FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Live in
Tel-Aviv

 

Volunteer in  Community Service Projects

 

Interact with Israeli youth



What does the word 'Bina' stands for?

'Bina' is the Hebrew word for understanding, insight, and wisdom. The word 'Bina' is not commonly used on the streets in Israel, as it is a formal word. Bina is the name of a Center for Jewish Identity and Hebrew Culture that strives to strengthen Israel as a democratic, pluralistic society, stressing Humanist aspects of Jewishness. For more information on Bina: http://www.bina.org.il/english.htm

 

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What do 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' participants do for 10 months?

The 10 months are divided into two parts. Part one is dedicated to forging a "team spirit," acquiring basic Hebrew speaking skills, and becoming familiar with Israeli society.  This period, lasting 6 weeks, is spent on a kibbutz. Part two is dedicated to volunteering and living in Tel Aviv. This period of time is the main part of the program and lasts 8 months.

While living and volunteering in Tel Aviv, this period also includes numerous study days, seminars, group field trips, and vacations.

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What does the volunteer work include?

The volunteer work includes: Rehabilitating the houses of families living in bad housing conditions; assisting children growing up in extremely poor conditions to break the cycle of poverty through education and enrichment; aid for  the foreign community;  serving in a multi-professional therapeutic center for children and their parents; working toward building true Jewish-Arab coexistence; individual tutoring; teaching a class in English; leading a Chug in a particular subject or interest; working with the elderly and implementing after-school programs for the children; assist with fundraising, Graphic Design…and many more opportunities.
Participants can also initiate their own volunteer project in  Tel Aviv

 

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What makes  'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' unique?

'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' offers participants a unique way to experience Israel. Through this program participants see Israel from an insider's perspective. 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' participants get to be involved in the fascinating junction of being and doing with idealistic Israelis. Through ‘Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv', you will feel the connection between Jewish values and a modern city. 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' allows you to feel more involved, and influential.

Here are some elements of the program:
 Bina - This program is designed and implemented by Bina - a pluralistic center for Jewish identity and Israeli culture in Tel Aviv.
Tikun Olam projects - The result of special collaboration between Bina and the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
Israelis - In this program, there are other groups of participants: Israeli young adults who share your idealism. The groups of Israelis and the group of English-speakers live in the same neighborhood and work together!
Tel-Aviv - Israel's most thrilling city is the center of this program.
International - This program is open to English speakers worldwide and thus is an international program with the opportunity to be engaged with Jewish young adults from around the globe.
10-month educational program - Participants enjoy English and Hebrew sessions and classes in subjects such as Israeli society and Jewish identity, with Israelis.
Accommodations - Each participant of Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv enjoys a room for him/her self in the apartments we rent in Tel-Aviv.

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Can I apply for  'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' if I am over 25?
The program is designed for college graduates aged 21-26,. If you do not qualify for this but still feel that this program is something you really want, we suggest you apply, and we will consider your request.

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Can I participate on  'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' for less than 10 months?
 Yes this year we opened an option for one semester program you can join the program for the fall semester at September or to the spring semester at January.
 

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If I come for the second semester will I have the same program? 

Basically yes participants that will come in January will spend a month in a kibbutz having an intense Ulpan and come to Tel Aviv to volunteer and study for the other four and a half months. The program is being structured like that each semester the studies are different each semester and so are the trips and the cultural events. The main big difference is the time you volunteer and this could be significant.

 

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If I stay for the whole year – will I do the same things twice?

N0 !!!!   the program is structured as ten months program – that's means that you will have one month – Ulpan Kibbutz and then 9 months in Tel Aviv that are divided to two semesters .  in each semester you will have different teachers, programs, trips and so on . But you will have much more deep experience in your volunteering places, you will get to know more Israelis, and be a meaningful member of the bina's activist community. And you will feel  more free in Tel Aviv and will speak better Hebrew.

 

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How much does it cost to participate in 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv'?

Please see the Tuition & Scholarships section.

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What are the dates for  'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv'?

The dates are usually are:

 first semester : September 4th – February 15th

Second semester:  January 15th -June 30th .
 For accurate information, please see the timetable.

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Will I have any free time in Israel?

Yes, you will have free time after finishing with the Kibbutz portion. We believe that as adults program participants should be independent, and decide how to enjoy their time in Tel Aviv, which is the New York of Israel and has so much to offer. Please see What participants do.

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Do I need to know Hebrew to participate in  'Tikun  Olam in Tel-Aviv'?

No. Participants come on 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' with a wide range of Hebrew knowledge and skills. During the first period all participants will learn Hebrew.

Although it is not required, basic Hebrew is strongly recommended. 

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Are there going to be adoptive Families?

There is an option of having adoptive families once in a while, on Shabbats and holidays. Adoptive families are from the neighborhood or from other areas in Tel-Aviv. These families will happily welcome you.

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Is it safe to be in Israel for 10 months at this time?

The safety, security and well-being of the 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' participants is of paramount importance.  'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' trusts the judgement and leadership of its Israeli-based staff and the other professionals they work with. 'Tikun Olam in Tel-Aviv' runs a safe program.

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