The Machon L'Madrichei Chutz La'aretz, the Institute for Youth Leaders From Abroad, was founded in 1946. Over 10,000 17-19 year olds from the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden and numerous other countries have graduated from this one year program and have continued on in their lives to be leaders of their college campuses, youth groups, organizations and Jewish communities as well as many becoming Jewish professionals

The goal of this intense one year program is to strengthen the leadership skills of the individual with informal educational training while at the same time emphasizing content with the formal study of Judaism, Zionism, Jewish History, Hebrew and Israeli society. Tiyulim, volunteer work in development towns and kibbutzim, and mifgashim (encounters with Israelis) enhance the participants' connection to Israel.

The target age range for the Machon participant is 17-19 and most participants use this year between high school and college to gain a further foundation in their personal growth in terms of individuality and as a Jew and a Zionist.

The academic courses are taught by individuals who hold a Masters degree or are experts/professionals in their fields. The leadership and arts courses are taught by professionals who have worked in Israel or in the Diaspora as Jewish educators and Youth group leaders. Many of the staff have been published in the areas of Jewish History, the Holocaust, Jewish Prayer and Spirituality, Leadership Training, and Drama/Plays.

The Machon provides a pluralistic, academic and creative environment that allows the participants to grow as an individual in an international group. Located on the campus at Kiryat Moriah in Jerusalem, participants have easy access to the center of town. Tiyulim (excursions) take them from the historical sights of our country to the modern day establishments that make Israel a center of Jewish culture and life.