Kickstart your career track while loving your summer in Israel
OVERVIEW
FOCUS
Internships
AGES
Ages 19-26
DURATION
8 Weeks
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
A resume-building internship experience based in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem for college students and recent graduates matching your skills and interests with professional opportunities at leading Israeli start-ups, not-for-profits, and multinational enterprises. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with Israeli peers, gain new perspectives on the local culture, and enjoy all the simple pleasures of a summer in Israel.
Internships take place four days a week and approximately eight hours a day. Before diving in, you’ll take part in an orientation to get you acclimated to living and working in Israel. There’s also plenty in store for you outside of your internship. Educational seminars and tours are scheduled once a week, and there will be other social events as well. Most evenings and weekends are totally free for you to explore Israel as a society on your own and with a network of new friends.
Whether you are interested in engineering or marketing, computer science or sustainability, we have the industry connections to get you where you want to be! View sample internships
NEXT is the Onward Israel program provider for Hillel International and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago.
WHERE WE’RE BASED
Nestled in a curve along the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is Israel’s most cosmopolitan city and home to some of the most compelling culture, startups, and people in the world.
Set high in the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem is a world heritage city and the center of Jewish history and life for over three millennia through to today.
WHAT IT COSTS
$600-$750 | Including the subsidy
The cost of this program depends on the funding partner. Our program with Hillel International costs $600 and our program with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago costs $750.
GENEROUSLY SUBSIDIZED BY
INTERNSHIPS
Israel Outdoors NEXT has an internship for everyone
Whether you’re interested in launching your own business, saving the environment, or developing your artistic talent, we’ll help you find the perfect experience.
Architecture
As the intersection of engineering, design, and art, architecture is an amazing field to dive into. Tel Aviv, originally established as a garden-city on the sandy shores of the Mediterranean in 1909. Although widely known as “the White City” for boasting the world’s largest collection of International Style Buildings, Tel Aviv is not merely a monochromatic Bauhaus colony: it presents a rich mosaic of locally interpreted styles, from Eclectic to Brutalist to contemporary, which are the result of foreign and locally-born architects who adapted to the local cultural and climatic conditions.
Art Internships
From film production to graphic design, there are numerous opportunities abroad to begin a career in art! As an intern, you’ll get a firsthand look at the processes behind creative pieces, a chance to apply your knowledge, and access to a network of professionals in the industry. Israel has emerged as one of the world’s outstanding investment hubs, second only to Silicon Valley so Israeli startups are always looking for new creative professionals.
Business
If you are interested in securing a position within the global business market, then finding a business internship in Tel Aviv is for you! Not only will you be able to gain high-quality work experience but you will have the opportunity to explore the thriving city that never stops. By landing a Business internship abroad, you will greatly improve your communication skills and how to interact with people from all around the world. Compared to finding an internship in your own country, going overseas will allow you to acquire valuable global skills and experience memorable situations in the workplace that will truly set you apart from others.
Fashion
Endless rows of exquisite heels, sparkling garments, and a multitude of shades of lipstick, nail polish, and eyeshadow, in addition to the fantasy existences of the rich and famous – these are the common images that come to mind when thinking of fashion internships. It is a lucrative industry, one filled with glitz and glamour, and while the endless hours of hard work to go into the final product are often ignored, it is still a path that could lead to immense fulfillment if approached correctly.
Finance
Pursuing a career in a highly competitive field like finance requires both excelling in academics and pursing the best opportunities available, especially prestigious internships. Internships are a key indicator of career readiness and are perhaps even more important for long-term success in this industry than others. One of the phenomena of the financial world is how alike all candidates for jobs tend to look: a BA or MBA with a focus on finance or accounting and internships at the same top banks in the same top cities. Doing something slightly different and more adventurous (yet relevant to the field) can make your CV stand out and land you more interviews after graduation.
Hospitality
If you find yourself daydreaming about beautiful beach front hotels and fun-filled adventures while fretting the thought of a repetitive 9-5 lifestyle, an internship in the hospitality industry may be just what you need. Tel Aviv is famous for its boutique hotels and world class restaurants. Travelling abroad also presents the opportunity to experience whole new cultures and adventures, meet new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.
International Relations
For the good or bad, Israel is constantly on the front page when talking about international relations. If you find yourself drawn to study international relations, you likely have an interest in world affairs and helping improve the state of our global relations. Interning in Israel offers you the chance to practice the academic skills and theories you’ve learned in real world situations – making a positive impact in the lives of people directly affected by your work. Internships in Israel allow you to see how policies work outside the classroom, as well as gain valuable professional skills for your future career path.
Journalism
Israel is one of the most exciting places on earth! Only 3rd to the DC and Brussels, Israel has more foreign journalist then any country in the world. Do you enjoy writing? Need some more experience before you can land that dream job at your favorite magazine, website, or news organization? Interning abroad can be an exciting and valuable experience that can enhance your resume, lead to new contacts, and make you stand out from the crowd! The field of journalism is always changing so a fresh perspective may be just what you need to make that big break.
Law
If you’re looking to experience life in Tel Aviv and improve your resume, an internship in law is a great way to continue developing your professional skills while living in one of the most exciting cities in the world. There will certainly be differences in practice between what you’ve studied and done back home and your host country, but an internship can help broaden your mind, give you greater appreciation for the positive power of law in the world, and advance your career in the process.
Marketing
Business and marketing are by far some of the most sought after job opportunities in the world. As companies continue to expand their international market reach and develop new product lines and services, creative marketing specialists are needed all around the world to help businesses gain a competitive edge. Since business marketing needs are always growing, there are numerous opportunities within the field of marketing. Israel has emerged as one of the world’s outstanding investment hubs, second only to Silicon Valley.
Music
One of the world’s greatest wonders is music and its diversity across countries and cultures. It’s no question why some people decide to dedicate their lives to pursing their love for music on a deeper career level. When you intern in Israel, you can learn about Israeli music and meet key factors in the local music industry.
Sports
If you want to further develop your sports management skills, learn how sports differ around the world, or learn more about a certain sport in Israel, then consider participating in a sports internship. Interning in sports will immediately give you well-rounded experience that will make you stand out against any other competitors when applying for jobs. You’ll have newfound knowledge of different cultures and the way they celebrate their pride via sporting events.
Startups
When recruiting for internships, it may be easy to gravitate towards larger and more established companies. But when thinking about it, smaller companies offer interns an opportunity to engage in valuable work, manage their own projects from start to finish, and have an immediate impact on the company. Startup experience will give you hands-on work and exposure that may be hard to obtain in other industries. Israel has emerged as one of the world’s outstanding investment hubs, second only to Silicon Valley. During the past three years, Israel’s start-up innovation ecosystem has generated over $10 billion in venture capital investments, has engaged in merger and acquisition activity valued at $20 billion and has attracted numerous new Venture Capital. Israel is a great place to launch new startups.
FAQS
You have questions? We’ve got answers! Our most frequently asked questions are answered below. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us to learn more.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To be eligible for the subsidized terms of the program, you must:
- Identify as Jewish
- Have graduated from high school
- Not have Israeli citizenship OR if you do, you must have left Israel before the age of 14 and have lived outside of Israel for at least four consecutive years prior to receiving a Masa Israel grant or scholarship
- Have not spent 4 consecutive months or longer in Israel within the 24 month period prior to the start of your program after the age of 18
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY TO INTERN?
Onward Israel is funded by Masa Israel and additional local partners for eligible participants, but it’s still not free. Your subsidized program payment covers accommodations, a food allowance, internship placement, programming, and local medical insurance.
WHAT IF I AM NOT ELIGIBLE?
Participation in the program is not an option for non-eligible applicants.
WHAT’S MY WORK COMMITMENT?
Though it may vary for each placement, all participants complete at least 30 hours a week and the rest of their time is for you to join a gym, volunteer, take classes – it is up to you. One day a week is devoted to educational programming and other group activities.
HOW DOES INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT WORK?
After completing the initial application, you’ll be asked to tell us more about what kind of internship you are seeking and what relevant background you bring. Our NEXT internship placement coordinator will follow-up to interview you and discuss placement possibilities. Once a mutually desired placement is arranged, you will likely conduct an additional interview with your prospective employer. After this interview (at least three weeks before your arrival in Israel) a final decision about your placement will be made.
WILL I COMMUNICATE WITH THE HOST ORGANIZATION IN ADVANCE?
Typically, yes, there will be an opportunity to speak with your host organization in advance, either as part of the interview process or as part of your preparations.
WILL I GET A REFERENCE LETTER?
There are some employers who will supply such a letter if requested, although it’s not obligatory. This can be asked for directly or through the NEXT internship coordinator.
IF I DON’T LIKE MY INTERNSHIP, CAN I CHANGE IT?
After beginning your work, our internship coordinator will be in touch to see how your experience is going. If you are not satisfied with the placement, the first response will be to try to address the issues within the context of your current placement. If the lack of satisfaction continues, it is possible to work with your placement coordinator to find a new placement, within the limits of your areas of interest, geographical location in Israel and placement opportunities.
IS HEBREW REQUIRED FOR MY WORK?
No, Hebrew is not a requirement to get a good internship placement. Our assumption is that the internship will take place in your native language, and most Israelis you interact with at your placement do communicate in English. If you do know some Hebrew that will of course add to the placement opportunities and enrich your interaction with Israelis.
IS THERE A POSSIBILITY TO BE PAID?
No. Your internship is unpaid, but you can expect to receive plenty of practical on-the-job training as a result. Additionally, according to Israeli law you are not allowed to be gainfully employed in Israel.
HOW DO MEALS WORK?
Participants are provided with a monthly food allowance which can be used to cook your own meals or eat out. During tours and other off-site programming, meals will be provided directly.
HOW DOES ROOMING WORK?
During the initial orientation period, you will get to know your fellow participants, and you can decide who you will live with for your time in Israel. In some situations a single bedroom is available for a supplemental fee.
CAN I PARTICIPATE WITHOUT LIVING WITH THE GROUP?
No, living together with fellow program peers is a central and required component of the overall experience.
WHO WILL SUPPORT ME DURING THE PROGRAM?
A full time field coordinator is available to assist you all along the way. Your local staff is backed up by a larger team at our headquarters near Ben Gurion Airport.
CAN I JOIN IN THE MIDDLE OR LEAVE EARLY?
The program is holistic in nature, so unfortunately, there is no option to join a program in the middle or leave before the end except for exceptional situations. Failure to participate in the full program may result in the loss of your security deposit and/or the repayment of any program subsidies and financial aid.
WHAT’S THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
The full process is described here.
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY?
Admission for Onward Israel is on a rolling basis. We are currently accepting applications from exceptional candidates. Don’t delay!
IS THE PROGRAM SUITABLE FOR RELIGIOUS PARTICIPANTS?
The program welcomes religious and non-religious participants. All the activities organized on Shabbat or Jewish festivals are suitable for those who observe religious practices, however each participant is free to observe Shabbat in their own way. Any food provided by the program will be kosher.
HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY WILL I NEED?
We recommend bringing $350-$500 a month for your personal expenses such as eating out, cell phone costs and other general living expenses.
DO I NEED A VISA TO PARTICIPATE?
As long as you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom any European Union country, or any country with a visa waiver agreement with Israel, no visa is required for this program.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE?
We posted some general guidance on how to get ready for the program ahead, and more specific pre-trip preparation information will follow once you have signed up.
WHAT OTHER RULES SHOULD I BE AWARE OF?
Inappropriate behavior, drug use, violence, danger to other participants or oneself, criminal offense, and any out of ordinary discipline problem will lead to immediate removal from the program. If you do not complete the program you may be asked to absorb some of the cost of the scholarship granted or your deposit may be non-refundable.
WHAT’S THE SECURITY DEPOSIT POLICY?
A refundable $250 security deposit is due at least two week in advance of the program start date and can be paid now as part of your program payment. The deposit will be returned in full at the conclusion of the program to participants in good standing. Participants who are removed from the program, choose to leave early for any reason, do not attend scheduled activities or cause damage to the apartments, or other infractions as determined by staff, will not receive a refund of their deposit.
ENROLL
Registration for summer 2017 is closed. Space is still available on Israel Corps Summer.
STEP 1: Choose your program
Find out if you are eligible, and decide which summer internship program is right for you. NEXT is the Onward Israel partner for the following summer internship programs:
NOTE: General eligibility rules are available here. Each program partner may have additional eligibility rules such as where you are from or what school you attend.
STEP 2: Complete the application
Enrollment begins by completing the initial Onward Israel application. Once completed, the sponsoring partner will follow-up to schedule an initial intake interview.
STEP 3: Kick-off your internship placement
Provided the program is a good fit for you, NEXT will invite you to complete an internship placement questionnaire, and you’ll have a chance to speak with our internship placement coordinator to discuss your professional and personal interests. You’ll be able to hear more about placement possibilities, the day-to-day of the internship, ask specific questions, and make sure you understand the program expectations.
STEP 4: Confirm your participation
Stay tuned for an official program acceptance notice via email. This email will guide you through what it takes to officially accept your spot on the program. Expect to complete a basic medical background form, sign a supplemental waiver form, upload a copy of your passport and pay the subsidized program fee. Generally speaking, you have a two week window to accept your spot on the program and complete these steps.
STEP 5: Finalize your internship
Once you are officially enrolled, our internship coordinator will work with you to finalize your internship placement. The exact timing of your placement will vary according to the situation, but rest assured that applicants are accepted only if we are confident we can confirm their internship placement.
STEP 6: Submit the security deposit
A refundable $250 security deposit is due at least two week in advance of the program start date and can be paid now as part of your program payment. The deposit will be returned in full at the conclusion of the program to participants in good standing. Participants who are removed from the program, choose to leave early for any reason, do not attend scheduled activities or cause damage to the apartments, or other infractions as determined by staff, will not receive a refund of their deposit.
KEEP IN MIND!
- You’re responsible for your flight and will need to send us your plans by a set date.
- If you choose to withdraw after accepting, a partial refund is available till a set date.
- Detailed pre-trip preparation material will be provided in the lead up to the summer. In the meantime, review these general tips for getting ready.
- Your acceptance and participation in this program is conditional and may be revoked should you not comply with the enrollment requirements/deadlines or according to the discretion of the program staff.
