Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa: Cost, Coverage & How to Fund It
Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa is the flagship nine-month Israel gap year offered by Habonim Dror, the pioneering Labor Zionist and socialist youth movement founded in 1929. Built on the movement's tradition of kibbutz communalism and social justice, the program places participants in Israel's kibbutz communities alongside working in urban social change organizations. Participants live in intentional community with Israeli and international peers, study Hebrew intensively, and engage deeply with Zionist ideology, Jewish culture, and the realities of contemporary Israeli society.
Program Highlights
- ✓Kibbutz living experience rooted in Habonim Dror's socialist Zionist tradition
- ✓Social justice volunteer placements with Israeli NGOs and community organizations
- ✓Intensive Hebrew ulpan integrated with Israel education seminars
- ✓Movement ideology curriculum covering Labor Zionism and kibbutz history
- ✓MASA grant eligible — up to $4,500
- ✓International cohort of Habonim Dror members from multiple countries
What's Included
- ✓Program tuition and nine-month curriculum
- ✓Shared kibbutz or community housing in Israel
- ✓Hebrew ulpan instruction
- ✓Volunteer placement coordination with Israeli social organizations
- ✓Israel travel and ideological seminars
- ✓MASA grant coordination and application support
$250 one-time account opening fee applies
What Parents Say About Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa
“Our daughter grew up in Habonim Dror in Chicago, so Shnat Masa was the natural next step. Living on kibbutz, volunteering with Israeli organizations, and connecting with international chavraya — it was transformative. Israel Prepaid's Silver Plan funded the whole year, and we started saving when she was nine.”
“We were looking for a gap year with real values behind it, not just tourism. Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa delivered exactly that — nine months of kibbutz life, social action, and deep connection to Israel. Israel Prepaid made it financially predictable for us, with no surprises.”
Stories are illustrative of typical parent experiences.
How Israel Prepaid Covers Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa
The Silver Plan is recommended for Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa. The earlier you enroll, the lower your monthly payment and the higher your coverage.
| Enrollment Age | Monthly Payment | Guaranteed Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Age 0 | $158/mo | $63,825 |
| Age 3 | $186/mo | $57,466 |
| Age 5 | $212/mo | $53,300 |
| Age 8 | $269/mo | $47,162 |
See exactly what you'd pay for Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa
Use our Inflation Calculator to see what this program will cost in 10–18 years — and how much you save by locking in today.
Open the Inflation Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions About Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa
Other Gap Year Programs Covered by Israel Prepaid
Ready to lock in coverage for Habonim Dror - Shnat Masa?
Start a Silver Plan today. The earlier you enroll, the more you save.