JNF educators tour returns, offering deep dive into Israel for teachers
After a two-year hiatus, the JNF Educators Study Tour is set to return, offering a unique, all-expenses-paid experience for Australian and New Zealand educators eager to explore Israel’s rich cultural and environmental landscape.
A previous group
The trip excludes the cost of international flights, travel insurance, and ancillary costs.
The 10-day immersive program brings together teachers from Jewish, independent, and public schools across the region, providing a dynamic mix of professional learning and cultural engagement. The itinerary includes visits to Israeli schools, opportunities to connect with local educators and environmental leaders, and tours of historical and contemporary sites that chart the evolution of the Jewish state.
Participants will also gain an up-close look at JNF-supported initiatives in land rehabilitation, water conservation, and forestry, providing firsthand insights into Israel’s world-leading environmental innovations.
Designed to strengthen ties between educators in Israel and Australasia, the tour features high-level educational sessions grounded in Zionist and environmental values, with adaptable resources for integration into Australian classrooms.
The program aims not only to enrich understanding of Israel’s heritage and modern-day achievements but also to inspire new approaches to teaching about the region’s history, identity, and sustainability efforts.
The JNF Australia Study Tour includes four key phases:
- A pre-departure info session in Australia
- A 10-day educational tour in Israel
- A post-tour study day in Australia to reflect and apply learnings
- Integration of new insights into school curriculum.
Applications are welcome from educators in relevant fields, including Jewish Studies, Hebrew, History, and Geography. Whether from a Jewish day school, independent or public school, JNF welcomes applicants who are passionate about meaningful professional development and enriching their students’ understanding of Israel.
Jenni Senator, at the time of the tour she worked in the Jewish Studies Department at Emanuel School and Kornmehl Pre-school says, “The tour was fascinating, informative and fun! We had the opportunity to listen to the most phenomenal speakers during the evening programs. The highlight for me was the evening where we had an outdoor dinner with all the groups from different countries and the band and ruach was amazing and we danced and sang and it was very special. I would highly recommend this tour which was very well-organised, lots of variety, a thoughtful well put-together itinerary and just the right balance of touring, walks and talks.”
Hazel Gruskin, Year 1 teacher at Mount Sinai College, says, “Our journey through Israel was a profound immersion into the history, culture and education of the land. As an educator, I was privileged to engage with students across diverse schools, witnessing firsthand the innovative learning environments that foster curiosity and growth. Every moment of this tour deepened my appreciation for the remarkable dedication Israel has to learning and cultural exchange.”
I highly recommend the JNF tour to other educators seeking to broaden their perspectives, gain fresh insights and rejuvenate their teaching practices. It’s a journey that offers both personal and professional growth, leaving lasting memories.”
Spots are limited. Register your interest today at https://jnf.org.au/educatorstour/ or contact us directly at [email protected].
Applications close 4th August, 2025.
