Going on a Taglit-birthright israel Program? So stay a while!
Taglit-birthright israel is an excellent choice for young Jewish adults, aged 18-27, who have never been to Israel...and let's not forget that is FREE!
If you do go on the Taglit-birthright israel program - you can extend your flight ticket and stay longer in Israel - you should consider the VFI / Sar-El work program.
This is a highly recommended extension option for the Winter and Summer sessions.
Here is why YOU want to do it:
- Work with Israelis on non-combat military bases
- Support Israel through physical labor
- Help boost morale by your physical presence
- Room and Board FREE while on the work program.
- Kosher meals
- Friday and Shabbat are yours to explore what Israel has to offer
- Meet great people from around the world
- You will have a great time - while lending a helping hand. An adventure of a lifetime!
- If you choose to, and are eligible for them, you can earn college credits!
Here is a first hand account of a recent Taglit-birthright israel alumni - who after his Taglit-birthright israel program did two back to back VFI / Sar-El work program and had the time of his life.
Interested in earning college credits for your VFI / Sar-El adventure? - click here
Interested? Ready to sign up?
Here is what you must do:
1. Extend your flight ticket
Summer is a VERY busy time in Israel - you have to ask yourself the following questions:
- How long do I want to stay in Israel after my Taglit-birthright israel trip?
- Is my return date flexible?
Information on how to change your return ticket will be provided by your Taglit-birthright israel organizer.
2. Register for the VFI / Sar-El Extension
- Register now while you are in the US
- If you are going to register in the US - you can get the required application packet here.
- If you
have gone through the Taglit-birthright israel registration process - VFI will
ACCEPT their interview, medical forms, and your Letters of Recommendations
(LOR). We will also accept the Taglit-birthright israel medical insurance policy
(make sure it will cover you during your extension). You will need
to:
- fill out the application form
- read and sign the two waivers
- provide us a copy of the front page of your passport
- provide us a copy of your health insurance coverage
- provide us a copy of your medical forms/statement
- Submit your paperwork to the nearest VFI regional office or you can fax it to 1-866-514-1948, or scan the documents and send as an email attachment to
Schedule
The typical VFI / Sar-El program runs Sunday through Thursday afternoon. You will be free on week-ends, from Thursday afternoon, returning to the base on Sunday morning.
Weekends
You will have your week-ends free - from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning, when you are expected back on the program.
What to do?- Visit family and friends
- We can provide you with a list of hotels & hostels that offer VFI / Sar-El volunteers discounts
- Israel Experts offers a wide range of options - like a week-end in Elat, Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, and other locations.
Length Of Program
The VFI / Sar-El Taglit-birthright israel extension program will run two plus weeks. The minimum stay for our program is two weeks.
Can You Stay Longer? Yes!
Traveling with a valid US passport you are allowed to stay in Israel up to 3 months (90 days) without a visa. Your stay on the program longer than two weeks will be based on your performance and behavior.
Cost
There is a fee of ONLY $50 - this is non-refundable.
What Kind Of Group Will I Be With?
We will endeavor to put Taglit-birthright israel participants together as a group - so you will be with people your age - maybe even the same people on your Taglit-birthright israel bus. There is a caveat - if we do NOT get enough Taglit-birthright israel participants to sign up to form a group - the Taglit-birthright israel participants will join regular English speaking volunteers groups.
We encourage YOU to get your friends and your new-found friends on Taglit-birthright israel to JOIN YOU on this exciting option!
Special Requirements?
If you have any special requirements - please let us know.
No Ask - No Get!
Additional Questions?
If you have any additional questions, you can call our toll free number: 866-514-1948 and leave a voice mail message with your questions. You can also call the VFI NY office at 212-643-4848.
You can also fill out a form with your questions which will be sent as an email - here.
We look forward to seeing YOU on the program! You will NOT regret it!
