Q: Who is eligible?
A: Netzer Year is a gap year program. Participants must have graduated high school and not yet begun college or university, and are generally between 17-20 years old.

Q: Who participates?
A: Participants come from all over the world including the USA, Canada, England, France, Germany, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina. Many but not all of our participants are alumni of NFTY, a URJ Camp or Israel Program, or Netzer Olami. All of our participants share a love of Reform Judaism, Israel, want to grow as people and leaders and are looking to have a memorable year.

Q: I have already been accepted to college – what happens now?
A: Speak with your college or university admissions office to see how to defer your admission. Most schools make this process very easy. Some schools will require you to reapply for next year.

Check out this great Wall Street Journal article on the benefits of a Gap Year before college.

Q: What are the dates for 2012-2013?
A: The program's tentative dates are mid-October 2012 to mid-June 2013. Exact dates will be finalized in early 2012. Participants are welcome to arrive in Israel beforehand and stay after the end of the program.

Q: What is the cost of Netzer Year?
A: Tuition for the 2012-2013 Netzer Year is $19,875.

Q: Are there any scholarships available?
A: All Netzer Year applicants are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship from Masa Israel Journeys and up to an additional $2,400 in scholarship dollars, if qualified. More information is available at www.masaisrael.org. You can find an extensive list of other available scholarships here, and we encourage you to contact your synagogue and Jewish Federation for scholarships, and are happy to direct you to additional funding sources.

Q: What do colleges and employers think about students taking a year before starting college or work?
A: Most colleges and universities really encourage students to participte in a gap year. Employers and colleges want students and employees who are as mature and responsible as possible. Spending a year in Israel on Netzer Year is a great way to gain life skills, learn how to live as an adult, be part of a Reform Jewish Community and have a great time!

Q: I have never been to Israel. Will I get to see the country?
A: Yes you will, not just as a tourist but as an inquisitive, thoughtful, and engaged Jew.

Q: Where will I live in Israel?
During all program experiences, participants will be housed in group housing with dorm-style bedrooms and bathrooms. All sleeping rooms will be single sex, however some bathrooms will be co-ed. At all program locations, furniture, bedding and kitchen implements will be provided. Participants will be responsible for providing their own sheets. Students are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their suites and for respecting the rights of others to quiet and privacy.

Q: What about safety and security while in Israel?
A: The Union for Reform Judaism and Netzer Year staff are available 24 hours a day throughout the program. All itineraries and travel plans (group and individual) are reviewed daily to ensure safety. For more than fifty years, the Union for Reform Judaism has been sponsoring travel programs and safety and security have always been our primary concern. Netzer Year aspires to the highest standards of safety and security and has a well deserved reputation for care and caution in designing and implementing Israel programs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.

Q: Will I need a passport and visa to participate?
A: All participants must hold a valid passport to enter Israel. Citizens of the United States and Canada will not need a visa prior to the program. All visa extensions will be handled after arrival in Israel. If the applicant or applicant’s parent is a citizen of Israel or a national of another country, please contact the Netzer Year office.

Q: What about medical insurance?
A: All Netzer Year participants will be covered by medical insurance while in Israel. This policy does not cover previous conditions or routine/maintenance medications.

Q: Do I need a computer while in Israel?
A: While a computer is not required, you may find it easier to work and keep in touch with family and friends if you have a laptop.

Q: What about a cell phone?
A: All participants must have a mobile phone while in Israel. It is the easiest and quickest way for the Netzer Year staff and parents to be in contact with participants. We recommend that participants get a phone or SIM card through Israel Phones, an Israeli company which provides phones or SIM cards to participants on educational programs in Israel. Prior to each Netzer Year departure, we make arrangements for discounted rates with Israel Phones. You are free to make your own cell phone arrangements, though all participants must have a working Israeli cell phone for the duration of the program.

Q: Can my family or friends visit?
A: Of course! Your year in Israel is a great chance for those you love to spend time in your new home.

Q: Will I be able to travel on my own? What about weekends?
A: Participants will have vacation at three different points during the year, in addition to various weekends off. During all vacation and free time, participants must continue to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Director of Netzer Year and the Union for Reform Judaism. This includes avoiding areas designated as off-limits and maintaining contact with the The Netzer Year Director as to participant whereabouts at all times. During the extended holiday breaks, we encourage families to visit Israel so that they can begin to experience and explore Israel with their Netzer Year participants. Participants will be allowed to leave Israel only with the express written consent of the Netzer Year director. Please note that food will not be provided during vacation periods.

Questions? Like what you see and want to know more? Want to talk to a real live human? We'd be glad to chat! Here's where you can find us!

Jesse Paikin Netzer Year 633 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017

Email netzeryear@urj.org Phone 212.650.4115 Fax 212.650.4199