Gap year in UK difficult, Kibbutz in Israel easy – YDP

The traditional gap year after school or university to the UK is becoming increasingly difficult to do with the new highly restrictive visa legislation. However, numerous other opportunities exist for those with itchy feet eager to experience a different side of life. YDP, a specialist leader in youth work and travel, recommends a stint on a Kibbutz in Israel to experience a completely different culture, forge lifelong friendships while simultaneously adding a notch to the belt called life-lessons.

“Having been on Kibbutz myself, I know that young people will undoubtedly return home more mature and independent individuals with life-long memories and many international friends as I have,” comments Marc Whitmill, managing director of YDP.

What exactly is a Kibbutz?
The term is Hebrew and roughly translates to gathering. A Kibbutz is a community of volunteers in Israel who live and work communally in a rural village to assist with farming activities that make up part of Israel’s economy. Although today, Kibbutz’s have grown beyond agricultural activities to include other economic branches such as industrial plants and high-tech enterprises.

Continues Whitmill, “A few years back, working on a Kibbutz as a volunteer was quite a popular thing to do. Sadly due to the ongoing trouble in Israel and the Palestinian States, the trend for travellers wishing to go and experience Kibbutz life has weakened dramatically. This is largely due to various other travel opportunities becoming available to South Africans post 1994 and new age travellers are generally attracted to the most financially rewarding programmes.

But is it safe?
With all the political unrest, this begs the questions: Is it safe? Answers Whitmill, “As a rule, Kibbutz’s are based on farms and rural villages, some distance from major cities. Once on a Kibbutz, you’ll be far away from any troubles and will undoubtedly have an amazing and memorable time in the land of milk and honey. If you want to understand Israel, take the time to look beyond the larger-than-life figures of the past and the country’s media reputation. Kibbutzniks will attest to the fact. We always recommend that visitors take time to visit the new, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv, dive the Red Sea at Eilat, explore some of the country’s thriving national parks and float for hours in the salty stillness of the Dead Sea.”

How long does it last?
The YDP Kibbutz programme is valid for three to six months and enables successful applicants an exciting chance to experience the Kibbutz way of life, whilst working as volunteers. The best time to go is during the warmer months – April to October, although applicants can leave all year round. For avid young travellers, this Middle Eastern country offers a first hand cross-cultural lesson in humility and tolerance. Once the initial six month contract has expired, YDP can make arrangements for it be extended for a further six months.

“This is where it gets interesting. Despite their initial trepidation, we are often dumbfounded by the number of Kibbutzniks that ask us to extend their stays. It is always a surprise and more fun than they originally anticipated,” continues Whitmill.

A typical day on a Kibbutz
Work days usually start at 6am with breakfast shared with fellow volunteers followed by a day in the fields ploughing the land or picking olives, amongst other agricultural activities. However, it’s not all work and no play. Thousands of volunteers from all over the world and with different religious beliefs descend on Israel to form close-knit Kibbutz communities and friendships.

“Social life on the Kibbutz can only be described as exhilarating. Sightseeing tours are arranged for volunteers and Saturdays are spent relaxing, either by taking a trip to the nearby coast or by having legendary dorm-room parties,” quips Whitmill.

Further information about the Israel Kibbutz programme is available on www.ydp.co.za.