FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We understand that choosing your Israel Year Program is a big decision, and we’re sure you have questions. This section covers the most Frequently Answered Questions, but you are always welcome to reach out to us!
Why World Bnei Akiva?
Who manages the Mechina?
The Director of our Israel Year Programs Department is Royi Bercovici, and the Mechina is run both by a Rosh (head) and a Menahel (director) - together managing all aspects of the mechina - education’ logistics, budget, safety etc. Participants are divided into two groups, each one with 3 Madrichim (counselors) and headed by a Rakaz or Rakezet (head of group). Standing behind the Mechina are both World Bnei Akiva and the Jewish Agency.
What is the Mechina’s connection with World Bnei Akiva and Kol Ami?
The Mechina Olamit is run by World Bnei Akiva in partnership with Kol Ami. Kol Ami, the Jewish Peoplehood Leadership Academy, has been operating since 2012, and is run by the Jewish Agency and works with MASA. It is approved by the Ministry of Education and the IDF and is part of the Mechinot Ofek network of mechinot.
What is the religious observance at the Mechina Olamit?
The Mechina operates in religious Zionist framework. Participants at the Mechina Olamit are expected to observe halacha: including Shabbat observance in public and private spaces, three tfillot a day for both male and female participants, and tzniut regarding dress code and modest behavior.
What language is the program run in?
The program is split into 3 three-month semesters. The first three months of the program is run in English after that the program runs in Hebrew.
Where is the Mechina Olamit based?
Are arrangements made for special dietary requirements?
I have friends going on another World Bnei Akiva program - will I be able to see them?
Yes. There are times when the different World Bnei Akiva Hachshara groups are together, even though your real group relationship will be with those on your own program. You’ll also have ample free time and Shabbatot to make your own plans and arrange visits to those on other programs.
What security measures are taken?
Will there be free time / a vacation break?
Are medical services and insurance included in the program cost?
Will World Bnei Akiva Israel Year Programs be useful for my university application?
Do I need to arrange for a travel visa in order to join the Mechina?
Yes, you must arrange your student travel visa prior to arrival in Israel. To do this you need to contact your local Israel mission to apply for a Masa A/2 Visa for your year in Israel. If you or your parents have Israeli citizenship, then the visa requirements are different. This must be discussed with your Israeli mission, who will advise you what steps are necessary to complete before arrival in Israel. Please note that visa requirements are set by the Israeli Government and are subject to change.
How do Shabbatot work?
The Mechina will roughly follow an alternating “in”- “out” schedule, and will be adapted depending on the specific time of year. The group Shabbatot will be both either at the Mechina, or visiting another community in Israel. Staff members will ensure participants have somewhere to go on free Shabbatot.
Where do participants come from?
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Israelis enrolling in the army the following March. -
Participants from abroad who are either taking a gap year, becoming “lone soldiers” or are olim chadashim. -
Australians and South Africans participating in the World Bnei Akiva: Limmud gap year program who spend the final three months of their year at the Mechina. Limmud participants return to Australia/South Africa in December, after the first semester.
Where do the participants live and eat?
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