Onward Israel

Build your resume through a high-level internship based on your skills, interests, and future plans.

Intern 4-5 days a week and immerse yourself in contemporary Israeli society through the Israel Now Days, group activities with a cohort of other young adults from the University of Maryland, a weekend seminar with participants from other Onward Israel programs and more.

The Israel Now Days will include visits to local NGOs and explorations of contemporary Israeli culture, environment, and politics. During your free time, explore Tel Aviv’s exciting nightlife, beaches, foodie scene, and culture. Enjoy a weekend with peers from around the world at an Onward Israel breakout seminar and explore all that Israel has to offer on free weekends.

Onward Israel – Masa

This Onward Israel – Masa program is operated through a partnership between the Beacon and Shapira Foundations and other leading philanthropists, the Birthright Israel Foundation, Hillel International, University of Maryland Hillel, and Masa Israel Journey. It is organized by IGT.

For more information about participating in a longer-term Masa program after Onward Israel and the potential impact of participating in Onward Israel on future Masa grants view our FAQ here.

Important Information

Applications for Summer 2023 are now closed.

Dates

Thursday, June 8 – Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Participants MUST be available to participate for the entire length of the program.

If for public health or security related reasons the program cannot take place in Israel, Onward Israel will make efforts to conduct the program remotely. Click here to review our FAQ, including information on remote programs regarding internships, programming and more.

Program Cost

$1,100

The program cost includes housing, educational program, program staff, medical insurance, partial laundry provisions, and ground transportation within the city of residence. In addition, participants will be required to submit a $400 security deposit via Zelle or check in advance of the program. Deposits will be refunded at the end of the program pending good standing.

All participants are responsible for the cost and arrangement of their own flights and spending money upon arrival in Israel (including for food). Participants should not purchase flights until approximately one month before the program begins and are encouraged to purchase flights with a good refund policy or flight insurance. Onward Israel is not responsible for the cost of flights should the program be canceled or shifted to be remote. Note, participants will be told approximately a month or two before the program begins their expected arrival and departure times.

Applicants participating in Birthright Israel trips ahead of an Onward Israel program must join their group on the first day of their Onward Israel program. Applicants will be responsible for their own accommodations if there is a gap between Birthright Israel and Onward Israel programs. In addition, Birthright Israel will cover the flights to and from Israel (with a smaller change fee for your return flight).

The actual cost of the Onward Israel program is much higher, and is subsidized up to 70% by Birthright Israel, private donors, and local Jewish communities and institutions.

Masa-eligible participants in programs which are part of the Onward/Masa partnership may qualify for additional scholarships. For more information, contact Onward Israel or your local partner professional.

FAQs

Accommodations

Apartment, hostel, hotel, or dorm-style housing in Tel Aviv.

The number of participants in an apartment or room is dependent on the size of the accommodations and number of participants on the program. Though Onward Israel housing can vary from program to program, it generally meets basic Onward Israel standards. To learn more about this and other Onward Israel housing details, please visit our housing FAQ.

Acceptance Criteria

  • Applicants between 19-30 years (at least one year post high school) studying at the University of Maryland
  • Must meet MASA eligibility – identify as Jewish and have NOT spent 3 or more months in Israel as part of an educational or peer-program  after high school (this includes semester abroad, gap year or any other MASA program)
    *Note, Alumni of Onward Israel programs (even if they are Masa eligible) are typically not eligible to participate on a second Onward Israel program. In some cases this might be possible (alumni can check with Onward Israel staff on a case by case basis), but program subsidies will be significantly lower and therefore the program fee will be significantly higher.
  • Fluent in English
  • Valid Passport (passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the program end date)
  • Preference given to those who have participated or will participate on Maryland Hillel’s Birthright trips

Sample Internships

  • Research internship at Israeli political think-tank
  • Business Development internship with Israeli start-up
  • Consulting Internship with international consulting firm
  • Social Media or communications internship with public relations company
  • Policy or Social Media and outreach internship with local NGO or non-profit

Not sure what type of internship you are looking for or unsure if you can find it in Israel? Our internship coordinators work one-on-one with each participant!

Applications for Summer 2023 are now closed.

For more information, contact Adam Bershard