Nov 1, 2022
Teaching English and Making a Difference Through Masa Israel
Chaya had always dreamed of living in Israel, and through Masa Israel Teaching Fellows (MITF), she was able to do exactly that, while working with children and helping them learn English. A program of Federation overseas partner The Jewish Agency for Israel that receives support from the Annual Greater Miami Federation/UJA Campaign, Masa is the leader in immersive international experiences in Israel for adults ages 18-30. Its varied programs — internships, service learning or Jewish studies — help participants grow, personally and professionally, while also developing a robust, global business network.
Chaya’s time teaching through MITF has allowed her to view firsthand the beauty of diversity and to personally connect with communities that are often unacknowledged by the media. “It is my hope that this track will help me to better the lives of underprivileged youth and give them the chance they rightfully deserve,” she said.
Passionate about social justice and uplifting minority communities, Chaya will split her time between Tel Aviv and Ramla working within schools in low-income areas with large populations of migrant students, many of whom do not pursue higher education. “Children, no matter their upbringing, deserve opportunities to excel,” said Chaya.
Her students in Ramla are generally from underprivileged communities where most of them never encounter English in their day-to-day lives. For many children in the community, having a real relationship with a young adult from abroad is a dream come true. “In our globalized world, language is key to economic and political success,” said Chaya. “Specifically English, and proficiency in it, unlocks global opportunities that are far more difficult without it. By helping to teach young students English, I am giving them access to an entire world.”
Masa Fellows receive a monthly living stipend, health insurance, transportation and weekly educational programming and Israel exploration trips. Click here to learn more about Masa and the numerous opportunties available in Israel.
