Find your right direction on a Gap Year in Israel
Our Mission
The American Israel Gap Year Association Champions the cause of the Jewish continuity through the Israel Gap Year experience.. We strive to be an objective and inclusive resource for families and educators to understand the breadth Israel programs across the denominational spectrum. AIGYA feels that this transitional year in Israel is essential for student to take ownership of their Jewish identity, to solidify their relationship to Israel and the Jewish People.
What is a Gap Year in Israel?
The Israel Gap Year experience is more than just a break in between high school and college; this year is a chance to grow, meet new friends, learn in a stress free environment.
”I used to think Israel was this place on the other side of the world where a lot of Jews lived, but now I see it as the home of the Jewish people.”
A Gap Year in Israel allows students to develop emotionally, academically, and spiritually before entering college. The Israel Gap Year provides tools to enhance Israel knowledge, creating more informed students, increasing academic success and Jewish engagement.
How We Can Help You
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Through Private counseling/classes and workshops AIYGA helps students find their unique Israel Gap Year experience
“Phyllis Folb has profound knowledge of gap year programs. Nothing about her help is cookie cutter”
AIGYA has gathered a comprehensive collection of diverse Israel Gap Year programs.
Click to review our programs and connect with representatives.
AIGYA Ambassadors are specially selected students who chronicle their Gap Years on the AIGYA instagram page for future students to see a gap year in real time.
“I learned more from AIGYA Ambassdors videos that any school visits. Helped me make my design and was like visiting Israel”.
AIGYA Gap Year Fair is the largest Israel Fair on the West Coast and the only one Cross -Denominational Fair is U.S.
“I go to Fairs all over the world and AIGYA is by far the most successful."
The Rosina Korda Scholarship are awarded to 3 students each year, who are scheduled to attend either a girls, boys or co- ed program. Scholarship search tips are available on the site.
“I am so grateful this scholarship, I can now realize dream to go to Israel”
Thoughts from our Ambassadors
Personal thoughts on their experiences with AIGYA
Testimonials
"Walking out of my apartment stepping on the stone ground that my ancestors fought for is an incredible feeling of Jewish history come alive and integral part of discovering my identity as a Jew in the modern world. At only halfway through the year, I am incredibly grateful and happy with my choice to spend my year before university learning more about my values and roots in the land in which my entire history lies."
- AIGYA Participant
I knew I wanted to “grow” as a person, I didn’t completely understand what that meant for my life to spend a year doing so.
I now know what it means:
Creating special connections with mentors who can inspire me.
Learning from people every day with completely different views and opinions than I.
Given unlimited means and opportunities to do good in the world
- AIGYA Participant
Donate
Help us help others have an unforgettable experience in Israel for their GAP Year Experience.
Please click below to donate to our organization.
"an unimaginable experience, I learned so much about Israel and even more about myself. My life has completely changed from this experience"
Getting Involved & Volunteering
We are always so appreciative when people donate to enable us to reach more people, but not everyone is always in a position to do so.
Therefore we truly appreciate people donating their time to help our fundraising efforts or volunteering to help us pay it forward.
Please contact us by clicking below if you'd like to be a part of our fundraising efforts or be a volunteer at AIGYA
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Contact Us
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us below if you have any questions.