Question 1

What does B'Yachad mean?

Accepted Answer

B’Yachad means “together” in Hebrew. At its core, English B’Yachad signifies the partnership between a tutor and a student who are brought together to enhance the student’s English fluency. As well, the tutor receives the satisfaction of making a difference. 
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However, English B’Yachad represents much more. The Hebrew word B’Yachad—‘Together’—reflects entities working together – including our referring partners and industry—to enhance the prospects of motivated young Israelis from less-advantaged communities through English fluency. This collaboration not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to the Israeli economy and the well-being of the communities.
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The concept of English B’Yachad also embodies an intergenerational collaboration, where young Israeli adults and experienced volunteers come together in a mutually beneficial relationship. This synergy is driven by a shared objective: to create a positive impact on less-advantaged communities.

Question 2

What does the ESL acronym stand for?

Accepted Answer

ESL is an abbreviation for English as a Second Language. Although English B’Yachad is not a formal ESL teaching program, we are advancing the skills and confidence of our students in English through English conversation and other activities.
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However, English B'Yachad does take into consideration that if you have ESL experience, we may pair a student with weak English skills to utilize your experience with English language learners.

Question 3

Why do we work specifically with professional Jewish retirees?

Accepted Answer

While baby boomers represent 35% of the American Jewish population, studies show there have been few organized volunteer roles that leverage their professional expertise and Jewish passion. The absence of meaningful senior volunteer opportunities for Jewish retirees is a well-documented barrier to their social, emotional, and physical well-being. It limits their ability to engage and contribute to the Jewish community and the causes they care about. Further, it limits the ability to impart crucial knowledge and skills to future generations.  
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That’s why we say, “We engage the passion, expertise, and time of the most underutilized Jewish cohort—retired professionals—in meaningful volunteer opportunities with young Israeli adults.”

Question 4

Why do you work specifically with students from less-advantaged communities in Israel?

Accepted Answer

The salaries of Israel’s most vulnerable populations are far lower than the earnings of the average Israeli citizen. For example, the average Ethiopian household earns 40% less than the national Israeli household. To rise economically and break the cycle of poverty, these individuals must be able to compete on a level playing field with other candidates. Since the differentiating factor for candidates with otherwise equivalent skills is English fluency, our English tutoring and professional guidance—in concert with our partners' employment training—is key to these young adults’ job success.

Question 5

Is there a fee for participating in the program?

Accepted Answer

No. Thanks to support from our generous donors, board of directors, and other supporters, there is no fee to become an English B’Yachad volunteer or student.

Question 6

Is there a curriculum for the English B'Yachad Program?

Accepted Answer

Volunteer tutors are surprised to learn there is no set curriculum. This is intentional. Students join the English B’Yachad program with different levels of English proficiency. They also have varying interests and goals. The goal of the program is to improve students’ confidence and fluency to accomplish career growth. 
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Instead, tutors have a wide array of resources and training at their disposal. Volunteer colleagues are available to assist new mentors. Tutors also get together online to share best practices, resources, and strategies.

Question 7

What are the benefits of the English B'Yachad for tutors?

Accepted Answer

With English B’Yachad, volunteers have the opportunity to make a life-changing impact from the convenience of home. While tutors impart valuable information, they also gain insights themselves, making it a mutually beneficial exchange.  By participating in our program, volunteers contribute to the growth and development of a new generation of professionals in Israeli society.
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Tutors experience the satisfaction of providing meaningful assistance while using their professional experience. It’s also an opportunity to form a new personal connection with an Israeli, sometimes leading to a lifelong relationship.

Question 8

Who are English B'Yachad Students?

Accepted Answer

English B’Yachad specifically targets young Israeli adults between the ages of 21-39 who are at risk of being left out of the best opportunities within the Israeli labor market. By improving their spoken and written English skills, the program supports their professional and economic advancement.
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Originally, many of our students came from the Ethiopian Israeli community. As the program grows, English B’Yachad is expanding to other less-advantaged communities where English is also not commonly used. This expansion reflects our program’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and our dedication to making a positive impact in Israel.

Question 9

What are the benefits of English B'Yachad for Students?

Accepted Answer

Through English B’Yachad, students become more confident English speakers. Their written and verbal fluency enables them to obtain better jobs and promotions in the Israeli labor market.
 
These young professionals also establish meaningful relationships with mentors who share a wealth of experience and guidance.  For many, these connections continue long after the minimum requirements of the program have been met.

Question 10

What is the weekly time commitment for English B'Yachad tutors?

Accepted Answer

Tutoring sessions are usually scheduled weekly and last 45-60 minutes long. With preparation time and follow-up emails, the per-student weekly commitment is approximately two hours.

Question 11

How long do tutors work with students?

Accepted Answer

We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 10 tutoring sessions.  However, as English B’Yachad is a relationship-based program, many of our pairs choose to work together far longer. Preparation takes an hour or less, and sessions range from 45–60 minutes.

Question 12

When and how are tutoring sessions scheduled?

Accepted Answer

Tutoring sessions generally take place during the morning or early afternoon in North America. For Israeli students, the corresponding time is 7 to 10 hours later. 
 
Tutors and students are asked to collaboratively establish a tutoring schedule that suits both parties. We encourage tutors and students to meet weekly to provide students with consistent opportunities for enhancing their English skills. However, we recognize that flexibility is often needed to accommodate schedules.

Question 13

I'm not a teacher. Wil my skills and background match this volunteer opportunity?

Accepted Answer

English B’Yachad tutors come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Since your primary role is to engage in English conversation with your student, you don’t need prior experience to be an effective English B’Yachad mentor. However, you must be comfortable preparing and leading a discussion.  
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Students and tutors are interviewed to match individuals based on language abilities, student goals, tutoring experience, and professional background. We encourage tutors to draw on their professional and life experiences to enrich the relationship with the student.

Question 14

Do I need to have a technical background in high tech to be an effective tutor?

Accepted Answer

Although many of the students seeking English tutoring are preparing for, or are already in the high-tech field, tutors do not need to have a high-tech background. The focus with a student is on conversational English as well as improved reading, writing, and language skills.

Question 15

Do I need to speak Hebrew to tutor an Israeli student?

Accepted Answer

No. Most of our English B’Yachad tutors are not Hebrew speakers. We do, however, take into consideration if you can speak Hebrew. Students with the weakest English skills are often paired with volunteers with Hebrew language skills to facilitate the learning experience.

Question 16

What if I don't know how to use Zoom to tutor?

Accepted Answer

For tutors needing support and training using Zoom or other technology platforms to work with their students, we will connect you with a volunteer who will meet with you to provide easy-to-understand training. Tech support is limited to those technologies needed to work with your student.

Question 17

Do you offer training and support to tutors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. English B’Yachad offers a wide array of formal and informal training opportunities for volunteers, including virtual training and online resources.
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A New-Tutor Orientation is provided for those beginning to work with students. Tutors may be paired with an experienced tutor to answer questions and offer guidance for initial tutoring sessions. In  optional monthly sharing sessions called Tutor Talks, volunteers meet online to share strategies, best practices and resources. 
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In our online library, also known as the Tutor Hub,  volunteers will find many resources, including recorded workshops and seminars; templates; handouts; pronunciation guides; grammar support; writing guides; and short stories and films for ESL learners. There are also tools for resume writing and interview practice. We also share sample topics and structures to help tutors think about how to plan their sessions.

Question 18

If I would like to volunteer, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please complete the Volunteer Interest form. We will contact you as soon as possible to discuss a volunteer opportunity.

FAQS

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