Chicago
Live and work in Tel Aviv this summer! Experience life as a local with Chicago Birthright Israel Onward. Participants are matched with high-level, competitive internships in their fields of interest that offer real world experience in unique settings.
This tailor-made internship program places you in an internship based on your skills, interests and future plans, and provides opportunities to travel throughout Israel and experience Israeli culture and society firsthand.
Intern four to five days a week alongside Israeli peers and immerse yourself in contemporary Israeli society. Experience Israel through Birthright Israel Onward’s day trips, overnights and seminars. In your free time, explore Israel’s amazing restaurants, beaches, and nightlife with a cohort of other young adults.
This Birthright Israel Onward- Masa program is operated through the philanthropic support of leading North American Foundations through the Birthright Israel Foundation, the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency, along with Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago. It is organized by Israel Experience. For more information about participating in a long-term Masa program after Birthright Israel Onward and the potential impact on future Masa grants, view our FAQ here.
Admission is rolling. Applications will close in the beginning of March or earlier if the program fills.
Dates:
Track 1: May 28 – July 22, 2024
Track 2: June 4 – July 29, 2024
Track 3: June 18 – August 12, 2024
Program Cost: $999*
The program cost includes housing, educational programming, program staff, basic medical insurance, and ground transportation within the city of residence.
Participants are responsible for the cost of flights, food, and phone coverage. To learn about this and other Birthright Israel Onward program details, please visit our FAQ.
*Participants are encouraged to purchase flights with a good refund policy or flight insurance. Birthright Israel Onward is not responsible for the cost of flights should the program be cancelled. Note, participants will be given their expected address approximately two weeks before the program begins, if not earlier.
*Scholarships to help offset the program cost may be available for those who need additional assistance and meet Birthright Israel Onward’s eligibility criteria. For more information, contact Birthright Israel Onward or your local partner professional.
- This program is open to college students from Illinois, and/or attending school in Illinois or at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
- Applicants between 18-30 years old and not currently enrolled in high school
- Must be Jewish (please refer to our FAQ for more information)
- Applicants must NOT have spent 3 or more consecutive months in Israel after high school, or participated in a Birthright Israel Onward program or any other mid-term or long-term educational program in Israel.
- Must meet Masa Israel Journey Eligibility criteria (click here to review), including not having received Masa funding towards participation on a previous program
- Fluent in English
- Have a valid Passport for at least 6 months after the program end date
Please note: If you wish to participate in a 10-day Birthright Israel trip, consider doing so prior to a Birthright Israel Onward program. You will not be able to participate in a Birthright Israel trip after participating on Birthright Israel Onward.
Please click here to review the application process.
Accommodations
Apartment, hostel, or dorm-style housing in Tel Aviv.
The number of participants to 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, all housing units meet Birthright Israel Onward standards. To learn more about this and other Birthright Israel Onward housing details, please visit our housing FAQ.
Sample Internships
-Social Media and outreach internship with local NGO or non-profit
-Business Development internship with a social media start-up
-Event coordination and promotion intern for a management company
-Public Relations internship with a museum
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!
Applicants interested in internships in the fields of STEM, Finance, Law, and Medicine please click here for some important information regarding placements:
For More Information
Please contact onwardisrael@juf.org
Organizations That Make This Program Possible
Testimonials
"Onward is an optimal choice for anyone looking to gain hands on experience in their professional field of interest; while simultaneously exploring a new and exciting culture with likeminded individuals. There is no other program perfectly catered to students who are looking to get ahead in their careers and have a breathtaking abroad experience at the same time. It is a once in a lifetime adventure." - Jay, Chicago Summer 2022
“Onward was an incredible opportunity to not only build upon my Jewish identity, but was a perfect step into the career world. Being able to simultaneously immerse myself in a beautiful culture and learn more about my future career paths was the most amazing way to spend a summer. The staff was there every step of the way to make sure I got the most out of my experience, yet I also felt incredibly independent.” - Rachel, Chicago Summer 2022
