Why Spend a Year in Israel?

Taking a gap year between high school and college offers young people incredible benefits. Gap years exist to help you discover and strengthen your sense of self, meet new friends, learn new languages, figure out what you want to study in college, and gain new experiences that will boost your communication and leadership skills. Gap years also exist to prepare you for independence, helping you better adapt to new environments as you begin to live on your own.

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Spending a year in Israel offers you the opportunity to explore the society's unique social, religious, and cultural diversity, strengthen your connection to Judaism, directly address the country's contemporary issues and challenges, and be a direct part of shaping the future of the country.

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According to the Gap Year Association, over 90% of gap year participants return home to share that their year has allowed them to interact with people from different backgrounds and gain greater respect and understanding of different cultures than their own.  

Still Curious About the Benefits of Taking a Gap Year?

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Read About it Here!

"How Taking a Gap Year Can Shape Your Life" - The New York Times, October 2016

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"Need Some Perspective Before University? Take a Gap Year" - The Guardian, August 2018

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"5 Reasons to Consider a Gap Year" -  Time Money Magazine, August 2016

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"Want to Help Kids Succeed in College? Let Them Take a Gap Year" - The Washington Post, June 2015

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"The Value of a Gap Year" - Psychology Today, February 2014

70 Years

Habonim Dror North America's Workshop is the longest running gap year program in Israel.

75% of Habonim Dror alumni consider themselves politically progressive.

75%

40,000+

Habonim Dror alumni.

19%

19% of Habonim Dror alumni hold leadership positions in multiple Jewish or Israel-related organizations.