Marva

• About the Program
• Costs and Payment
• Marva Contact Us
• Registration Process
• Sample Itinerary
• What to Bring

About the Program

The Marva program is a unique outdoor experience open to participants from all over the world. The program is conducted in simple Hebrew allowing for significant improvement of Hebrew skills. Activities range from camp craft, navigation and topography to hikes, lectures, seminars and walking tours, participation in training exercises, and living in field conditions. Marva is not an easy program, and military-style discipline is enforced in all activities.

The program is based in the south of Israel on a Gadna base, but participants will spend considerable time in various other parts of the country, including Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, the Galilee and more. See the sample itinerary for more details.

Acceptance Criteria

Applicants should be Jewish tourists between the ages of 18-25. A working knowledge of Hebrew or English is required. Marva is a physically and mentally demanding program. Applicants are expected to be in excellent physical condition and must be highly motivated.

Dates

Marva lasts for approximately 8 weeks. Four sessions are offered throughout the year, in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Below are the dates for the upcoming sessions:

• Marva 115: January 2, 2010 – February 24, 2011
• Marva 116: March 27 – May 27, 2011
• Marva 117: July 12 – September 1, 2011
• Marva 118: October 23 – December 12, 2011
• Marva 119: January 15, 2012 – March 7, 2012
• Marva 120: April 15 – June 7, 2012
• Marva 121: July 8 – August 30, 2012
• Marva 122: October 14 – December 6, 2012

Medical Insurance

Individual participants on the program receive medical insurance through the Harel company. For more information see the complete insurance policy. Participants that join the program as part of another long-term program in Israel are insured through their main program.

The insurance covers all medical needs that arise while on the program in Israel. It does not cover the following:

• Treatment or medication for pre-existing conditions that you suffered from prior to your arrival to Israel.
• Medical or baggage insurance for your travel to and from Israel.
• Conditions arising before the start date of the program or after its completion.
• Theft or damage to personal belongings.
• Treatment outside of the state of Israel.
• Alcohol or drug related illness or accidents.
• Psychological or psychiatric treatment.
• Automobile accidents.
• Injuries during extreme sports activities.

Accommodations and Meals

While you are on the Marva program you will be staying in three types of accommodations:

1. Tents in army bases – These are large, army-style tents for 10-15 people. There is a concrete floor, and participants sleep on cots in sleeping bags.
2. Tents in field conditions – On field week you will be staying in small tents- field conditions.
3. Rooms in army bases – In most of the bases that you will be staying in you will be sleeping in large rooms with several participants in each room. Participant sleep on cots or army beds.

In all of the accommodations you will be provided with a mattress and a sleeping bag. We highly recommend bringing sheets and a pillow.
Bathrooms are cleaned by the participants every morning. Their condition depends on how you clean them.

Meals

The course is in different locations and the meals change depending on location. When staying on a base, hot meals will be served. The food is prepared in industrial military kitchens, which might not suit each participant’s personal tastes. When off base (as the program is for the majority of the program) meals will consist of canned food and bread.

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