Israel and Overseas Experiences
Once you’ve visited Israel, the experience will stay with you forever. Our Federation fosters the deep connection we feel to Israel and Jews around the world through local celebrations, education and advocacy. We also provide information about volunteer opportunities, internships and programs that offer unique ways to experience in Israel, and financial aid that can help make it possible.
If you are thinking of spending time in Israel or elsewhere in the Jewish world, these programs are worth exploring.
Birthright Israel
Birthright Israel offers the gift of a FREE, educational, 10 – day peer group trip to Israel for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 32.
The trip allows participants to meet new friends and make connections to Israel, its people, and the Jewish community.
A bus group is formed of 40 participants from Canada, eight Israeli peers, two staff members and a tour educator. Canada Israel Experience (CIE), is Canada's very experienced trip organizer for educational tours to Israel. CIE is dedicated to maintaining the highest educational, logistical, safety and security standards on its 10-day Taglit-Birthright Israel program. Visit CIE for more information.
March of the Living
Join thousands of young Jews from around the world for a profound shared experience as you spend Yom Hashoah in Poland and Yom Hazikaron/Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel. “I thought it was an important trip for me to go on as a Jewish teen… one day soon there will be no survivors around and someone needs to be able to tell their stories.” – March of the Living participant. Learn more
MASA: Israel Journey
Want to study, volunteer or develop your career in Israel? Masa Israel Journey can help find the program that suits the way you want to see the country. It can also provide grants and scholarships to help make the experience possible. Find the program that’s right for you.
Sar-El Canada
A volunteer experience like no other. This national program provides a three-week experience on an IDF base. Learn more
Parliamentary Internship Program
Are you a university graduate interested in a career in politics? This year-long placement in an MP’s office will give you experience working with members in the House of Commons. It’s a valuable, career-building program; past interns have gone on to work for MPs all across the country. Learn more
Israel Government Fellows
The first program to enable non-Israelis to intern in the core of Israel's policymaking apparatus, Israel Government Fellows (IGF) offers firsthand experience working in government offices in Jerusalem. The 10-month program includes professional seminars, mentoring sessions, Hebrew language classes, and tours. Learn more
Kibbutz Movement Volunteers Program Centre
Tailor-make your own Israel experience! This Kibbutz movement program focuses on Hebrew language education while experiencing the unique society that is Kibbutz life. There are many opportunities for volunteers and students to take part in environmental or peace projects and social activism. Learn more
Avodah – the Jewish Service Corps
Spend a year working in a non-profit organization and living communally with other Jewish people. The Jewish Service Corps engages young people in direct work on the causes and effects of poverty in the United States. Program participants deepen their commitments to social change and Jewish life through a year of full-time work at anti-poverty organizations in Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and Washington, DC. Learn more
Joint Distribution Committee
From week-long trips to year-long placements, the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) offers four different volunteer opportunities for everyone from students to professionals. It’s a great way to engage with the largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization in the world. Volunteers are currently serving in Austria, Belarus, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine. Learn more
MDA Overseas Volunteers Program
Magen David Adom, in conjunction with the Israel Experience, has the perfect program for you. Come make a difference in Israel! Be trained as an ambulance first responder (EMS). Volunteer on ambulances throughout Israel. Where else in the world can you do this? Learn more
Visiting Israel? Goisrael.com is a great resource for tourists.