Travel to Israel to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Israel: table of content

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 Israel

Intro

Backpacking and travel in Israel

  • Traveling through Israel is a journey with many faces. Besides all the beauty - from delicious food and open, friendly people, to beautiful nature and an awful lot of religious highlights, there is also the other side of Israel. A side that will not escape you if you really travel around the country and immerse yourself in the lives of the locals. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful country to travel around in, for both the seasoned backpacker and the vacationer. 
  • Activity spotting: the nightlife of Tel Aviv; the mix of religions in Jerusalem (the Wailing Wall, Holy Sepulchre Church and Dome of the Rock); discover Nazareth and Bethlehem; enjoy the view from the ancient fortress of Masada; float on the Dead Sea; go on a desert hike in the Negev Desert; dive and snorkel in the Red Sea; visit the Bahai Gardens and beaches of Haifa.
  • Cities and culture spotting: Jerusalem, Jericho, Yad Vashem.
  • Animals and nature spotting: underwater world at Eilat, Negev desert, dead sea.
  • Food spotting: hummus, hummus, hummus, as well as falafel, the all-day dish Shakshuka, sabich, Jerusalem Mixed Grill, Knafeh, Jachnun, Cholent and a whole lot more. 
  • Details: Israel and the Palestinian territories are regularly (politically) unsettled. Tip: check the current situation before planning your trip.

Studying in Israel

  • Israel has some of the highest regarded universities and research institutions in the world. The universities have strong programs in science, engineering, tech, medicine and social sciences. While it can be relatively expensive to study in Israel, at the same time it is also quite a cross-cultural experience with students from many different backgrounds. 
  • Studies: basically all subjects and forms of education can be found.
  • Student life: vibrant, cultural, lots of festivities and a thriving art and music scene. 
  • Study cities: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Rehovot. 
  • Language: Hebrew, but also many opportunities in English. 

Internships in Israel

  • Internships: there are many interesting internships to be found in Israel. From internships at start-ups and tech companies to internships at NGOs trying to improve cooperation between Jews and Arabs or in the field of human rights. You can also find internships at theaters, newspapers, universities and so on.... 
  • Competencies: technical and professional competencies, problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship, cultural and intercultural communication, language skills, etc. 

Volunteering in Israel

  • Volunteer projects: all kinds of things are possible in Israel. Think about working at a stray animal shelter, marine conservation, protecting wildlife in the desert.... In the social sectors, for example, you can work in kibbutzim, as an English teacher in isolated communities or in agriculture.
  • Special features: some volunteer work focuses on the war and supporting communities during the war. 

Working in Israel

  • Israel is the land of start-ups while having booming technology and economy sectors. Still, it can be difficult to find a job there because there are many qualified Israelis, who naturally have priority. It is best to search in advance, build a network and learn some Hebrew in advance. Many expats work in health care, law, business, marketing, education and tech. Some English-speaking expats find work as English teachers, and the most sought-after expats are those working in high-tech. 
  • You may be able to find temporary work in a kibbutz.
  • Features: the work culture can vary considerably from kibbutz to kibbutz, make an Israeli CV, make sure you have a good network. 

Working as a digital nomad in Israel

  • Since Israel is known as the Startup Nation, you can enjoy the best technological facilities. So the Internet is super and you will find many co-working places. There are also many remote workers and networking opportunities. And... as a true digital nomad how not to get bored besides your work. From lovely beach visits to great parties. It's pretty expensive compared to other popular digital nomad locations, though. 
  • Favorite locations: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa. 

Living in Israel

  • Living in Israel is a very interesting experience. It is unique, fascinating and at the same time it brings many challenges. 
  • Life is definitely not cheap, especially if you live in the big cities, while incomes are often not that high. But should you earn enough you can enjoy a very good quality of life with everything you need. 
  • As a single you can live a rich social life, as a family you have access to very good education and good facilities. 
  • Culture: Israel is a melting pot of cultures and religions, which makes life as an expat enriching. Expats can enjoy a wide range of cultural events, cuisines, and traditions. Israelis are known for their directness, which can sometimes take some getting used to for expats. The culture is generally informal, and there is a strong focus on personal networking.
  • Security: The country faces a complex geopolitical situation, which means security can occasionally be a concern, especially in certain regions. In general, cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and most of Jerusalem are safe, but it is important to stay abreast of the current situation.
  • Health insurance: Israel has very good, modern health care, but make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.

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Ben je zaterdag in Utrecht? Loop langs bij het stadhuisplein voor een andere kant van het verhaal!

Palestina's vreedzame hoop

Doe ook iets voor een ander, voor Palestina's vreedzame hoop. Een paar euro maakt al verschil. Kijk maar even op deze site: https://secure.avaaz.org/nl/palestines_nonviolent_hope_loc/?slideshow Avaaz is een internationaal campagnenetwerk van 25 miljoen mensen en streeft ernaar dat internationale bes...

Israel: Updates & Travel

Travel in Israel?

  • Discover Tel Aviv's vibrant nightlife and then come to contemplation in the silence of the Negev desert or spend an afternoon floating on the Dead Sea. Experience what it's like to live in a community and volunteer in a kibbutz. Experience the special situation in Jerusale...

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Kibbutz Program Center

Deze organisatie biedt mogelijkheden tot vrijwilligerswerk in diverse kibboetsen zoals bijvoorbeeld meewerken binnen de landbouw, toerisme en productie.

Het Israel Project

Deze Nederlandse organisatie biedt vrijwilligerswerk aan in verzorgingshuizen in Israël. Als vrijwilliger ga je aan de slag met de verzorging en begeleiding van lichamelijk of geestelijk gehandicapte mensen. Ook het werken in een ziekenhuis, weeshuis of psychiatrische inrichting behoort tot de ...

Tent of Nations

Tent of Nations is een biologische boerderij met een sterk Palestijns Christelijke insteek en oorsprong note: sinds 2021 wordt de organisatie lastiggevallen door Israelisch overheid en kolonisten - vrijwilligerswerk vindt plaats onder sociale en politieke spanning

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SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

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Ben je zaterdag in Utrecht? Loop langs bij het stadhuisplein voor een andere kant van het verhaal!

Palestina's vreedzame hoop

Doe ook iets voor een ander, voor Palestina's vreedzame hoop. Een paar euro maakt al verschil. Kijk maar even op deze site: https://secure.avaaz.org/nl/palestines_nonviolent_hope_loc/?slideshow Avaaz is een internationaal campagnenetwerk van 25 miljoen mensen en streeft ernaar dat internationale bes...

Safety and insurances in Israel

How does health care work in Israel, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does health care work in Israel, and what travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the health care system work in Israel?

  • Israel has an advanced healthcare system with excellent medical facilities and well-trained professionals. The country is known worldwide for its expertise in medical innovation and specialty care which attracts a lot of medical tourism. 
  • For whatever reason you are moving to Israel, you are required to be covered by health insurance as an immigrant. So unless you are moving under the “Law of Return,” you do need to obtain international health insurance upon departure. Then, in Israel itself, you have more options. 
  • Under the “Law of Return,” valid for Jews and some persons of Jewish descent, you are enrolled under a public health insurance company and do not have to pay anything for the first period. 
  • There is little difference in quality between public and private care, yet private health care is widely used because of waiting times, options and facilities. 
  • For emergency care, you can visit a family doctor's office or an emergency clinic. Outside of business hours, emergency clinics and telephone services are available.
  • For emergency medical services, you can call 101. Responses are quick and efficient. It can be helpful to know some medical words in Hebrew such as ambulans (ambulance) and atsiloo (help). 

How does the public health care system work in Israel?

  • Israel has a universal health care system, the National Health Insurance Law, funded through a mandatory health care premium and taxes. If you are a foreigner working for a local company, you are automatically affiliated with the national system. 
  • Are you working for yourself or retired? Then you have to sign up yourself with one of the four public health insurance companies: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuhedet, or Leumit. However, this can only be done once you are a permanent resident, and even then you have to wait a while before you can sign up. Therefore, it is wise to get international insurance first. 
  • It does not matter which public insurer you are affiliated with, you can choose your own doctors as long as they are covered. You can also switch insurers again at any time. 
  • Basic care such as doctor visits, specialist care, hospitalizations, medications, mental care and maternity care is fully covered.
  • Waiting times for non-emergency treatment can be long.

How does the private health care system work in Israel?

  • In addition to public care, quite a few residents still opt for additional private care. This offers faster access to specialists and more luxurious facilities. This can be through one of the four non-profit public health insurers, or through their own insurance. 
  • Private healthcare is pricey. Because of reasons mentioned earlier, it is therefore wise for expats, especially temporary residents or people working for themselves, to get international health insurance. 
  • Employers are required to arrange private health insurance for expats employed by them. However, it is still wise to get your own expat insurance to cover other issues such as repatriation. 

How is the general practitioner arranged in Israel?

  • Israel has a well-organized general practitioner system. With public insurance, you choose a family doctor through your health insurance company. This family doctor is your first point of contact for medical care and refers you to a specialist if necessary.
  • General practitioners are usually well trained and often speak English, especially in urban areas. GP care is part of the basic insurance, so there are no additional costs for consultations.

How is the dentist arranged in Israel?

  • Dentists in Israel are excellently trained, and modern dental techniques are used.
  • Dental care for children under 18 is included in the basic insurance.
  • For adults, dental care is not included and must be paid out of pocket or through supplementary insurance.
  • Generally, dentists speak good English. 

How is the prenatal and pregnancy care arranged in Israel?

  • Israel has excellent care for pregnant women. Regular checkups, ultrasounds, and tests are fully covered by basic insurance.
  • Most deliveries take place in well-equipped hospitals. Special suites or private delivery rooms are available at additional cost.
  • Home births are also legal, but are rare. There are also birth centers that offer alternative birth options. 
  • There is much support for breastfeeding, including lactation consultants in hospitals. Israel encourages breastfeeding as part of its health care strategy.
  • Abortion is legal under a number of conditions such as the pregnancy is a danger to the mother (both physical and mental), the fetus has a disease or severe abnormalities, the pregnancy was caused by rape or incest or the woman is unmarried and under 17. 

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Israel?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safely in Israel?

  • Israel is generally safe, but you have to take into account the current geopolitical situation that can lead to violent outbursts. 
  • Cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa are very modern and safe, while areas near the Gaza Strip and some parts of the West Bank are best avoided.
  • There is a risk of kidnapping in Gaza and on the border with Egypt. There is also always the risk of rocket fire, although Israel has a well-working defense system. 
  • Crime numbers are low, but as in any city, pickpocketing can occur.
  • Be especially careful during certain days and events such as Thursday, Saturday, after Friday prayers, Jewish holidays, Ramadan, other religious holidays and national holidays. 

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Israel?

  • Tropical diseases are rare in Israel, but there is a small risk of mosquito-borne diseases in rural areas.
  • Standard vaccinations are recommended, including those against Hepatitis A and B.
  • Tap water is of high quality and safe to drink, thanks to advanced water treatment technologies.
  • In the dry southern part of the Negev, flooding can be a risk during bad weather. 

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Israel?

  • Roads in Israel are well maintained. The road network is modern, with highways connecting major cities.
  • However, accidents are common due to reckless driving and poorly maintained cars. 
  • Israel offers an efficient public transportation system with buses, trains and shared cars. Keep in mind that public transportation is limited on Friday nights and Saturdays (Sabbath).

Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Israel?

  • Is the trip to Israel and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Israel if you are going to live there for a while?

  • Since it is compulsory to be insured and as a temporary resident you are also not insured under the public system, it is important to get proper insurance yourself. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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