PREPARING FOR YOUR SEMINAR

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Frequently Asked Questions: Seminar Preparation

We are thrilled that you will be traveling to Israel with Project Interchange and hope that you are eagerly anticipating your departure. The section below should answer many of the questions that you may have about your trip. Please do not hesitate to contact the Project Interchange office with additional questions at pi@projectinterchange.org or (202) 833-0025.

What are the travel arrangements and lodging for the seminar?
International travel is coach on El Al Airlines. The majority of delegations stay in four-star hotels with double occupancy accommodations. Student leadership groups may stay in guesthouses where appropriate. Subject to availability, participants may upgrade to business class and single occupancy accommodations at their own expense.

Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
U.S. citizens traveling to Israel on a tourist passport do not need a visa. U.S. citizens traveling to Israel on an official passport require a visa to travel to Israel. Holders of passports from other nations should check with their local Israeli consulate to determine whether a visa is needed. Please ensure that your passport is current and valid at least six months after the intended date of entering Israel. If your passport is expired, or if you do not have a passport, we strongly encourage you to begin the renewal or application process as soon as possible.

Is it safe to travel to and in Israel?
The safety of participants during their stay in Israel is the paramount concern of Project Interchange. The U.S. and Israel staff of Project Interchange are in frequent contact with the relevant security authorities in the U.S. and Israel. While delegations are in Israel, all routes and destinations are checked on a daily basis, and all known “hot spots” are avoided. The itinerary will be modified by the Project Interchange Israel office, in consult with the U.S. office, to respond to any security advisories or adverse weather conditions. All groups travel on a private bus accompanied by a licensed tour guide and a Project Interchange or AJC staff member. Participants are asked not to take public transportation, travel to the West Bank, the Gaza strip, or any other territories under Palestinian governance while under the auspices of Project Interchange. To be aware and informed of the U.S. Government’s travel tips and warnings for United States citizens traveling to Israel, it is recommended that participants visit the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory website at www.state.gov/traveandbusiness/

What type of clothes should I bring?
Israel is an informal country. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The attire for the seminar is largely business casual. Ties, suits and high-heels will not be necessary. It is recommended, however, that you bring one or two nice outfits (sport jacket and slacks for men; pantsuit or skirt suit for women) for meetings with government officials. If your seminar includes a Sabbath experience you will want to bring an additional nice outfit. We also recommend bringing a small tote bag or backpack to take with you on the bus each day.

Daily Clothing:

Casual, light-weight clothing (summer) or medium-weight clothing and raingear (winter) that can be layered
khaki pants and collared shirts for men
pants or skirts for women
Comfortable walking shoes

Holy Site Visits:

Modest clothing for holy sites
Covered shoulders
Covered knees (sarongs are suggested for women as they easily tie over walking clothes)

Winter/Rainy Season:

Sweater/cardigan
Heavy jacket
Umbrella or other rain protection
Wind breaker

Dead Sea/Masada:

Bathing suit/beach shoes
Canvas or rubber shoes to wear into the Dead Sea
Hat (for the sun)
Sunglasses/suntan lotion (a must!)

Optional:

Bible
Binoculars
Camera and film/video camera
Cold tablets/tablets for diarrhea
Electric converter 110 volts to 220 volts AC (necessary for hairdryers, electric razors, etc.)
Journal and pens
A laptop is not necessary, but you can certainly bring one should you wish. Please remember to bring an electric converter in order to charge the laptop’s battery.

WEATHER

Area	Winter Temperatures (Nov-March) rainy season	Summer Temperatures	Fall/Spring Temperatures
Tel Aviv	45-55	75-95	66-84
Jerusalem	35-45	70-85	59-82
West Bank	35-45	70-85	59-82
Beersheva region	60-65	75-90	62-86
Upper Galilee	35-45	65-80	54-75
Sea of Galilee	50-60	75-90	57-78

Will I have access to the Internet?
At most hotels in Israel there are business centers where you can access the internet for a small fee.

How much money should I bring?
We recommend that you carry no more than $100 to $150 in cash with you to Israel. All major credit cards are accepted and ATMs are numerous throughout all of the large cities. All transportation in Israel and most meals are organized and covered by Project Interchange. You are, however, responsible for covering the cost of any personal incidentals incurred during your trip.

Which language(s) are spoken in Israel?
The official languages of the State of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic, though English is very widely spoken. Most, if not all, Project Interchange sessions will be conducted in English.

How can I be reached while in Israel?
Prior to departure, each participant will receive a detailed itinerary and the contact information for each hotel in which the group will stay over the course of the seminar; please provide this to your company/organization and family. In addition, some United States and international cell phone providers are compatible with the Israeli cell phone system. Please check with your individual cell phone provider to see whether your particular phone and plan include coverage in Israel. Cell phones are available for rent in Israel and can be picked up and dropped off at Ben Gurion Airport. Participants are responsible for making their own arrangements for cell phone rentals. Lastly, as mentioned above, internet access and/or business centers will be available at most hotels. Please note that international phone calls on hotel phones are very expensive.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
We suggest that you consider purchasing travel insurance that will provide you with coverage during your trip. Our tour operator offers this service as a convenience. If you are interested in purchasing travel insurance through our tour operator or would like more information, please contact Doria Gold at (202) 833-0025 or via email at goldd@projectinterchange.org.

Do I need special health insurance while in Israel?
Most insurance plans continue to provide coverage for plan members who are traveling internationally. We recommend that you check with your individual health insurance plan for details. In most cases, should you need medical attention, you will be required to pay out of pocket for your care. Upon your return to the U.S., you will then have to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Will there be free time for me to explore on my own?
Time is allotted during all seminars for shopping and exploring. Each group is also given at least two unscheduled meals and participants are encouraged to venture into local restaurants to experience Israeli culture on their own. All sessions and scheduled meetings on the itinerary, however, are considered mandatory.