Education
A new sense of independence, deep friendships, and truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences—these are the takeaways students leave with after spending a semester abroad at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alexander Muss High School in Israel.
Hadley Cohen, a 16-year-old from Westchester, New York, spent the past spring at Muss, finishing her sophomore year amongst teens from around the world and exploring hands-on all that Israel has to offer without misssing a beat in her academics.
“The best part of my program was the experiential field trips,” said Hadley. “We traveled two to three times a week, staying in hostels, kibbutizim, and hotels and getting to really explore the land and its history, and learning about the Jewish people themselves. You’d never get this type of experience and learning ability anywhere else. Now that I’m back home I talk about our trips and the stuff that I learned all the time.”
While Hadley had spent time away from home at summer camp in years prior, Muss was her first time spending four months on her own. “Muss definitely makes you independent,” she said. “You have to learn how to manage your own schedule and to be aware of what’s going on. I’m definitely better at time management and cleaning skills now.”
Hadley isn’t the only one who has noticed a change. “People often tell me that I’ve become more mature and self-aware since returning,” she said. “And they’re right. While I’ve gained a deep understanding of history, I’ve also learned just as much about being independent and stepping up as a role model.”
Izzy Sussman, 16, from Park City, Utah, says she felt lucky to have had the unique educational experiences of Muss.
“It was life-changing,” said Izzy, pointing to her Israel Studies classes and class trip to Poland as particularly impactful experiences. “I just loved the traveling. I loved meeting new people from all around the country, I loved the teachers and meeting IDF soldiers.”
Izzy echoes what many Muss alumni share: that she never could have anticipated a single semester impacting her so deeply. “Israel was literally the best thing that ever could have happened to me. I found myself, found my people, and found my love for the amazing country we call Israel. I really want every Jewish teen to know about this program, because it gave me a type of independence and confidence that I could have never gained elsewhere. I will forever be grateful for my parents for telling me about this program, supporting me to go, especially during a trying time, and for allowing me the opportunity.”
On top of enjoying trips and learning how to live on their own, both girls say the true highlight of their time in Israel was the friendships they formed.
“The friends that I made are some of my best friends,” said Hadley. “We talk every day. We saw each other at the Jewish National Fund-USA Global Conference for Israel [in Dallas, Texas in November], and it was amazing to be all together again.”
Izzy similarly feels as though the people she met at Muss will be friends for life. “I’ve realized I found my people at Muss,” she said. “I went in not knowing a single soul and came out with a second family. It’s good to be able to talk to my Muss friends about everything.”
Learn more about Alexander Muss High School in Israel at amhsi.org or call 1.800.327.5980
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