Israel Summer Business Academy
Most people have used or heard of Waze and Mobileye and these are just two examples of Israel’s innovative nature and why it is one of the most entrepreneurial and innovative places in the world. Its small size, required military service, highly improvisational nature, availability of venture capital are just a few of the reasons for its success.
The Israel Summer Business Academy (ISBA) is a six-week, six academic credit program (two courses) that provides a highly experiential academic environment that immerses students in the study and practice of Israeli innovation and entrepreneurial community.
ISBA is a six-week academic program sponsored by Washington University in St. Louis in collaboration with the IDC. Students are in class three days a week engaging in highly experiential academic activities and then spend the other two days visiting start-ups and interacting with Israeli entrepreneurs. The program has two classes that students will engage in: Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Israel and Venture Creation. The first explores the origins and characteristics of the Israeli innovation ecosystem and the second has students creating their own start-up venture. Students will reside in apartments in Tel Aviv (arranged by the program). The program provides three weekend excursions for all participants.
*Please visit our Covid-19 Response for the most up to date information regarding vaccination requirements and entry into Israel.*
This Onward Israel program is operated through a partnership between the Beacon and Shapira Foundations, the Birthright Israel Foundation, and other leading philanthropists. The Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis grants the course credit. Transcripts are sent to your home institution at the conclusion of the program. The program is organized by Israel Experience.
Applications open on November 1, 2022 and close on February 1, 2023. Priority deadline of December 15, 2022 for early decisions. Apply here.
Dates
Section 1: Sunday, June 18 – Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Section 2: Wednesday, June 21 – Thursday, August 3, 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
$6,500
The program cost includes housing, educational program, program staff, medical insurance, partial laundry provisions, and ground transportation within the city of residence. There are scholarships available to any student who demonstrates need.
In addition, participants will be required to submit a $1,000 security deposit to Washington University. The deposit will go towards the overall balance as a down payment. For participants who are accepted by the priority deadline, deposits will be due approximately two weeks after acceptance. The balance of the program must be paid by May 1, 2023.
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 cancelled 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.
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.
Accommodations
Apartment, hostel, hotel, 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, it generally meets basic Onward Israel standards. To learn more about this and other Onward Israel housing details, please visit our housing FAQ.
Any current college students regardless of academic institution, degree, major or religion
- Applicants must be a matriculated student in a higher education institution.
- This is open to students studying any subject
- Students must be in good academic standing with their institution
- Fluent in English
- Have a valid Passport (passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the program finishes)
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
*Note, Onward Israel alumni are not eligible for Birthright Israel trips. If you wish to participate in a 7- or 10-day Birthright Israel trip, consider participating in a Birthright Israel trip prior to an Onward Israel program.
For More Information Contact
Ryan Kearney, kearneyr@wustl.edu
