FAQs
Some questions frequently asked by Achva applicants and parents:
Q. How long has Achva been around?
A. Achva started providing tours to Israel in 1981 and has been running amazing tours to all sorts of places ever since. We especially appreciate that we recently started having many parents tell us that they went on Achva and are now sending their kids. For many Achva families, sending kids on Achva is a family tradition. You can rest assured that Achva's almost three decades of experience is put to good use on every tour we run.
Q. Who are the counselors?
A. One of our biggest assets is our talented, dedicated and hard working counselor staff. We are especially choosey about every staff member who comes on the program. Virtually every staff person we hire is either someone we know personally or comes highly recommended by a friend. Please see our About Achva page for more information about the age and qualification of our staff members or see a list of our actual staff from the summer.
Q. When is the last day I can apply?
A. Waiting for the last minute to apply is not a good strategy. We have seen so many people miss going because they waited too long and then decided too late that they wanted to go. We continue to accept applications to Achva until we run out of space. When that will be, no one knows for sure, so it's not worth taking a chance. Once in a while, a program will not fill up and then we keep taking applicants until about 30 days before the trip leaves. To find out the status of a particular program, you should just send us an email or give us a call.
Q. Who else is going?
A. We will not give out a list of registered participants for the program. We are happy to provide you with an idea of the types of kids we have, and general information like what schools they go to and where they live. You might also want to check out our Facebook groups to see who is planning to go. In the past, Achva has attracted a great group of kids and we are confident that we will continue to do so in the future. Chances are that if you sign up, your friends will too. Your best bet is to give us a call and we will be happy to discuss the types of kids we have and whether Achva is right for you.
Q. Does everyone get in?
A. No, not everyone. Every summer we end up rejecting a few. But the vast majority of the people who apply for Achva are accepted and make wonderful participants. Achva interviews all applicants and requires two written recommendations. We also call and check references. We know that what makes Achva great is not just where we go but the caliber of the participants.
Q. What if I need to leave the program early?
A. If you need to leave shortly before the program ends for a family simcha or important occasion, we can usually accommodate. Please give us a call to discuss your circumstances. Please be aware that under no circumstances does leaving early reduce the price of the program or afford a discount. In fact, there may be a small extra charge to change your plane ticket from the regular group return flight.
Q. How much time is spent on the bus?
A. Achva's programs are travel programs and that means we move around a lot. Generally, that travel is by bus. So yes, a considerable amount of time per day is spent on the bus especially on travel days. Many kids find the bus rides fun, however, and with days filled with great sites the bus rides are a chance to relax, socialize, listen to music or view movies on our DVD system. Achva buses make frequent stops and never travel overnight. Buses in America have bathrooms for emergencies though frequent stops are made anyway. Overall, very few participants feel we spend too much time on the bus.
Q. Can I switch buses during the trip?
A. No, once the trip begins you are not allowed to switch buses. Buses are determined by your requests which are submitted right before the trip begins. So assuming you request your friends, you will be together with most of them on your bus.
Q. If I am on Achva Europe/Israel and my friend on Achva Israel, can we still be on the same bus?
A. Yes, the buses are reassigned based on your requests once the Europe group arrives in Israel.
Q. What about participants who need medication?
A. Achva does everything possible within the context of a travel program to accommodate kids with various medical conditions and who require various types of medications and treatments. No nurse or doctor travels with the program but we do utilize local doctors whenever necessary. Please give us a call to discuss your circumstances and we will give you an honest appraisal of the situation.
Q. Are there scholarships?
A. Achva does not generally offer any kind of direct financial aid. We do work with local Jewish Federations to provide financial aid for our Israel programs. We also offer some discounts for two children from one family and for returnees who sign up early for the following year. Give us a call if you wish to discuss financial options to help make the trip slightly more affordable.
Q. What does the Achva staff do the rest of the year?
A. Believe it or not, putting together great summer trips is a year round effort. We actually start working on the following summer right after the programs return. Maybe we take a day or two just to unwind but then we start planning and laying out the strategy for next year's trip.