Israel Teen Tours And Jewish Student Travel Programs - My Family Travels
israel_nazareth_941608387
israel_family_873587611
kivunim_group_727903050
israel_walls_290059451

Considering study abroad programs or looking for a Jewish cultural tour for your teen? An expert reviews some of the top programs in Israel and elsewhere.

The phrases ‘Teen Tour’ or ‘Study Abroad’ may convey an image of busloads of sleepy teens on senseless meanderings, but the programs related to cultural heritage and in-country learning are rarely this way. Today there are many wonderful offerings available across the world providing well-designed experiences for teens in a variety of special interest areas. The best of them challenge the mind, body, and creative imaginations of their participants, and provide community service opportunities that satisfy most teens’ interest in making their mark on the world.

New ideas, new itineraries, new approaches all enter the market each year. Gaining access to basic information is often the greatest challenge for parents seeking to help their children and themselves make an intelligent choice from good alternatives.

This need for more information led to my involvement in the creation of Israel Experience, an interactive web site providing basic information on over 250 Israel Experience Programs emanating from the U.S. and Canada each year (for high school and college students as well.) The web site’s “Photo Album” also provides reports with photos from teens on various summer trips.  Israel Experience’s exciting use of technology provides accurate information, helpful testimonials, and personal assistance in making the choice for one of the most wonderful summers of a lifetime.

As to the specific tours I like to recommend? You must do your own research, but let me give some examples from the market I know best: Israel. Keep in mind that the U.S. Department of State frequently issues travel warnings concerning Israel, so you must stay up to date on current events.

KIVUNIM
New Directions
917/930-3092
I am involved with this educator-led non-profit. We run a travel program which utilizes academic study to encourage students to experience Jewish life and spirituality.  As a gap year program that post-high school students can take before they start college, each participant can receive up to 28 college credits.  New Directions focuses on hiking, cultural institutions and meeting key personalities throughout Israel in order for teens to interpret the past of the Jewish tradition and better understand the future of their people in a peaceful and tolerant society.  The application process is similar to that of college and financial aid is available on first come, first served basis.

Havaya International
92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10128
212/415-5414
New York’s 92nd Street Y program offers the opportunity to travel like a local in both Israel and across the United States, with a focus on making a positive difference in the world. Their four-week summer program takes 18 American teens and 18 Israeli teens who are going into 10th, 11th or 12th grades. The teens spend two-and-a-half weeks traveling through Israel with locals from the 92nd Street Y’s sister city in Ramat Hasharon, near Tel-Aviv, and spend the remaining weeks in the U.S. to share their lives with their new Israeli friends. The process allows participants the chance to experience a different culture through the eyes of other teens, instead of as tourists. Members stay with carefully selected host families and assist to inspire life-long friendships, leadership skills, and self-confidence. The 2010 program runs in July, and exact dates and reservations can be found at the Havaya International website. 

Nesiya
The Nesiya Institute
234 Fifth Avenue, Suite 411
New York, NY 10001
212/951-7128
Nesiya introduces Israel to its 10th- 12th grade participants through the eyes of Israeli artists: dancers, singers, sculptors, graphic artists and musicians etc. in a six-week summer program.  Students go right from arrival at Ben Gurion Airport to the most remote Israeli desert where artists and teens spend time hiking, exploring, creating, experiencing — ultimately gaining a first-hand understanding of both ancient nomadic Israelites and the contemporary realities of the Middle East. They have an academic-year community service, learning, and leadership program as well as a week-long arts- and text-based Winter Retreat program in North America for all ages of student. Over 2,500 young people have participated in Nesiya programs during the past 23 years, and the organization now runs customized experiences ranging from two days to several weeks for families who want to travel together.

BBYO
2020 K St. NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC 20006
202/857-6633
Part of the B’Nai Br’ith organization, BBYO offers a summer Israel Discovery program that celebrates history both on and off the beaten path.  An extension is available for those interested in staying longer on a special Army Base and on a kibbutz. They also provide local social programs about Jewish culture around the United States through an interactive web site.

The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel 
163 Delaware Ave, Suite 102
Delmar, NY 12054
518/475-7212
The Bronfman Fund selects 26 outstanding high school (entering) seniors (age 16-18) for an intensive intellectual and spiritual 6-week encounter with the land, people, and state of Israel. They create a community of diverse, yet similarly capable young people, then focus on the individual encounter between the participant and the program’s highly committed, charismatic, and gifted staff. And all selected receive a full fellowship for the entire cost of the trip!

These are just a few of the hundreds of diversified “Teen Israel” programs providing multifaceted experiences in nature, culture, religion, and personal growth that are second to none. Involve your teens in the research and planning, and we know you’ll choose well.

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

4 Replies to “Israel Teen Tours And Jewish Student Travel Programs”

  • Asim Siddiqui

    This enthusiastic blog provides a huge list of 51 varied and exciting summer vacation ideas for families, offering options from theme parks to national parks both near and far.

  • elite

    Absolutely love the insights you’ve shared in this blog!

  • Explore now

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future.
    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  • smor

    Lovely just what I was looking for.Thanks to the author for taking his clock time on this one.

  • Rilakkuma

    Great read! I really appreciated the insights you shared—especially the way you broke things down in a clear and relatable way. Looking forward to more content like this. Keep up the great work!

  • Celeste Hedequist

    Traveling to Aruba promises an unforgettable escape. From white-sand beaches to clear turquoise waters, this Caribbean gem invites you to create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sense of adventure!

  • agen

    Thanks very nice blog!

  • Th?

    Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up plus the rest of the site is very good.

  • Anna

    This article was very informative thank you!
    For the people that are planning to go to Aruba, I would also suggest this website: https://canitravel.net/countries/aruba . I used it last month when I went to Aruba and it always had up-to-date travel restrictions. I hope this helps 🙂

  • ht

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks
    for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  • Southwest Airlines Vacation Packages

    This is such helpful information! Traveling with minors can get complicated, and having all the required documents ready makes the process so much smoother. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!

  • SGV

    Great blog! I really enjoyed reading it. The way you explained everything in such simple and clear words made it easy to follow. Sometimes blogs can get too technical or confusing, but this one was straight to the point and very helpful.

  • drover

    I got good info from your blog

  • drover

    Keep working ,great job!

  • drover

    I haven’t checked in here for a while as I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I’ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  • Mattie

    I had the chance to experience Denmark during the Christmas season, and it’s something I’ll always hold close to my heart. Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a storybook. The way the entire park was dressed in soft, glowing lights, handmade decorations, and the comforting scent of mulled wine in the air made every moment feel special.

    There’s a unique warmth about this place that isn’t just from the cocoa or winter drinks, but from the people, the laughter, and the little traditions scattered around every corner. Watching families gather, children’s faces light up at the sight of the reindeer, and the simple joy of wandering through beautifully decorated stalls reminded me how lovely the holiday season can be.

    It’s not just about the decorations or the rides — it’s the feeling of togetherness, the calm, and the way time seems to slow down so you can really take in the small, meaningful moments. I left with a heart full of good memories and a deep appreciation for the charm and kindness of Danish traditions.

    If you ever get the chance to visit, I promise it’s a place that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

  • Daisel

    The article is full of information , thanks for such a good knowledge.

  • HLS Holidays

    This article is incredibly informative and well-structured. It offers clear, practical guidance on a topic many travelers often overlook—traveling with minors. The detailed breakdown of required documents and the emphasis on consent letters provide much-needed clarity for parents and guardians planning a trip. A must-read for anyone traveling with children!

  • Cure for ED

    Great article! I completely agree with your points.

    Keep up the good work

  • Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic?
    I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Thanks!

  • HABANERO88

    Hi, yes this post is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it concerning blogging. thanks.

  • Dinesh

    Excellent post! I found your analysis both engaging and informative. Well done.

  • zor

    I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this web site. Thanks, I will try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?

  • zor

    Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was searching for!

  • zor

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to search out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the internet, someone with a bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the internet!

  • Thank you for such praise, I am glad I could present the material in a way that made you want to see and experience St. Augustine’s Black history for yourself.

    Of course, this beach town has lots more to offer but if you are willing to walk the lanes and dig a little bit, the history of the first Blacks and how much they contributed to protecting the colony is fascinating.

    Hope you get there and enjoy your trip.

  • Davide

    Your trip sounds absolutely incredible! Lisbon is truly a magical city, and your experience during the EuroCup must have made it even more special. If anyone reading this is planning a trip to Lisbon, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour to explore the city’s rich history, charming streets, and hidden gems with a local guide. You can check out this great option: https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon. It’s a fantastic way to get an insider’s perspective on the city!

  • Kia

    It’s iin reality a great and helpful piece oof info.
    I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful information with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing

  • luxurytoursofturkey

    Great content for cruise lovers !! One of the most advantage of cruising is you do not have to pick your luggages every day , and every day you discover a new country. Although one day is not enough to see everything it gives an idea about a country ! With my experience since 2007, 99,9% of my guest said that Kusadasi/Turkey is their favorite port among all the other ports. Because we have a lot of options for every traveler. The most popular places , if your ship is docking at Kusadasi, is Ephesus ancient city which is only 25 min. drive away. Ephesus was the 4th largest ancient city of the world in 2 c AD.Most of the ruins are reconstructed and gives an idea about Roman’ glorious times. If you ever visit Ephesus, I suggest you to see Terrace Houses , where the rich were living and houses are decorated with beautiful mosaics and frescoes from 3rd c AD.If you want to add a spiritual break , thats House of Virgin Mary is there. It is believed that she was taken by St. John the apostle to there.Another place you must see Ephesus Museum.. Forget all that boring museums you have seen . While guiding , I explain the most interesting artifacts , including original staue of Artemis. BTW. did you know that one of seven wonders of ancient world was located there? Well… not so much left , but it is still worth to be seen. If you ever visit Kusadasi,and want to have private tour, please feel free to contact with me ! I am very happy to answer your questions and customize your trip to Ephesus. Please visit my website,not only for Ephesus trip but also to get an idea about my beloved country Turkey/Turkiye. You can see different types of tours that I organize. Archaeological , culinary or lets customize your tour to Turkey together!! luxurytoursofturkey.com/