SIACH - Gap Year Resources

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The Gap Year

For decades, the "gap year" -- a year taken after high school and before college to pursue options of personal interest and growth -- has been a popular trend in countries like Great Britain. However, only recently have U.S. college admissions advisors, parents and students themselves begun to realize its enormous benefits to their own personal growth and development.

Indeed, students who have taken a gap year are effusive in their praise. Many talk of their year away as a “life-altering experience” or a “turning point” and most feel that its true value can never be measured and will pay dividends the rest of their lives. Furthermore, a growing number of colleges and universities are recommending that students take a year off between high school and college and are willing to defer admission due to the realization that most gap year students arrive at college mature, experienced in the “real world” and are much more ready to learn than students who attend college right after high school.

Following are a number of articles and opinions about the benefits a gap year can provide young adults.

The Gap Year in Israel

Thousands of Jewish students worldwide come to Israel each year for a gap year experience -- and the number is growing. In addition to the benefits of a gap year abroad, Jewish students in Israel have the opportunity to learn about Judaism on yeshiva/seminary programs, explore Israel on Israel experience programs or earn academic credit on university programs. The impact of the gap year in Israel on Jewish students is incredible. Just ask anyone who has experienced a year in Israel and they will probably tell you it was one of the best year of their lives.

Following are articles about the benefits a gap year in Israel.

	SIACH Combines the Best of All Programs

	SIACH is unique among gap year programs in Israel in that it combines the best of all the others: A fascinating and engaging Jewish learning and Israel studies curriculum, the ultimate Israel experience provided by AMIIE, the experts in the field, academic credit along with Jewish communal living in a non-denominational environment. The world’s top Jewish educators, many of whom serve on our board of advisors, have endorsed our unique approach. “SIACH is a dynamic new program that will enrich a lifetime of Jewish living and create an unbreakable connection with the Bible, the land and the people of Israel” *Rabbi Yitz Greenberg* President, Jewish Life Network/ Steinhardt Foundation President Emeritus, CLAL