Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Wondering what in the world this experience might contain?

Life in Israel can seem like an enigma, something untouchable...beyond the grasp of your understanding. Well, it probably is beyond comprehension! It is not possible to understand something that you have NEVER experienced. Words will never be enough to communicate what Israel is like, what living on a kibbutz is like, or what being a team member with Baptists for Israel Institute is like. Still, we would love to attempt an answer at any question you might have! Here are some Frequently asked questions and their answers...feel free to e-mail our secretary with any additional questions you might have and we will do our best to put the experience here into words!

Do you have running water, indoor toilets, electricity, . . .?
What is life like on a kibbutz?
Are there paved roads?
Is Israel safe?
What language is spoken in Israel?
Will I be "adopted" by an Israeli family?
Can we drink the water?
What kind of work will I be doing?
How difficult are the classes?
Can I communicate with my friends and family in the States?

Do you have running water, indoor toilets, electricity, . . .?

Yes, Israel is a very up-to-date, technologically advanced country. We have every convenience that you could need or ask for (including high speed internet).

Back to Top

What is life like on a kibbutz?

This a tough question best answered by coming to experience life on a kibbutz for yourself! In an attempt to give a better answer than that... I would describe it as country living as opposed to city life. On the kibbutz people are laid back and relaxed; they live away from the rush of city life. We have a small community grocery store, bakery, and even a salon. The kibbutz is enclosed by a security fence and gated entrance. Kibbutzniks are hospitable people and love to have people come visit. Many would open their homes to us and offer coffee, tea, and an assortment of fruit and cookies at any given moment.

Back to Top

Are there paved roads?

Yes, there are paved roads and crazy drivers on those paved roads! Honestly the drivers here are a bit aggressive, but it is nothing like some countries where traffic rules are simply suggestions. We have two vans and travel around the country to tour and study on very nicely paved roads.

Back to Top

Is Israel safe?

Although the army is much more active and visible in Israel, it gives a sense of safety that there are conscientious people around. The crime rates are much lower than that of the States, and we don't even lock our doors at night! The threat from neighboring countries or from the "Palestinian" terrorist organizations is not a daily thought or danger to our well being. The target of terror is not a rural kibbutz. The attacks are directed against the Israeli people and specifically the military. We travel with our own transportation, and we mainly spend our time at historical sites and museums, which are not targeted. The odds are higher for someone to die in a car accident in the States than to be killed in a suicide bombing here in Israel. If there ever are heightened security alerts, we avoid the area in question.

Back to Top

What language is spoken in Israel?

Hebrew and Arabic are the national languages in Israel. English is also spoken by many in Israel. Road signs often include Hebrew, English and Arabic. Although you will be taking Modern Hebrew twice a week, the language is very difficult to pick up, and everyone loves to talk to you in English! You will receive the opportunity to learn a lot of Hebrew if you choose to put in the effort and attention required to learn a language well. How much Hebrew you learn will depend largely on you.

Back to Top

Will I be "adopted" by an Israeli family?

Our adoption program is slowly dying out for a number of reasons. First, the kibbutz is changing, and people are doing more things off the kibbutz. Secondly, many families have adopted students in the past, and do not want the responsibility again. Does that mean you can't adopt yourself into a family? NO! You CAN adopt yourself into many families, and we have found this actually works better many times. Instead of being "stuck" in the family we might have assigned you, you will be free to visit and make contacts that match your personality and that "click". The people are still open to friendships and time together; they just do not want to be "locked" into the responsibility of adopting a student for nine months!

Back to Top

Can we drink the water?

Yes! The water comes from the Sea of Galilee and is clean and safe to drink.

Back to Top

What kind of work will I be doing?

First, remember the work you are doing is for the Lord! We are here to serve and love the kibbutzniks, not to have "cool" or "dignified" work. Work on the kibbutz varies based on seasonal needs. There is work maintaining the kibbutz (we call it "garden" work) all year round. Garden work includes hedge trimming, chain saw work, raking, weed pulling and spraying, planting, sweeping, gutter cleaning, etc. The work in the chicken houses is only for about a week, once every three months. Banana work has not been done this year, but there is no saying when they may decide they need a little extra help. There is maintenance work from time to time that needs done but that is very sporadic. Girls may be working mainly in the factory on the kibbutz which folds and puts together surgical gowns and packets. This work is new this year and has been wonderful for building relationships with the ladies on the kibbutz.

Back to Top

How difficult are the classes?

This is a tough question to answer and depends on each individual. BII's hands-on approach allows you to experience what you are studying. You will join in holiday celebrations and meet people who lived the history you are learning about. Hearing their personal stories will bring the facts of the classroom to life. After studying the geography of Israel, you will travel around the country, and an archaeology dig lets you learn more than books can teach you. Since our program includes more than just academics, your class work will require good time management to balance your time between doing homework and visiting your friends.

Back to Top

Can I communicate with my friends and family in the States?

Yes! There are phones available for student use in our houses, and the rate we have for calling the States is very inexpensive. Our kibbutz also has a mail room, so letters and packages can be sent directly here.

Back to Top