. We may allow participants to live apart from the rest of the group in the event of extenuating circumstances, as decided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information. Back to Top Financial Issues What Are The Tuition Costs? Tuition information for the Spring Semester 2009 is available on our Tuition and Financial Aid page. The tuition rates for 2009-10 have not yet been established. Please check back for updates in December. Please note that for Spring 2009, a $1000 tuition discount will be available for those participants who will agree to share a room during the main portion of the program (i.e. following the intensive Ulpan period). Back to Top What Does My Tuition Payment Include? Your tuition payment gets you:
What Is NOT Included In The Tuition Payment? Your tuition payment does not include:
What Can I Expect To Pay In Personal Expenses Each Month? During the Orientation/Intensive Ulpan period, full room and board are provided, and as such, personal expenses are minimal. Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is regularly ranked as one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, if one spends wisely, it is possible to minimize personal expenses to as little as 400 NIS (New Israeli Shekels) per month (current exchange rates can be found here). On the other hand, Tel Aviv has a great deal of culture, as well as world-class dining and nightlife. Participants who choose to enjoy these things in abundance can expect to spend as much as 1000 NIS per month. These figures are only estimates, and extreme ones at that. Most participants can expect to pay something in the middle, depending on personal habits and tastes. Back to Top What Is MASA? MASA: Israel Journey is a project of the Jewish Agency for Israel and various Jewish philanthropic agencies from around the world. MASA's goal is to bring young Jews from around the world to Israel on long-term programs like Tikun Olam. Although Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv is not operated by MASA, we are a MASA-approved program, which means our program meets MASA's rigorous standards of excellence. As such, Tikun Olam enjoys exposure in MASA's promotional materials, and our participants are eligible for MASA grants and scholarships to offset Tikun Olam tuition costs. Furthermore, Tikun Olam participants will have the opportunity to participate in many of MASA's wonderful programs, weekend conventions and tours, which often feature the highest profile Israeli personalities in the fields of politics, literature, art and more. For more information on MASA, please visit their website. Back to Top What Is The MASA Grant And How Can I Get It? Almost all participants in Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv are eligible for the standard MASA Grant, which covers approximately half of the Tikun Olam tuition costs. The standard grant is unrelated to socioeconomic status, and eligibility requirements are similar to those on Birthright/Taglit trips. Click here for more information on the MASA Grant and to apply online. Please note: all tuition rates quoted on this website do not include the MASA Grant, which may offset as much as 50% of the tuition rate. Once approved for the grant, MASA will make payments directly to Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv, and the total amount of the grant will be deducted from your required tuition payments. More specific details will be provided upon acceptance to Tikun Olam in Tel Aviv. Back to Top Are Additional Scholarships Available? For those who require financial assistance in addition to the standard MASA Grant, information on need-based scholarships is provided on our Tuition and Financial Aid page. Back to Top Technical Details Does the program include health insurance? Yes, all participants will receive basic health care coverage from one of Israel's health care cooperatives (Clalit). There is a clinic and pharmacy in the neighborhood, a very short walk from the apartments. Please be advised that your health insurance will not cover preexisting conditions, and thus it is recommended that participants taking prescription medications for preexisting medical conditions bring enough with them to last the duration of the program. Back to Top What Kind Of Precautions Can I Take To Ensure My Safety? Although it is perfectly safe to spend time in Israel, there are certain guidelines that participants should follow to ensure their personal safety while in Israel. Some of these are:
Back to Top How Will I Get Around In Tel Aviv And In Israel? For day-to-day transportation and individual travel, most participants will either walk or use public transportation. The Dan bus company provides bus service within the city of Tel Aviv, and the Egged bus company provides inter-city transportation. Israel's rail service also provides transportation both within Tel Aviv and to other cities. Each of these transportation options provides safe and affordable transportation. In addition, cabs are available in Tel Aviv and can either be called or hailed on the street. Some participants choose to purchase a new or used bike to use during the program. While this is certainly an excellent way to get around, participants who choose this method are encouraged to take certain precautions. Tel Aviv Municipal Law requires that all cyclists wear a protective helmet, which is especially important when biking around Israel's notoriously aggressive drivers. It is also important to buy a strong, high-quality bike lock to guard against theft. A good rule of thumb to follow is "cheap bike, expensive lock." For group trips when the whole group will be traveling outside of Tel Aviv, Tikun Olam will either rent cars or a minibus. Occasionally, usually on trips to Jerusalem, the group will travel together on a public Egged bus. Back to Top Is It Safe To Use Public Transportation? Yes, it is perfectly safe to use public transportation. All bus stations and train stations have security guards who screen passengers. We do advise that participants use only public buses from the major Israeli bus services (Dan, Egged and Kavim) and, when taking taxis, to only get into cabs that are clearly marked in the standard fashion. Hitchhiking is strongly discouraged. Back to Top What Cell Phone Plan Does Tikun Olam Recommend? In years past, Tikun Olam participants have received special discounted group rates from Israel Phones cellphone rental company. Participants who use this plan will be able to call others in the group for free, and may receive discounted rates for calling home. Israel Phones uses the Cellcom network, Israel's largest network, and their rates are comparable to the major carriers' pay-as-you-go plans. Most Israeli cellphone companies do not offer short-term contracts conducive to participants in our program. Israel Phones will arrange a special group delivery, and offers reasonably hassle-free repair service. Participants will receive more information closer to the start of the program. Back to Top If I Have Family Living In Israel, Will I Be Able To Spend Time With Them? Absolutely. Regardless of what the program has planned, participants are always free to spend holidays and special occasions with Israeli relatives. For those participants with no family in Israel who wish to spend holidays with an Israeli family, our staff would be happy to make the arrangements. Back to Top What Should I Bring With Me To Tikun Olam In Tel Aviv? Participants will receive a recommended packing list a few weeks before the start of the program. Aside from general necessities, participants are encouraged to bring those packable items that will help them feel at home, or help them share a bit of themselves with their fellow participants (such as musical instruments or other hobby-related items). Back to Top Please feel free to contact us with any questions not listed here. Back to homepage |
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