Student Life

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Frequently Asked Questions >

On URJ Heller High, you’ll find your life enriched, fulfilled, and nourished. Spend a semester in Israel among close friends, inspiring teachers, and a beautiful natural landscape with abundant options for recreation, entertainment, and community involvement.

When you are not in class or on trips, you will find plenty to do at your home on Kibbutz Tzuba: swimming in the pool, playing sports, lounging at the café, or relaxing on your private balcony.

Nestled in the beautiful Judean Hills, fifteen minutes from Jerusalem, Kibbutz Tzuba provides a safe and enriching environment and a dynamic Israeli community for our students, with ideal facilities for learning, comfortable living, and enriching education.

Kibbutz Tzuba

Kibbutz Tzuba provides a safe and secure living environment and ideal classroom space for academic programming in a picturesque environment. Students reside in the Kibbutz guest suites, with four students per room with a private bathroom. The guest house facilities include lounges for relaxation, a snack bar, a Kibbutz store, and full recreational facilities (swimming pool, basketball court, and tennis court). Students eat in Kibbutz Tzuba’s kosher dining room, and each suite has a refrigerator, hotpot, and microwave.

URJ Heller High students become an integral part of a dynamic community. Students learn about kibbutz egalitarian values and culture at Tzuba, and while visiting the Reform Kibbutzim Yahel and Lotan in the Negev Desert.

Campus spaces

School classrooms are located close to the student’s dorm rooms on Kibbutz Tzuba. Small in size, they provide a personal learning environment which encourages interactions between students and their teachers. They are equipped with everything necessary to foster student learning, including Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

In the Heller Family Library and Science Lab, students can complete their science lab requirements with the appropriate equipment. The library side enables Heller High to store textbooks and other resource material in its own building. In addition to housing books, the library acts as a resource room. There is a librarian on staff to help students with research projects.

 

The Zula, or Student Lounge, is centrally located near the chadar ochel (dining hall), the classrooms, and the dorm rooms.

The Zula is used for group meetings, class discussions, services, and social programs, as well as a place for students to hang out, study, and relax.

 

The Belmont Hotel at Kibbutz Tzuba is the place Heller High students call home for the semester. The Belmont has a beautiful lobby. This facility has a café, meeting rooms, lounge area, piano, tables, and a balcony that overlooks the beautiful Judean Hills. students can often be found here enjoying a coffee, studying, and relaxing.

Students live in Kibbutz Tzuba’s two room suites, which offer a bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and an outdoor porch with a beautiful view of the Judean hills.

Four students per suite, two students are housed in the bedroom which has two closets and a variety of different shelves and two students are housed in the front portion of the room. To help divide the storage space, each student is also provided several sets of drawers to store their belongings, as well as shelves to store their books and study materials.

The front room has a couch for relaxing, table and chairs for studying and eating, and a television. The kitchenette, located at the end of the common room, contains a small refrigerator, sink, microwave, and tea kettle, cups, plates, and silverware.

The dorms rooms also have housekeeping which cleans several times a week, changes sheets, and provides clean towels.


The Kosher Dining Hall, or chadar ochel,
 on Kibbutz Tzuba services the families on Kibbutz Tzuba, Heller High students, and other guests of the hotel. Because of this, the quality and selection is superb!

Each nutritious and delicious meal presents students with a myriad of choices. There are always a few main dishes and a wide variety of salads served with each meal.

 

 


The Markolit
, or market on Kibbutz Tzuba is open to students as well as Kibbutz members.

Here, students can buy snacks, basic school supplies, and toiletries.

 

Recreation facilities abound on Kibbutz Tzuba. Heller High students enjoy using the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, available in season. They love the basketball court, have ultimate Frisbee tournaments, and set up matches on the tennis courts.

Safety + security

The safety and security of URJ Heller High (formerly NFTY-EIE) students is our number one priority, and we thank parents for entrusting their children to our care. We look forward to providing a safe, challenging and enjoyable learning experience in Israel. Heller High has always been very cautious and conservative. The information is subject to change as security situations in Israel warrant. Parents will be updated by email throughout the semester regarding schedule changes and additional security precautions. Flexibility is required from students, parents, and staff, as schedule changes are inevitable. Infractions of the security procedures will be viewed most seriously. The staff at Kibbutz Tzuba and in the US are continually available to answer any questions that you may have.

  • Itineraries are reviewed on a daily basis to determine if the route and destination provide the highest level of safety. We are always prepared to make changes in our itinerary if need be.
  • Our staff consults daily with the Security Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel, who are in constant contact with the government, police and military authorities.
  • We do not travel through Palestinian controlled areas of the West Bank or in the Gaza Strip.
  • Public transportation is never used; we use only our own Heller High chartered buses.
  • An Israeli security guard travels with each group when required by the Situation Room.
  • Our staff are reachable 24 hours a day in case of an emergency.
  • All students and parents sign the B’rit Kehillah “Heller High Code of Conduct” expressing their willingness to abide by all rules, regulations, and safety guidelines.
  • Our staff and participants receive a thorough orientation regarding expectations for appropriate behavior and safety and security procedures and protocols.
  • We have contingency plans to move groups to safety or bring groups home if necessary.

Nestled in the beautiful Judean Hills, 15 minutes from the center of Jerusalem, Kibbutz Tzuba provides a safe and secure living environment, and ideal classroom space for academic programming in a picturesque environment. There is an infirmary with an on-duty nurse and resident doctor, and the Kibbutz is patrolled by guards and surrounded by a security fence.

Heller High participants are supervised and compassionately cared for by our experienced supervisory staff. We have an exceptional staff team that is able to respond to all student needs. The staff includes program administrators, faculty and counselors. The program administrators include the Principal, Assistant Principal, Director of Student Services, an Office Manager, and health care professionals as needed.

Heller High faculty is made up of many qualified and experienced instructors, including subject specific coordinators. The program employs madrichim (counselors) who live and work directly with the students. Learn more about our staff and faculty.

All madrichim have obtained a college degree or have finished army service in Israel. There are 15 students per madrich. The Jerusalem staff works in tandem with the staff in the United States and the Director of the URJ Camp & Israel Programs.

Upon arrival in Israel, students will be given a very thorough orientation regarding security precautions in general and details as to where they may or may not go. Itineraries and travel routes are reviewed on a daily basis in order to make every effort to avoid areas of tension. The staff in Jerusalem consults with the Security Office of the Jerusalem Agency for Israel to review each day’s travel itinerary. We closely monitor the general conditions in Israel and are prepared to make adjustments to the program as needed. There may be periods of time when students are restricted to the kibbutz. Parents will be informed of any major changes in the schedule.

Within Israel, participants travel only on private coach buses and do not travel in or near the West Bank or Gaza Strip. Participants travel to the Kotel (Western Wall) and the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem only under the direct supervision of Heller High faculty and staff. Students are allowed to take inter-city buses with the approval and coordination of the staff.

Participants travel to and from Israel on airlines that provide appropriate safety and security. Contingency plans are in place (as they have been for many years) to either relocate the group in Israel or to bring them home if the need should arise.

Every participant, together with their parent(s) will sign the B’rit Kehillah “Heller High Code of Conduct.” These guidelines establish clear behavioral expectations of participants. Our school has spent much time and effort evolving what we believe to be the most appropriate policies to ensure the safety and security of each participant. The behavior code (which includes security precautions) is strictly enforced. Although it is a rare occurrence, individuals have been expelled from the program. Such expulsion is at the sole discretion of the Heller High Principal.

Disciplinary action is not arbitrary and an attempt is made to be progressive in our approach. However, specific activities such as, but not limited to: security infractions; the possession or use of drugs, nicotine or alcohol; unexcused absence from the program; violation of curfew; acts threatening to other participants; possession of a knife or any other item that can be construed as a weapon; destruction of property; and theft are considered dangerous enough to warrant expulsion. Security infractions on the part of the participants will not be tolerated and can lead to expulsion.

Students are encouraged to keep their personal items with them at all times. Unaccompanied items in Israel are considered “suspicious objects” by security authorities and are dealt with accordingly. Students are also encouraged to be alert and to pay attention to what is happening around them. Participants should not divulge information about who they are and their itineraries to strangers, regardless of how attractive they may be. Visitors are not permitted to stay overnight in kibbutz dorm rooms with our students. Visiting family members may reserve guest rooms at the kibbutz guesthouse.

In order to ensure the safety of personal valuable items, there is a safe provided in each dorm room. Students are encouraged to use it. Heller High and the URJ assume no responsibility for cash and other valuables left in dorm rooms, hotel rooms, on buses, or any overnight facility or in transit in Israel or going to and from Israel. Students are encouraged to keep their doors and windows locked when no one is in their dorm room.

Health Services

We take very seriously our responsibility for student health and welfare. We’ve had many years of experience in providing high quality health care and supervision for students far away from home. We know how important this is both to the student and to the parent who is thousands of miles away. It’s not unusual, during a residential program, for every student to have a number of days when they don’t feel well. We have a sophisticated and thoughtful health care system in place. While parents will generally not be informed regarding fairly typical and minor ailments (head colds, upset stomach, etc.), parents are consulted and are involved in helping determine the most appropriate treatment when more serious illnesses or injuries are involved. Parents are given prior to the semester a list of emergency contact phone numbers and email addresses so that they are aware of who to contact if ever there is a concern or a question. It is critical that parents and students be very honest with Heller High as to their child’s medical and emotional history, medications, hospitalization, or other treatments the student has received. As the program takes its responsibility for student welfare very seriously, having full and complete information about each child entrusted to our care is tremendously important. Only when we have the full history of each student, can we provide the quality care that every student deserves and that parents expect.

MEDICAL FORMS

Parents and the student’s physician complete a medical form and questionnaire as part of the application process in North America. The day following the students’ arrival to Tzuba they are given a kibbutz medical questionnaire to complete. These two forms are then combined. During orientation, our Director of Student Services meets with all the students individually who take any type of medication on a daily basis. Students are responsible for holding onto and dispensing their own daily medication.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Consistent with our camps and Israel program policies, students must have a host of immunizations in order to participate. Please refer to the Heller High Student-Parent Handbook for a complete list.

TAKING CARE OF THOSE NOT FEELING WELL

If a student is not feeling well, he or she should contact a madrich (counselor) at any time. The student and counselor go to the Kibbutz Tzuba Clinic with the student’s medical file in hand. The Kibbutz nurse sees the student, makes a diagnosis, gives the appropriate treatment, and advises on activities, diet etc. for the remainder of the day. If the Kibbutz nurse believes that the student requires a referral to a medical practitioner, the necessary arrangements will be made. Only the nurses or senior administrative staff are qualified to grant students sick leave from class and activities.

The student’s medical file accompanies them to all medical appointments. Following visits with either nurses or doctors, the medical file and relevant are updated. If a student received sick leave from the day’s activities, he or she will have an early curfew at 9 PM. If the student is not fully recovered by the next day, he or she should return to the kibbutz clinic or doctor.

For any medical treatment, a counselor accompanies students. All conversations at points of medical assistance take place only in English so that the student understands everything being said. The counselor must present the nurse or doctor with the student’s complete up-to-date medical file and point out any pre-existing conditions or medications currently being used. The student brings all medications that are currently being taken with him or her to the appointment. Again, anytime a student is seen by a physician, or is taken to a clinic or hospital, he or she is always accompanied by a staff member.

No ‘invasive’ procedure is conducted without explicit permission from the nurse, assistant principal, or the principal. If an IV is needed, it is started and then the counselor immediately notifies one of the above. A clear explanation of how to use any medications prescribed must be given to the student in the presence of the staff member and repeated aloud to double check the instructions, use, and dosage. The counselor must verify in the presence of the student what the instructions for care, diet, and rest are for the same day and for the next 48 hours. A clear legible written doctor’s report, test results, and any x-rays that were taken are brought back to Tzuba.

Parents will be informed as promptly as possible if there is any significant medical problem so that parents can be informed and involved in the recommended treatment of their child.

 

MEDICAL FACILITIES

The Kibbutz Tzuba Clinic has two nurses on duty everyday. Additionally, 3 times a week there is an English speaking family physician at the clinic.

If a student requires a referral or further treatment, we use the following facilities:

  • The Jerusalem Medical Center – They are an excellent staff of six English speaking family practitioners. The facility also has a competent nursing staff, full laboratory, and x-ray capabilities. One floor below the medical center is a pharmacy, should there be prescriptions that need to be filled.
  • Terem Jerusalem – A 24 hour emergency room, full service, walk in clinic.
  • Hadassah Hospital is less than a 10 minute ride from Kibbutz Tzuba. The Emergency rooms at Hadassah Hospital and specialists at Hadassah are available if need be. When Heller High is away from the Kibbutz, we have access to hospital emergency rooms throughout Israel. Specialists in all fields have contracts with our health insurance provider.
HEALTH INSURANCE

Heller High students are covered through Harel health insurance during their entire experience in Israel. Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the policy. The health insurance company issues an insurance card for each student. During field trips and activities off of the campus on Kibbutz Tzuba the following policies are in place:

  • Students must carry their medical insurance card with them wherever they go
  • Heller High issues a list of emergency numbers for Israeli families who host students for a free weekend off campus
  • Counselors carry the students medical files with them whenever they go on a trip in the event that a student needs to visit a clinic or hospital
  • A counselor accompanies each student to the doctor, clinic or hospital if a visit is necessary
  • Medical personnel who accompany the group on field trips additionally carry the students’ medical files and are in touch with the Harel insurance hotline
  • The Kibbutz nurse is on 24 hour call for consultation while the group is off campus

Important note: while students are covered by health insurance in Israel, it is essential that students remain covered by the medical insurance they have at home. Please do not allow for any gaps in medical insurance coverage as pre-existing conditions are not covered by our policy in Israel. Visits to mental health providers are not covered by our insurance in Israel.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

It’s very common for students to come to Heller High with a range of pre-existing conditions. If a student needs to see a doctor to treat a pre-existing condition, the staff will make the appropriate appointment and parents are usually informed. We have a wide range of specialists available to treat almost any condition. Since pre-existing conditions are not covered by our medical insurance, either students pay for this visit themselves, or we pay for the doctor’s visit and then bill the parents accordingly. If need be, documentation form the treating physician can be sent to parents so that parents may claim the charge on their child’s medical insurance at home.

Reporting

The student’s name is written on a board in the main Heller High Kibbutz Tzbua office, so the entire staff is aware of who is ill. The nurse’s treatment sheet is copied. The copy is left with the nurse and the original is attached to the students’ medical file, in chronological order, so that there is an up-to-date and complete medical history of all students, at all times. The person who accompanied the student to the clinic is responsible for creating an electronic file of the incident.

Visits and Follow Ups

Students who are not participating in activities and are left to rest in their rooms are checked on every 90 minutes, unless they have a temperature, are vomiting, have diarrhea, or stomach pain in which case they will be checked at least every hour. Checks will be made of their temperature and pulse, their bodily functions, what they have had to eat or drink, and how they are feeling. Stomach problems of any kind accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea are treated with the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet. This diet is gradually introduced after the student had clear liquids and feels that he/she is able to eat something. The BRAT diet should be continued for 24-48 hours until normal stomach and bowel function returns. All observations are recorded in the student’s medical file and the school nurse is notified of any changes. Personal hygiene is also emphasized.

After Hours

If a student feels ill in the evening, after curfew, the students initially seek advice from the counselors. If the counselors require further assistance or advice they may contact the Kibbutz nurse or one of the senior staff. If it is determined that the student needs to be transported for medical attention off the kibbutz after hours to a hospital emergency room, arrangements will be made with our driver and the administration is informed. If the driver is unavailable, a taxi will take the student and a counselor. As always, the student’s medical file with all updated attachments, together with the Harel insurance card, will be taken to the appointment.

Medical Emergencies
The Heller High counseling staff are all trained in basic first aid. An Israeli medic travels with each group on challenging camping trips and hikes. There are counselors present with the students at all times. If a medical emergency arises, they initially assess the situation and administer first aid if necessary. The counselor then immediately contacts the Director of Student Services to give details regarding the situation. The nurse and counseling staff decide together what the next steps are for appropriate treatment. If the student must be transported to a medical center, he/she is always accompanied by a counselor.
 
Prevention and First-Aid

Heller High has three large and three mini first aid kits. These kits accompany the group on outings. For each bus there is always a large and a mini first aid kit on board. Counselors and teachers instruct students the night before activities as to how to dress (including appropriate footwear and hats), what to bring (including water and sunscreen). Staff is present to do an ‘inspection’ as the students board the bus and send students back to their rooms if necessary to get the appropriate gear for the weather and day’s activities.

Prescriptions

If a student is treated at Terem, the clinic, he/she is typically given enough medication to cover the first dose or two until the prescription can be filled. Alternatively, the Terem staff provides the counselor with details of the ‘on duty’ pharmacy that is open after hours where prescriptions can be filled. The Kibbutz nurse is updated regarding the meeting. She receives a copy of the doctor’s report and prescription and the original is attached to the student’s file. The person who accompanied the student to the clinic is responsible for creating an electronic file of the incident.

URJ Child Protection Policy

(Updated June 1, 2021)

At the heart of our Reform Movement is our enduring commitment to shaping a more whole, just and compassionate world. That holy work includes ensuring that each and every member of our community – especially our children – are protected and that their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and safety is our highest priority.

View the URJ’s Child Protection Policy Update

 

 

Jewish Life

Reform Jewish Community

Much of the joy of exploring ancient and modern Israel is in sharing this experience with peers from Reform communities across North America. This special group of Reform Jewish teens creates a dynamic Jewish community which becomes essential in discovering new ways of identifying Jewishly. Students struggle with new and interesting challenges that arise through learning and exploring their own Jewish identity.

The celebration of Shabbat, holidays, and special events of the Jewish calendar enhances the sense of togetherness and highlights the value of Jewish life in the Jewish homeland. Taking time to stop, think, feel, and be thankful through tefillah (prayer) contributes to the growth of the individual and the kehillah (community). It is intended that the unparalleled experience that URJ Heller High (formerly NFTY-EIE) has to offer will encourage active involvement in congregational synagogue and Jewish life for years to come.

Reform Jewish Studies

The program is well grounded in Reform ideology, belief, and practice. Throughout the semester, students participate in workshops and study about the history, philosophy, and ideology of Reform Judaism. Jewish holidays and festivals are examined and celebrated from a liberal perspective. Issues of social justice in Israel are investigated. Students meet with prominent Reform rabbis and community leaders and visit significant sights of Reform Judaism in Israel.

Religious Observance

Heller High participants interact with North American and Israeli students studying to be Reform rabbis, cantors, and educators. This adds additional opportunities for spiritual and leadership growth during the experience. Students contribute to building a strong Reform Jewish community on the Kibbutz. Religious observance is incorporated into daily life through spiritual development, rituals and social action projects. Tefilla (prayer) is a gateway to spiritual growth and as such there is a daily tefillah experience at Heller High with a NFTY style service.

Services are usually student-led and serve as an opportunity for students to take initiative and be creative. Birkat Hamazon is recited after meals. Shabbat services on the campus of Kibbutz Tzuba or at various movement synagogues allow students to experience the unique Shabbat atmosphere in Jerusalem and throughout the country. Jewish holidays and festivals are celebrated as part of the Reform community on campus or with the students at Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion.

Each semester students will have the opportunity to celebrate one Jewish holiday with carefully selected Israeli families, always under Heller High’s stringent security guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What exactly is URJ Heller High?

URJ Heller High is a fully accredited high school semester in Israel program. Our students spend four months living and learning together, immersing in the richness of the land, culture, and history of Israel. Please visit the “About Us” page for more information about our mission and vision.

Who participates in URJ Heller High?

Heller High accepts high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. During a typical semester we have 35% 10th graders, 55% 11th graders and 10% seniors.

What are the dates of the semesters?

The Fall Semester typically begins at the end of August and returns at the end of December. The Spring Semester typically begins at the end of January and returns at the end of May. Each of the academic semesters is about 4 months in length.

Do I need to be a member of NFTY to take part in Heller High?

While we encourage all of our participants to be active in Jewish life in learning, it is not required. For more information about joining NFTY visit the NFTY website.

What about medical care?

Participants on our Israel programs are provided with medical insurance that covers everything except pre-existing conditions. Students have access to medical facility on Kibbutz Tzuba and English-speaking doctors. There is access to medical care at all times. When visiting a doctor or hospital away from the kibbutz, participants are always accompanied by a staff member.

Can students manage/hold their own medications?

Students consult with the Principal and Director of Student Services upon arrival. We encourage students to manage their own medications, but in exceptional circumstances we hold onto them.

Who can parents reach during the semester?

Heller High staff in Israel are available 24 hours a day and have cell phones for immediate contact. The Heller High office in New York is open during business hours, and both email and voicemail is checked regularly.

How do I get to Israel?

For each semester, there is a group flight to Israel, which is escorted by a URJ staff member. Participants are responsible for their own domestic travel within the USA/Canada to and from Heller High’s departure airport, which is either JFK Airport in New York City, or Newark Airport in New Jersey. For those flying, participants are given explicit instructions on how to transfer from their domestic arrival airport or terminal to the departure terminal for the flight to Israel. On flights to Israel and Europe, we only fly on major airlines that comply with the standard safety and security measures in Europe, Israel, and the United States. When traveling within Israel and Europe, we use privately chartered, air-conditioned coach buses. Heller High does not use public buses. Some trains may be used in Europe.

What do I need to bring to Israel?

Our URJ Heller High Student – Parent Handbook contains a packing list with all the items you’ll need to bring to Israel.

How do I get a transcript back to my home high school at the end of the semester?

Within 10 days of your return from Israel, Heller High will email the student, their parents, and the guidance counselor a URJ Heller High School in Israel official transcript, a letter confirming community service hours performed with a brief description of the tasks, and the URJ Heller High School in Israel School Profile.

Does my child need to be immunized?

Yes, the Union for Reform Judaism requires that all camp and travel program participants, staff and faculty must be immunized. For more information, read the URJ Policy Statement on Vaccine Status.

Do I Need a Passport?

A US or Canadian passport is required for international travel. In accordance with TSA regulations, all participants at Heller High must have passport that is valid for 6 months after the conclusion of the program.

What is the typical semester size? What about Boys and Girls?

A typical Fall semester has approximately 25-35 students, while a Spring semester has approximately 70-80 participants.  Heller High typically has 60% females and 40% males.

How much does the program cost?

You can read about the tuition and what is included in the cost on our Tuition and Fees section.

Are scholarships available?

Heller High has a very generous need-based scholarship fund. Please visit our Financial Aid section for more information.

Who supervises Heller High?

URJ Youth strives for the highest standard of staff supervision. In Israel, Heller High is supervised by our Principal, Assistant Principal, Director of Counselors and Student Services, Counselors, Faculty and Staff. The counselor to participant ratio is 1:15. Each counselor has graduated from college and/or finished their Israeli army service.

Each person selected to serve as a Heller High staff member has extensive experience working with teens and a vast knowledge of Israel. Our staff is comprised of men and women and North Americans and Israelis, and all staff members participate in a thorough staff training orientation covering issues of education, health, safety, security, community building and adolescent issues.

Are the programs safe?

Heller High is exceedingly cautious and conservative. Itineraries are reviewed on a daily basis to ensure that all groups are traveling on the safest and most appropriate routes. Heller High leaders have cell phones and are in daily communication with the Heller High office and Jewish Agency for Israel. Changes can be made on a moment’s notice. Heller High is in constant contact with security authorities in Israel on a daily basis and their representatives in Europe who are responsible for the safety of youth trips. Check our Safety and Security section for more information.

How about food and lodging?

Heller High is based at Kibbutz Tzuba, about 15 minutes away from Jerusalem. When traveling, our accommodations are safe and appropriate for teens, and are often a higher level of accommodations than most other youth programs. Participants are provided with three complete meals a day, and a vegetarian option is always available, as 20% of our participants practice some form of vegetarianism. Every accommodation in Israel is Kosher and meals in Poland are served Kosher style (No pork or shellfish, no mixing of milk and meat).

What about my valuables?

Upon arrival in Israel, passports and airplane tickets are held for safekeeping by Heller High staff. Typically, participants bring around $1,000 in spending money. Whenever possible, we recommend using debit or credit cards.

Can I visit family or friends while I’m in Israel? (subject to change per COVID-19 Protocols)

At the program directors’ discretion, participants may visit with their own family members if given permission by their parents and if they are picked up and returned to Kibbutz Tzuba by the family. Generally, during your free time or free weekends, you are allowed to visit family and friends in Israel. Participants will be allowed to visit non-family members overnight only if a parental consent form has been signed before each visit. Students must tell the staff in Israel a few days in advance of planned visits, and provide them with the contact information of who you are visiting. Our staff will be in touch with your friends/family to confirm your plans. Your parents must then send their written permission (usually a quick email to our staff in Israel) letting us know that they are aware of and approve of your visit. Friends or family who come to Kibbutz Tzuba to pick up students must be at least 25 years old. Students are allowed to take inter-city buses with the approval and coordination of the staff. We can also make arrangements for an approved private taxi to drive students, at their own expense. Heller High safety and security protocols are always in place while you visit others in Israel.

I am an EIE/Heller High alum applying to college. How do I request EIE/Heller High transcripts?

You can find all the information about requesting transcripts in our Alumni Section.

Don't see your answer here?

Download a copy of the Student and Parent Handbook that has everything you need to know about the semester, or call our office at 212-650-4073 to speak with a member of our team.