Snorkel and Study

APPLICATIONS, SCHOLARSHIPS & ELIGIBILITY

How do I apply for the program? How do I apply for a scholarship?
You need three items to complete your application to Snorkel and Study: a $50 application fee; your online application; and a letter of recommendation. To apply for a scholarship, make sure to check, “Check here to be considered for a scholarship.” We use the same online form for regular applications and for scholarships. Take a few minutes to read through the information about eligibility, the application process, payments and refunds.  To make sure your application is competitive, set aside time to write thoughtful answers to the questions. It you're working on your application for more than 45 minutes, be sure to save your answers  - it won't be automatically saved online.

I’m a grad student – am I eligible?
Yes, undergrads and grad students are eligible.

What does my full scholarship include?
Room, board, classes, tutorials, and your snorkeling trip in the Keys. Of the priceless items on Snorkel & Study: getting to know amazing Jewish college women from around the world; being able to discuss what’s on your mind with some of the world’s top Jewish educators; time-out on the water; and more. Your full scholarship does not include airfare to and from Florida.

What does my partial scholarship include?
The amount you’re required to pay covers room, board, classes, tutorials, and your snorkeling trip in the Keys. Your partial scholarship does not include airfare to and from Florida.

How are scholarship awards determined?
We prioritize applicants who write a good application; have a strong letter of recommendation; and have a limited formal Jewish background. That doesn’t mean that if you’ve had some years of formal Jewish education that you won’t get the scholarship at all. It’s just more likely that you’ll get a partial scholarship rather than a full scholarship.

I’ve had some informal Jewish education, classes at Chabad House, that kind of thing; is there a way I can still qualify for a full scholarship?
Yes, you definitely qualify.

If I apply and pay the $50 application fee, then decide I want to withdraw my application, can I get a refund of the $50?
We’ll refund your $50 if you withdraw your application before the application deadline – but not after.

If I apply and pay the $50 application fee, and I’m awarded the scholarship but decide not to come, can I get a refund?
No, once you get the scholarship award, either full or partial, there’s no refund of your application fee.

If I’m accepted but don’t receive a scholarship award or if I receive a partial scholarship, how late can I cancel without being responsible for the program fees?
If you’re accepted without a scholarship or with a partial scholarship but choose not to participate, and you notify us at least 21 days before the program starts, you’re not responsible to pay the program fees (your application fee is still not refunded). If you choose not to participate less than 21 days before the program starts, you are responsible to pay your program fees.

Once I’m accepted, when do I have to confirm that I’m coming?
In your acceptance email we’ll let you know when we need your confirmation. If you receive it in November or early December, we’ll ask for your confirmation within 7 days. Later than that, we’ll ask that you get back to us within 2-4 days since places will be limited and other applicants will be waiting to know if they have a place.

How long do I have to pay the fees if I’m awarded the partial scholarship? What if I can’t pay it all at once?
Pay your fees by December 10, by check or credit card. If you can’t pay it all at once, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 718.604.0088 to arrange a deferred payment plan.

I’ve already been to Snorkel and Study on a scholarship – can I get a scholarship again?
You are eligible to come back – but not on a full scholarship. Work-Study might be an option but you may also want to consider a women’s retreat, which offers student rates if you need help with finances.

Once I’m accepted, what’s expected of me?
You need to attend the main classes on the trip and can choose which of the electives and tutorial periods you want to do (See “What’s on the daily schedule?”) You do NOT need to go on the snorkeling trip if you’d rather not – but please let us know as far in advance as you can. By accepting your scholarship, you are consenting to the Scholarship Agreement: By accepting either the Partial or Full Scholarship, you agree to actively and responsibly participate in Snorkeling & Study and to abide by all Bais Chana participant rules, including: 1. Bais Chana is drug free and alcohol free (except for Kiddush wine on Shabbat). 2. Permission is required to leave hotel property. Participants who breach this agreement will be charged the full amount of the program.

If I’m converting, am I eligible for this program?
You are as long as you have your rabbi or rebbetzin supply a reference.

TRAVEL

When should my travel arrangements be completed?
Once you receive your acceptance and confirm that you’re coming, you can go ahead and book your travel. Please forward your travel info to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Which airport should I fly into?
It’s best to fly into Miami International Airport (MIA), but if cost is an issue and it’s significantly less expensive, fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL). There’s a train that runs between the two airports. If you are flying into Fort Lauderdale Airport and plan on joining the group transportation to Key Largo, make sure to give yourself enough time to get to be at Miami Airport by 2 PM

What time should my flight arrive on the day the trip starts? What time should my flight depart on the last day of the trip?
Arrive into Miami by 1 pm. Depart from Miami anytime after 3 pm.

Are travel expenses included in my scholarship?
No, travel expenses are not included in your scholarship.

Will I need to arrange my own transportation to and from the airport?
You can arrange your own transportation or you can join the group transportation by bus from Miami airport to the hotel. When you get notice of your scholarship, you’ll receive information about the bus as well. Anticipated cost is $45/person roundtrip.

Can I drive to the hotel?
That’s fine. Use mapquest to get directions.

97501 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037

AGENDA

What’s on the agenda?
The daily schedule includes main classes, electives, tutorials, and free time. Each day you choose how full you want your study schedule to be: attend the main classes, then select which electives and how many tutorials you’ll do. We encourage you to try everything out the first two days and see what each one is like. Use your free time to go waverunning, swimming, diving, kayaking or canoeing. Swimming with the dolphins is just up the road.

What would I study during a tutorial?
Whatever interests you most. Learn to read Hebrew, find out what it takes to keep kosher, learn how to follow the prayer services or delve into a Jewish text. You can cover whatever area of Jewish life and learning you’re interested in, or just use it as a Q & A period with your “chevrusa” (study partner).

What if I don’t know Hebrew?
Hebrew is not a prerequisite to attend. Any materials that teachers use in class will be translated. If you want to learn Hebrew, let your “chevrusa” partner know.

Are there any other trips besides snorkeling?
Swimming with the dolphins is close-by, just up the road, and waverunning, diving, kayaking and canoeing are all on the property.

What are the classes about?
From the unabridged story of Adam and Eve to medical ethics and Jewish law; from mystical Chassidic teachings about reincarnation and the soul to the Chassidic Feminist perspective on women’s mitzvot; from text-based studies to frank discussions about love, intimacy, dating and marriage – it’s a wide range of captivating and relevant subjects taught by exceptional educators.

Try out the audio clips from last year’s classes on the left side of the page, at Sample Clips.

ROOM, BOARD AND RECREATION

Where will we be staying?
We’re staying at Mariner’s Resort Key Largo, a stunning oceanside resort in the Florida Keys. You’ll be rooming in a beautiful condo that has 2 or 3 bedrooms with regular beds, sofa-beds and air mattresses. Most units have a Jacuzzi. Our classroom is a short walk from your condo.

How many roommates will I have?
Each condo will sleep 6-10 people.

Can I request a roommate?
Sure, email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write the name of the roommate you’d like to request in “Is there anything else you want us to know about you?” on your application.

Mom wants to know: Is it safe?
Mariner’s Resort is a gated property so you can consider it pretty safe – but common sense is always in order. As a matter of safety, we’ll ask you to let your condo-mates know where you’ll be if you won’t be with the group.

What should I pack?
Everything you would pack if you were traveling anywhere else but make sure you pack clothes for warm weather, a sweatshirt for cool nights, nice clothes for Shabbat and a bathing suit. The area is gorgeous so bring your camera.

Can I visit friends or family who are close by or can they come visit me?
That’s fine. When you leave the property make sure to let us know what time you’re leaving and what time you’ll be back; if they’re coming to visit you at the resort, let us know as well.

Is there an additional charge for the snorkeling trip?
There are no additional charges for snorkeling.

Are there additional charges for the other recreational activities?
There are additional charges for swimming with the dolphins, waverunning, diving, kayaking and canoeing. There’s a pool and fitness room on the property that you can use without charge.

If I have dietary restrictions and/or allergies or I’m a vegetarian, can you accommodate me?
As long as we know in advance, we’ll do the best we can to accommodate you so please make sure to add this on your online application. Supply as much detail as you can about what you can and can’t eat. We may ask you to being some items with you if your restrictions are extensive.