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1. What is 92nd Street Y Havaya International?
92nd Street Y Havaya International is a 4 week long life-changing opportunity to travel like a local in both Israel and around the United States, while making a positive difference in our global community. Made up of fifteen American teens and fifteen Israeli teens, going into 10th-12th grade, Havayaniks will spend two weeks traveling throughout Israel with local Israelis from the 92nd Street Y's sister city in Ramat Hasharon and two weeks getting the opportunity to share their lives with their Israeli counterparts.
2. Why Havaya?
Havaya International, the 92nd Street Y, and the community of Ramat Hasharon, a beautiful central coastal city bordering Tel-Aviv, are dedicated to providing a safe and exciting environment that will inspire not only life-long friendships but also leadership skills and self confidence in our participants. The lasting positive influences and incredible experiences forge a lifelong bond to Israel and the Jewish people. With Havaya, participants get the incredible chance to see Israel through the eyes of local teens, not just as tourists, but as friends of Israelis, while getting the same opportunity to show Israeli teens how they live.
3. How much does Havaya cost?
Due to a generous grant from the UJA, 92nd Street Y Havaya International costs only $2,750 which includes: roundtrip airfare to and from Israel, luggage insurance, sleeping accommodations, meals, basic medical coverage, all of the tours and activities (including guided tours, admissions and ground transportation), all expenses related to community service projects, and most importantly...Awesome Counselors!
4. Where do Havayaniks stay?
Havayaniks stay at a combination of carefully chosen host families, hotels, modern youth hostels, dormitories, kibbutz guesthouses and camp grounds (camping equipment is provided - Havayaniks will only have to bring a sleeping bag).
5. How do Havayniks travel while in Israel and the USA?
A private, modern, air conditioned bus with a professional driver is used for travel in both Israel and the United States.
6. What are your safety precautions? What if there is political violence?
The safety and well being of our Havaya participants is our highest priority. Matters of security always take precedence over all other concerns. In conjunction with the Israeli Security Forces, the group will be escorted by trained Israeli security officials as well as Medics, offering the highest level of security.
7. Who would be staffing the trip?
Our competitive hiring process ensures the leaders we select have extraordinary character and vast experience. We take pride in the quality leadership and positive role modeling that our staff provides.The staff reflects the pluralistic values of Havaya and the 92nd Street Y. American madrichim (staff) are at least 21 years old, have been to Israel before and have experience working with youth in an informal and formal setting. Israeli counselors are graduates of the IDF (Israeli Army) and have experience working with American youth. Our Israeli staff includes your guides that are licensed through the ministry of tourism and/or other accredited schools. All staff members will be trained in CPR and First Aid.
8. What kind of teens go on Havaya?
Havaya participants are Jewish teens going into 10th-12th grade who are open-minded, energetic, and excited. Leaders in their communities, Havayaniks will have a focus on social justice and tolerance. Havayniks are selected based on interviews and recommendations.
9. Who are the Israeli teens?
The Israeli teens are equally as amazing and hail from the town of Ramat where they are connected to the Ramat Hasharon Community Centers, an organization with which the Y has an intimate partnership. The Israeli participants will also be going into 10th-12th grade.
10. Do I need spending money?
Havaya covers all expenses but there will be time to buy lots of gifts and souvenirs from the many places the program takes you. We recommend that you bring $100-$200 for the whole trip. Staff will exchange all money for the group.
Check out www.payoneer.com, for a prepaid MasterCard or traveler's checks.
11. What about my laundry?
Laundry is done approximately every ten days and returned the next day. Each participant should bring a laundry bag labeled with their name.
12. What type of luggage should I bring?
Bring only one main piece of luggage. Usually a duffle on wheels with a handle is best. You may also want to bring a smaller collapsible bag for gifts. You will need to carry your own luggage so don't over pack!
13. What if I get hurt or sick?
Medical services and insurance coverage for illness/injury while on Havaya International is provided throughout the program and is included in the cost of the trip. Our staff will accompany participants to medical services.
14. How does Havaya practice Judaism?
The Havaya program is a pluralistic community that celebrates Shabbat from Friday night through Havdallah, at sundown on Saturday night. All meals provided through Havaya are Kosher.
15. What types of community service projects do you offer?
Social justice, community service, and global sustainability are important values to Havaya. Community service projects will include work on organic farms, fixing and beautifying homes, assisting children in need, painting murals, planting trees and flowers, working with homeless communities, and working with senior citizens among other things.
16. Can I get community service hours from Havaya?
Yes, Yes, Yes! Havaya gives 40+ community service hours to all participants that request them.
17. What should I bring?
Click here for our suggested packing list.
18. What is a typical day in Israel or the USA?
There is no typical day! Each day will be jam-packed with exploring new places, meeting new people, and having tons of fun. Click here for the itineraries in Israel and the USA.
19. What is Havaya's drug and alcohol policy?
Havaya has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and alcohol. Any participant found to have used or is in possession of such substances will be asked to leave the program immediately at the parent's expense.
20. What's next?
Havaya is dedicated to making this experience a truly life-changing one. We know that the friendships made on this program will last a life-time. We are therefore dedicated to providing opportunities and programs for participants to come together again as alumni to share their experiences and just hang-out together. Havaya will have reunions and other get-togethers throughout the year.
Contact Daniella Schmidt at 212.415.5414 if you have any questions.
If you know a friend who would be interested in this program, send them the link to Havaya!
www.92Y.org/havaya |
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