About the Program:

Where do the students come from?
Students come from all over Israel and also from overseas. There are about 100 Israeli students and 25-30 students from America, Canada, England, South America, and Australia.

Some Israeli students come to Migdal Oz directly out of high school and others come following two years of national service.

 Will I be integrated with the Israelis?
Yes! The program is completely integrated. All of your classes will be together, in Ivrit. In the dorms, you will live with two or three Israelis.

 How much focus is placed on Gemara? Other areas?
Gemara is a main part of the program. Everyone learns gemara three mornings a week in morning seder, and you can choose to take it a fourth morning a week if you desire. As for afternoons, and night seder, you will build a personalized schedule to fit your needs and desires, and you will have many different options to choose from – Tanach, Gemara, Halacha, Machshava, and Chassidut.

 Are there any parts of the program which are exclusively for the Overseas students?
The overseas students have one class a week in English taught by Mrs. Shayna Goldberg. In addition, the Overseas students will spend  3 or 4 shabbatot together, and will also have their own tiyulim during times when the Beit Midrash is on break such as Sukkot, Chanukah, and Pesach.

The Overseas students have their own staff, beyond the Beit Midrash staff who are available to them. They have madrichot, and the director of the overseas students, Mrs. Racheli Schmell, and educator Mrs. Shayna Goldberg, who are available to them at all times.

 Where will I spend Shabbatot and Chagim?
About every other Shabbat is spent in the Beit Midrash. During out-Shabbatot you will travel to different Israeli communities. Overseas students often go home with their Israeli roommates, chavrutot, and friends for shabbatot and chagim. Our staff will go over your plans for the chagim with you and make sure you have a place to stay and be hosted.

 Are there tiyulim?
The Beit Midrash goes on 2-3 tiyulim a year. In addition, the overseas students have their own tiyulim during Sukkot, Chanukah, and Pesach.

 Is there preparation for leaving the Beit Midrash? Returning to college etc.?
Yes. During Zman Kayitz, the Overseas staff works on a series of sessions and speakers which are geared specifically towards the overseas students and the college experience which awaits them. The program aims to provide Halachic and Hashkafic guidance for this next step.

 Facillities:

Is there Security on Campus?
The Beit Midrash has its own security guards, present 24/7, in addition to the Kibbutz security.

 Exercise
There is an exercise room on campus with equipment such as a treadmill, an elliptical etc. Many students also choose to jog on the paths of the kibbutz

 Laundry
A modern, well equipped laundry room is located near the dorms. Students are provided with laundry cards and detergent.

Application and Visits:

How do I schedule a visit to Migdal Oz?
If you would like to check out the Beit Midrash for yourself, please call or email the office and we will be happy to set up a visit.

How do I apply?
Students who are interested in applying should go the http://www.applytosem.org/ site, fill out “The Joint Application Form”, and address it to Migdal Oz along with $100 application fee that is paid via credit card on-line. We will contact the applicant in order to set up an interview and continue the admission process.

Incoming students:

What should I pack?
You will be sent a detailed packing list in the spring packet.

Health Insurance
Migdal Oz uses Maccabi health insurance. You will receive more information in the spring mailing.

Cell phone plans
Migdal Oz uses cell phone provider Phones4Less, who specializes in working with Overseas students in Israel for the year. Information about plans and prices can be found on their website.