THE BRIDGE
- Most ‘year-out’ schemes levy charges on participants
- This can represent costs of hundreds to several thousands of pounds, sterling
- The Bridge programme in Israel is entirely different
- F.O.I. offers just 12 places a year on the Bridge
- Those selected are awarded a scholarship which covers travel, board and insurance
- In effect participants only need out-of-pocket expenses; and monies for independent travel
- We offer an enormous amount of generous hospitality but no red-carpet treatment in Israel
- Each Bridge participant has to establish his/her own credibility
WHAT SORT OF APPLICANTS DO WE LOOK FOR?
F.O.I. will give preference to 18-19 year old British school leavers with -
- An eagerness to travel and discover “the new”
- An enquiring disposition
- A non-judgemental, open approach to every situation
- A readiness to work incredibly hard - even in the most trying circumstances
- A sociable, good-natured temperament
- And a capacity to work well in a team
DO YOU POSSESS THESE QUALITIES?
Background information
The Bridge scheme was first launched in 1961.
Among the hundreds of school-leavers who have taken part in annual Bridge programmes are personalities as disparate as Anna Ford of BBC TV; Minette Walters, the crime writer; Ian Black of The Guardian and Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, Chief Exec. of Community Service Volunteers.
Each Bridge schedule includes
- A working place on a kibbutz (collective farm)
- Two months community service in a development town/Israeli new town
- Work in a northern Israeli moshav (smallholders’ co-operative)
- Contact with the many communities constituting modern Israel including: Jews - religious and secular, Sabra Israelis and immigrants from Russia, Ethiopia and other places; some of the 35 Christian denominations; Moslems and members of the varied Arab communities in Israel.
- Seminars and organised tours
- Free time to explore Jordan and Egypt
- Experience of an archaeological dig - an optional extra - at the participant's expense
THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applicants must submit :
- An essay, minimum 400 words, explaining reasons for wishing to spend time in Israel
- A hand-written covering letter
- A curriculum vitae including:
- Date of birth
- Address
- Home telephone number
- Religion
- Academic achievements
- Interests and future plans
- Two passport-size photos
- Two references - one academic, one personal.
Submissions must be sent to us by July 1 at the very latest. Thereafter, we will shortlist several dozen applicants for interview. These interviews will be conducted in mid-to-late July at our office which is situated in North West London. The award winners will be chosen towards the end of August; and leave for Israel the following January.
Throughout the period in Israel the group will have the informal back-up of specialist co-ordinators.
A FEW ADDITIONAL POINTS
- Candidates must be 18 years of age, i.e. a legal adult, by the time of departure for Israel
- Must be in good physical and mental health. A medical certificate will be necessary if selected.
- We only offer places to British applicants or to individuals permanently resident in the UK. The Programme is of course open to everyone, irrespective of race, religious creed or sex.
- Applicants do not need to speak Hebrew or Arabic, nor need to have a strong linguistic flair.
- BUT it is only worth applying if you have an enquiring disposition; are eager to explore “strange and exotic” parts of the world; and you understand fully that the programme will be demanding and challenging.