programs

aujs

International

programs

2016 r e b em 12 Dec uary 2017 24 Jan

Pluralism: AUJS is committed to providing a voice and platform for every Jewish and Zionist student regardless of political affiliation or religious identity, and is committed to providing our members with an open and pluralistic environment that promotes understanding between different Jewish denominations and other religious faiths. Activism: AUJS is committed to remaining active on the social and political issues that affect both Jewish students and the wider student population. We strive to provide educational, cultural, political and social activities to engage Jewish and non-Jewish students alike with student life, Zionism and Jewish history, tradition and culture. Our pillars describe what we stand for and what we seek to provide for Jewish students on campus across Australia and New Zealand.  For more information about AUJS, please visit www.aujs.com.au/about »»

Program overview

»»

Back home

»»

Cost and payment schedule

»»

»»

The application process

Israeli citizenship and army exemption

»»

Important information

»»

Israeli sim cards

• flights • insurance • visas and more

»»

Spending money

»»

Security

»»

Medication and prescriptions

»»

What to bring

Introducing AUJS AUJS is the peak representative body representing thousands of Jewish students across 26 campuses in Australia and New Zealand. The Australasian Union of Jewish Students provides a wide variety of social, political, religious, educational and cultural activities on and off campuses around Australia and New Zealand for tertiary students.  AUJS’ events, conferences and campaigns are based on our four pillars: Judaism: As the sole representative body for Jewish tertiary students across Australia and New Zealand, AUJS seeks to provide opportunities for Jewish students to express their Jewish identity and heritage their own way. Zionism: AUJS seeks to promote a positive image of Israel on campus; to encourage truth in student political dialogue; and to educate the wider student population about Judaism and Israel.

2

AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - aujs.com.au/programs

AUJS Israel Programs An important aspect of AUJS’ work off campus is our International Programs. AUJS is committed to sending school leavers and university students to Israel for short and long-term programs. We take this responsibility seriously and, in line with our mission statement, we aim to provide AUJS International Program participants with the most meaningful, fun, educational and life-changing experience. AUJS is proud to offer a variety of Israel Programs. AUJS has been sending Jewish student groups on Israel programs for more than 50 years and therefore know what Australians like better than anyone else. AUJS Academy Onwards is the premier six week program running from December to January for school graduates and university students. This program provides unique opportunities for young Jewish individuals to explore Israel and experience modern Israeli society.

aujs.com.au/programs - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

3

International

AUJS ACADEMY ONWARD

programs

ACADEMY - 6 WEEKS TO DEVELOP A LIFETIME BOND

2016-17

Age: School Leavers and University Students Dates: 12 December, 2016 – 24 January, 2017

Program Overview AUJS Academy Onward is one of the longest running and most engaging Israel programs, taking Australians to Israel for over 50 years for an immersive and life-changing six weeks. Academy is the best way to spend the Aussie summer and still return in time to return in time for university, or to kick-start travel around the world!

Politics and Tikkun Olam Learn about some of the real issues facing Israel today with a hands-on approach. Work with refugees, deal with youth at risk and confront the complexities of the political landscape in the Middle East.

Experience The opportunities on AUJS Academy Onward Israel are endless. As well as extensive touring, participants will have the opportunity to choose their own adventure during Special Interest week. The following options are available: Gadna Become a soldier in the IDF and learn what life is like for Israelis when they turn 18. Wear the uniform, experience army wake-up times and even learn how to put together and shoot a gun safely.

AUJS ACADEMY ONWARD From the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem city streets to the serenity of the Galil, from the colourful Tel Aviv nightlife to the beauty of the desert, and from Middle Eastern culture to exploring the historical

past of the land, AUJS Academy Onward takes participants to all of the ‘must see’ as well as ‘off the beaten track’ sights that Israel has to offer!

Desert Discover your inner Nomad! Sleep under the stars, learn survival skills and enjoy the beauty of the Negev with hiking, rappelling and camping on this unforgettable journey into the wilderness.

Grow This program is an excellent opportunity to spend a more substantial time exploring Israel both with a group and at times independently. Participants come from all over Australia and close friendships are formed that last forever! Throughout the program, participants will reconnect with their Jewish heritage and explore modern Judaism.

aujs.com.au/programs - AUJS Academy ONWARD - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

5

Volunteer This year, there will be numerous volunteering opportunities. Participants will team up with disabled people to work on projects, plant trees with JNF (Jewish National Fund) and have an opportunity to work with students building houses and setting up villages. Participants will meet with Israeli students as well as other groups helping to create long lasting networks and relationships. Tour Upon landing in Israel, participants will travel straight to Jerusalem and spend 5 days exploring Jerusalem from the Hass Promenade to the Kotel tunnels; from the Knesset to Machane Yehuda on a Friday. Your journey continues down south, exploring life in the Negev. Participants will have the opportunity to snorkel in the Red Sea and party in Eilat! From there, participants will follow the coast to Tel Aviv, experiencing the bustling streets of Jaffa and Tel Aviv, whilst spending some time volunteering and getting to know Israel.

Touring highlights include a visit to Akko, the mysterious Tzfat and the borders that surround the Golan Heights. There will also be opportunities for volunteering, hiking and exploring. Then the real fun begins with the commencement of Special Interest Week, where participants will choose between Gadna, Desert Experience or Politics and Tikkun Olan. Following the free weekend, the program continues with volunteering at Ayalim – an organisation of young adults who live and volunteer in the toughest areas in Israel and serve as its newest pioneers. The program will finish with a hike up Masada to watch the sunrise, a relaxing float and soak in the Dead Sea, and finally a beautiful Shabbat in Jerusalem with the entire group. Extension If you would like to stay in Israel longer, we have extension options available.

Program Cost The cost of the AUJS Academy Onward program is A $6,200. Price Includes: Flights, accommodation, food, transport and all other tour costs while on the program. Price Excludes: Travel insurance, mobile phones and personal expenses over the free weekend, free days and free time. Payment Schedule Four consecutive monthly instalments, starting on July 2016, with the final instalment paid by October 2016. The payment schedule is as follows: Deposit: Monday, 11 July 2016 (non-refundable)

AU$1,100

1. Payment: Monday, 8 August 2016

AU$2,100

2. Payment: Monday, 5 September 2016

AU$2,000

3. Payment: Monday, 10 October 2016

AU$1,000

All payments can be made via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or by credit card (credit card payments attract 2% surcharge). Bank details AUJS LTD BSB: 033349 A/C: 387675 For credit card payment: Please contact Liraz Poorian

For our full refund policy, please visit www.aujs.com.au/programs For any questions relating to payments, payment plans and special circumstances, please contact: AUJS Executive Director Liraz Poorian E: [email protected] PH: (02) 9381 4291 M: 0433 299 064

Key highlights include volunteering at Save a Child’s Heart, exploring the Children Museum, a free afternoon exploring everything that Tel Aviv has to offer and much more. We will then venture to the North and discover the beautiful green scenery and clear blue waters. 6

AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - AUJS Academy ONWARD - aujs.com.au/programs

aujs.com.au/programs - AUJS Academy ONWARD - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

7

Subsidies General Subsidies Means-tested subsidies are available for applicants from all States. The application process includes an application form (email [email protected]) and relevant documentation to support the application.

Other Financial Assistance Millie Phillips Jewish Education Fund Means-tested subsidies are available for applicants from NSW and ACT. The application process includes an application form (email [email protected]) and relevant documentation to support the application. Jewish Care Jewish Care in Victoria offers an interest free loan for those experiencing financial difficulty. For more information contact: Doron Abramovici E: [email protected] PH: (03) 8517 5773 The Asher Israel Scholarship As a living memory to Richard Asher Wajnblum, the sum of a return ticket to Israel will be provided for young person between the ages of 1725 wishing to spend time in Israel for a min period of 6 weeks. For application forms please contact Carin Danon E: [email protected] PH: (03) 9592 9179

for AUJS Academy Onward Step 1: All application forms are to be completed online at www.aujs.com.au/programs

programs

2016-17

Applications will open on May 2016. Applications will close on September 2016. Registration fee is AU$30 – this is nonrefundable. Registration is to be done under the participant’s name only. Step 2: Interviews After submitting your application form, you will be contacted by an AUJS group leader. You will be invited to an interview which will be held between August and September. The interview will allow us to get to know the incoming group and to better design the program to suit the particular cohort. You group leader will be in touch with you after registration to set a time for interview. Step 3: Upon acceptance, you will be required to pay a deposit of AU$1,100 to ensure your place on the program. This fee is non-refundable. This deposit will be deducted from your total payments required for the program.

The Application Process 8

International

AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - AUJS Academy ONWARD - aujs.com.au/programs

What’s waiting for you when you’re back home? From beers on campus, to educational AUJS offers a variety of opportunities to events, debates, parties, balls, sport enrich and add value to your university tournaments, political activism, national experience. conferences andaujs.com.au/programs international programs, - GET INVOLVED - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

9

10

Community

Personal empowerment

2016

Get involved

The result is a union of diverse Jewish students, from Jewish and non-Jewish day schools, with and without a youth movement background. On the table are opportunities for activism, to engage deeply in student and broader politics, work with representatives of other ethnic communities, and drive our community to be an active participant in wider Australia.

For others, AUJS means the various camps and conferences which create a forum to discuss and explore more personal questions of identity. For some, AUJS is participating in a free ten day trip to Israel; for others, AUJS is the five week Leadership Development Program, learning from the top Jewish leadership about how they are tackling and innovating in the face of communal challenges in D.C., New York, Israel, and the wider Diaspora.

2016 will see us strive to represent our community’s diversity, and continue to develop an inclusive and therefore strong Jewish student community. Politically, we intend to further build our community’s political and social capital and capacity for proactive Jewish activism, to best promote a positive image of Jews in Australian politics. Moreover, this year will see us introduce a range of Parliamentary internships, professional networking events, and other niche cultural and religious projects. In the next two years, we intend to launch new and accessible Israel and other international programs and trips specifically tailored for Jewish university students.

Every Jewish student can have a sense of ownership over AUJS, and so they should. As an organisation, it has accumulated the resources, community backing, and legitimacy so that it is not going to disappear any time soon. AUJS is your playground. Make it what you want it to be, and use it as a platform to pursue projects and initiatives that you believe best build identity and community.

AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - GET INVOLVED - aujs.com.au/programs

See you on campus!

aujs.com.au/programs - GET INVOLVED - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

11

Important Information Flights The cost of the airfares is included in the cost of the program. Please ensure that you have arranged your flight booking with FBI Travel. We will hand out flight tickets at the pre departure events in Sydney and Melbourne. For those in Western Australia, ACT or other regions please contact FBI to arrange delivery of tickets.  FBI TRAVEL PH: (03) 8573 0900 W: fbitravel.com.au/group Travel Insurance Health insurance is covered under the cost of the program. Program participants are covered for the duration of the program, from group arrival to departure dates only (not including flight time). However, participants will need to purchase their own travel insurance, this is compulsory. Please contact FBI Travel to arrange insurance.

12

Passports All passports must be valid for 6 months from the end of the program (June 2017).  Visa The Israeli Government will grant every participant a three month Tourist Visa automatically upon arrival. Anyone who has made additional flight arrangements at the end of a trip must check to see if visas are required for the countries they will be visiting. Those planning to stay in Israel for more than three months should arrange to renew their Tourist Visas or apply for a longer visa before their expiration. Public and Other Transportation Participants will be transported on a private coach for the duration of the program. On the program, participants are not allowed to use any form of public transport. Under extenuating circumstances, taxis may be used to transport participants.

AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - aujs.com.au/programs

General information- all Programs Israeli Citizens and Army Exemption  Any applicant who was born in Israel, has an Israeli parent or lived in Israel for an extended period of time is considered Israeli and should contact the Israeli Consulate regrading status and army exemptions. You should make arrangements regarding these matters as soon as possible as it can take up to three months to process an army exemption. Without an army exemption the applicant will be detained upon arrival in Israel. For more information, or if you have any concerns contact

Israeli SIM Cards - Talk n Save  It is program policy that all participants have a mobile phone with them while on the trip for security and practical reasons. AUJS program participants must use Talk n Save as their phone provider in Israel. Please be aware that phones are not covered in the cost of the program and that participants will have to pay for this service while on the program. AUJS Academy Onward, visit:  W: www.talknsave.net/aujs

Israeli Embassy in Canberra E: [email protected] PH: (+61) (02) 6215 4500 AUJS is happy to assist if necessary.

aujs.com.au/programs - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

13

Spending Money Please do not bring substantial amounts of cash with you. This will not be insured. We recommend about $100 per week for spending money. This will be for any purchases and activities during free time and snacks - all other expenses for the program are covered.

Medicine and Prescriptions If a participant requires special medication, we ask that copies of all relevant prescriptions are brought to Israel and please ensure that you bring enough of the medication to last the length of the program in Israel.

The best option for spending in Israel is a debit or credit card connected to a bank account with reasonable fees for international transactions or currency conversion. These can be used freely at ATMs or in shops around the country. Do not bring travellers cheques as they require a passport to be exchanged. Passports will kept in a safe by the program provider for the duration of the program in Israel. Please be aware that there are many markets and stores in Israel which will not accept credit card facilities.

What to bring

Security The organiser is fully responsible for the safety and security of each participant for the entire duration of the program, in accordance with any relevant rules and The Jewish Agency’s guidelines, covering all aspects of the programgroup and individual components alike. The organiser is required to provide proof of security clearance for all group hikes, outings and site visits.

Weather Conditions Participants will be in Israel during winter. Israeli winter varies from sunny days to cold snowy weather. This means that they should prepare for a full range of weather conditions. It is recommended that participants bring clothing that they can wear in layers. They should be prepared for occasional rain and cold. It is essential to bring at least one very warm jacket and one raincoat. They will also need semi formal and modest outfits for Shabbat (elbows and knees covered) which are also appropriate for the weather.

The safety and security of participants is our highest priority. We are in constant communication with ‘Cheder Matzav’ (Situation Room) to ensure that all of our activities lie within the daily guidelines set by the Israeli Defense and Education Departments. 14

AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS - aujs.com.au/programs

Suggested packing list Luggage Please remember to pack as lightly as possible – remember, whatever you pack you carry! 1-large suitcase/bag Pyjamas 1-large backpack (for daily/overnight/plane) Shoes 1-pair walking/sport or hiking 1-pair nice shoes for Shabbat 1-pair sandals

If you are wearing eye glasses or contact lenses - please bring an extra pair Carry-On Items Passport Medication

1-pair thongs Optional - 1 pair casual for going out Optional – 1 pair Ugg boots or slippers Clothing 1-winter jacket - very important for evenings 1-rain poncho, light waterproof jacket, or shell (something lightweight that will keep you dry)

Water Eye glasses/contact lens Cash/Credit cards Miscellaneous & Suggested Items Toiletries Journal/books

3-jumpers

Games for bus/Musical instrument Vitamins

6-t-shirts, 6 long sleeve shirts

Money Belt

3-pair of long pants or jeans

All personal medicines

3-pairs of shorts

Flashlight

10-14 underwear

‘Australiana’ items for gifts

8-10 pairs of socks

Tissues

1-2 long skirts (females) for Shabbat and religious sites

Diary

1-pair of nice pants (males) for Shabbat

Plastic Bags/Ziplock bags

1-bathing suit

Siddur

1-lightweight bath size towel

Tefillin /Talit

1-pair of gloves, scarf and beanie (IMPORTANT)

Camera

1-hat (for hikes this will be required)

Electrical Adapter Sunglasses

Batteries

Please also follow the rules of what can and can not be taken overseas on a plane. aujs.com.au/programs - AUJS INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

15

CONTACTS: AUJS programs inquiries Hagar Shely

FBI TRAVEL

International Program Director

PH: (03) 8573 0900

PH: (02) 9381 4292

E: [email protected]

E: [email protected]

W: www.fbitravel.com.au/group

W: www.aujs.com.au/programs AUJSIP

AUJS E: [email protected]

Programs Payments

W: www.aujs.com.au

Liraz Poorian

/AUJSfb

Executive Director

@AUJS

PH: (02) 9381 4291

AUJS_

E: [email protected]

ONWARD

YALLA

START UP YOUR FUTURE