RE: Post-Aliyah Post-Bacc / Volunteering

[jrock_linson]

Hi all,

I made Aliyah in 2004, served in the IDF (dover zahal), then returned to the states last summer to do my post-bacc (so I am currently finishing up my first year). I plan to apply to all 3 Israeli programs next year (although I am leaning towards the Technion since I am most interested in cognitive neuroscience, and I understand the Technion is better for research-heavy disciplines).

For those of you who have graduated or are currently in an Israeli program:

Will my Aliyah status/IDF service help or hurt?

Also, what kinds of volunteering were you into?

I am currently involved in a CCE (clinical volunteer) program at a local hospital, and I will be joining Americorps in the fall as a mentor and volunteering in a lab at my school (Cal State Fullerton) as well.

But basically I am wondering if there are any Israel-oriented volunteer opportunities out there, I have scoured the web and not found any of interest in southern California.

Thanks in advance.

******
jrock_linson@yahoo.com

[babycapybara]

you should also post this at studentdoctor.net I think that site gets more traffic. Post under Middle East/Africa

[babycapybara]

I don't think that there is any particularly 'israel oriented' volunteering in the medical field. Anything involving cross-cultural interactions would probably be highly regarded as Israel has such diverse communities.

[jrock_linson]

Thanks for your thoughts. I'll defintely check out that other site.

[student-2]

About the IDF service- I did three years and a bit. It definitely doesn't hurt and it may add to your chances but don't play it up too much. I know that Sackler is a bit sensitive about making this program into a channel for aliyah. They always stress that it is an american program. At the end of the day the kind of residencies that the students get reflect on the school and it's better to publish American residencies then Israeli residencies- they're worth more!
Don't hide you're enthusiasm about being in Israel but don't forget that you are applying to a school that very much considers itself an American school- first and foremost!!!!!