ISI is proud of its commitment that the quality of program staff is the key to successful Israel programs. Two decades of experience have made it clear to us that the most important factor in making an Israel experience great is the interaction with inspirational Israeli guides, educators and counselors (madrichim). This is not a matter of luck. We invest a great deal of time and effort in finding quality staff and giving them the best possible preparation for their mission. We have been fortunate through the years to have employed some of the finest guides and madrichim one could hope for: wonderful men and women who continue to be a source of inspiration for tour participants long after the end of the trip. Many have also continued to work for ISI for years, building a cohesive team, and are involved in the selection and training of newer staff.

Selection of staff is done for each program in accordance with the guidelines established by the organizational sponsor. Consideration is also given to individuals recommended by the sponsor for involvement in the program. All candidates undergo a series of structured interviews and a rigorous reference check. We employ staff people who are role models, both Jewishly and personally, who put their hearts and souls into their work, who have a positive vision of Israel and Judaism and the skills to share their vision movingly and well with the groups.

Educational preparations are geared towards specific groups, to ensure that they are particularly appropriate. ISI guides and counselors undergo an intensive course of training before each trip. The staff selected for a specific program meets repeatedly to review and make suggestions for the improvement of the proposed schedule long before the group arrives. Guides receive field training from senior ISI staff to ensure that they not only know the routes thoroughly, but that they also prepare their presentation for sites and hikes to suit their particular group and the program's goals. In addition, training for special educational activities is supplemented by art, drama and music specialists.

All staff members engaged by ISI - guides, counselors, and other educators - are educationally competent to fulfill all of the goals of the program. They take an integral part in facilitating activities such as Shabbat services, programming for Tisha B'Av, Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremonies, and all other aspects of Jewish living that arise during the trip.

ISI staff members are fully updated on trip logistics and medical issues, and are trained to deal with behavioral problems, legal issues and problem solving techniques so that they can respond on-site to problems that arise, or know when to get help from an external source if required. By the time a group arrives and is greeted by the ISI staff, they are ready to run a successful, custom-designed program!