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Description of Programs |
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TIME COMMITMENT The minimum time commitment for a STANDARD Sar-El program is two weeks (except hospital program which is four weeks). The usual program is for three weeks. Volunteers may stay in the program for a MAXIMUM of three months IF approved by Sar-El, as long as they have a valid visa & valid insurance.
STANDARD SAR-EL PROGRAM The volunteer period is usually three weeks long. The volunteer works eight hours per day, five days per week, Sunday through Thursday (the Israeli work week). In the evenings, there are various activities and educational presentations on such topics as the Hebrew language, Israel's history, Jewish holidays and traditions, and social and political issues in Israel. In addition, Sar-El will host up to two site-seeing trips (per three-week program) which often includes Jerusalem. A liaison or guide (madricha) who is fluent in the volunteer group's language always accompanies the volunteers and typically lives with the volunteers on the premises.
The new weekly schedule is generally as follows: during the first week of a program, there is no trip; during the second week of a program, there is a day trip; during the third week, there is an “after work” trip. This is based on a three week “program” beginning with the scheduled program start date. Please advise the volunteers that there may be changes to the schedule. The work week ends on a Thursday. Volunteers should be prepared to stay at hotels (or Beit Oded if it is available) Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights and return to the base on Sunday.
ULPAN PROGRAM Hebrew Ulpan for beginners—English speaking groups! -Two nights per week -One time fee of $50 covers up to three weeks of classes -15 maximum per class; 10 minimum per class Starting dates commence at the beginning of each Sar-El program, however the Ulpan is not always available. Sign up and pay for Ulpan with your representative if you apply through VFI. If you do not apply through VFI, sign up directly with Pamela Lazarus, Sar-El Program Coordinator (and pay when you arrive).
BLACKOUT DATES / HOLIDAYS Sometimes there are blackout dates due to the holidays. Please check the website for updated information. Please tell your volunteers that sometimes they will have to leave the bases on holidays & sometimes for a few days if the holiday is in the middle of the week. Because we are given very little notice from the bases, the volunteers should be prepared to stay in hotels during the holidays. We will try to update you if we find out information, but it doesn't always come to us on a timely basis. If volunteers do not want to incur the expense or spend so much time away from the bases, they should avoid coming during holidays. This applies (but is not limited) to Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succot, Pesach, & Shavuot.
SPECIAL ONE WEEK PROGRAMS Sometimes we have special One (1) Week Groups. These are announced in advanced. People must be at the airport at 8:00 am on the Sunday morning that the group will begin. If a volunteer cannot be at the airport at 8:00 am, then he will not be allowed to do the 1 week program. Check the Schedule for One Week Groups.
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