Things to Consider When Choosing a Teen Israel Experience

Sponsor and Program Philosophy
• What organization sponsors this program? What is the sponsor's primary mission and philosophy?
• What are the sponsor's "teaching objectives" for the program? What components of the itinerary and other aspects of the program are designed to accomplish these objectives?
• How comfortable am I with this sponsor?

Health and Safety
• What kind of medical services are available?
• What provisions are made to accommodate individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions?
• Is any special insurance coverage needed or advisable?
• How are emergencies handled? How are parents contacted?
• What safety standards do subcontractors like bus companies meet?
• What arrangements are made to ensure security?
• What modes of travel, other than bus, are used?

Religious Observance
• Is kosher food always available? Required? (Are there vegetarian menu options?) Are all food arrangements handled by the program?
• What is the level of religious observance? How are Shabbat and other holidays observed?
• What are the arrangements and expectations regarding prayer?
• Are there opportunities to attend services in settings compatible with participants' background and practice?
• Are participants exposed to diverse cultures and approaches to Judaism?

Program Rules
• What are program policies on alcohol, drugs, physical intimacy, smoking, and being away from the group during time that is not "free"?
• Under what circumstances are participants sent home?

Keeping in Touch with Home
• Does the program have offices in the U.S. and Israel for easy communication with parents?
• How do parents contact participants if there is an emergency at home?
• How does the program communicate with parents during the trip? How are participants encouraged to communicate with parents?
• If participants have friends or relatives in Israel, can arrangements be made for getting together?

The Group
• What is the age range of participants?
• How many participants (and groups of participants) are in the program? In each group? Where do most participants come from? New York? Nationwide? International?
• Is everyone from similar religious and ideological backgrounds?
• Are men and women together or separated?

Staffing
• What is the staff/participant ratio?
• Will a tour educator travel with the group?
• How have counselors, tour guides or tour educators been trained?

Itinerary
• What sites are visited in Israel?
• Will the group go to the West Bank? Jordan?
• Does the trip include travel to Eastern Europe?
• What makes this trip special? The arts..science..archaeology..sports..outdoor adventure..intellectual challenge..leadership development?
• Does everyone stay together, or are there options for small groups/individual choices?
• Are there formal classes? Scholars-in-residence? Special speakers?
• Does the program include volunteer work experiences? What kind? For what portion of the trip?
• Does the group spend time with Israeli teens? Israel families? New immigrants?
• How are evenings programmed?
• Is there free time? How much? Where? Will it be supervised?

Accommodations
• What is the program's home base? Are there overnights away? Where and for how long?
• In what types of facilities is the group housed?
• Do participants have single rooms? Doubles? More than two to a room? How are roommates selected?
• Is there home hospitality?

Other Important Things to Know
• What is the complete cost of the program (air, land arrangements, special fees, recommended spending money)?
• Is financial aid available from the program or sponsoring movement?
• What is the screening process for applicants?
• Is the program sensitive to the needs (cultural and other) of all teens, including New Americans?
• Can I get names and phone numbers of trip alumni in my area, so I can call and ask about the program?
• What kind of pre- or post-trip programming does the program sponsor offer? Is pre-trip study or follow-up activity required?