OTZMA participants receive a rich and diverse experience over the course of their time in Israel.  They will volunteer, intern, study Hebrew, become immersed in Israeli culture and society, partake in educational seminars and programming, and travel throughout Israel.

The OTZMA experience is, of course, greater than the sum of its parts. However, if you would like a summarized version of what you get, here you go!
 
Volunteer and Work Experience

• Professional Internship:  Participants will volunteer/intern with a top NGO or business that is dedicated to making the world a better place.  This may also open doors to future career opportunities.
• Service Volunteering:  Participants will volunteer for two months in Carmiel and for an additional three and a half months in an Israeli community.
• Connections:  Participants will make connections, and develop social and professional networks in Israel and North America.

Hebrew Study and Cultural Immersion

• The first two months are spent in the Carmiel Absorption center learning Hebrew and gaining the knowledge and tools vital to succeeding in Israel.
• The two and half week long Sar-El Israel Defense Forces Volunteering Program gives participants the opportunity to make lasting bonds with young Israeli servicemen and women their own age.
• Participants live in four different locations throughout Israel; giving them invaluable exposure to Israel and its diverse cultural components.
• Participants receive adoptive families to give them the full Israel experience and provide them with a wonderful support system.  It is a good option for free weekends or holidays!

Seminars, Educational Programming and Excursions throughout Israel

• “Building a Kehila” seminar to learn about the process of building a social network and community in Israel.
• Yom Kippur Seminar in Jerusalem
• Educational programs covering Zionism, Jewish Leadership, Minorities, and Israeli Politics and Society
• Conflict and Hope Seminar dealing with the challenges of Israel and the hope for a great peace.
• The North American Jewish Community Seminar introducing the participants to various officials and organizations in the American Jewish community.  Participants will discuss various functional and operational issues and receive insight into the vast influence of the North American Jewish Community.
• Negev Tiul: A trip in the Negev where participants will meet and speak to brilliant Israeli pioneers who have made the desert bloom.
• Panim L’Atid Trip and Seminar:  Unbelievable trip through northern Israel and closing seminar that summarizes your entire experience and explores how you can leverage it to create exciting opportunities for your future -- personal and professional. 

OTZMA also includes the following:

• Housing/Accomodations - For the entire 10 months of the program. This is usually apartment-type living in small groups. A typical housing arrangement will include a furnished apartment that includes bedrooms, living room, bathroom/shower, kitchen/kitchenette and wireless Internet. Accomodations may vary in each part and depending on your specific placements during the program. For more on the living arrangements see the following pages: Part I, Part II, Part III. 
• Health Insurance - Learn about the coverage here.
• Alumni Network - Join our official OTZMA Alumni Network and work the connections all over the US, Canada, Israel and the world!