ONWARD FELLOWSHIP

Deepen your journey and pick up new skills while living for a month in the heart of Tel Aviv. Onward Fellowships are generously subsidized opportunities for young adults seeking outstanding life experiences.

COST

$499 USD

Includes the course (view options), a shared Tel Aviv apartment (furnished), field trips, social events, health insurance, and a city bus pass

DATES & DURATION

4-6 Week Sessions | Summer & Winter Dates

ELIGIBILITY

Ages 18-35, identifying as Jewish

Open globally to English speakers

No previous Israel visit of 3+ months post-high school

You're eligible for Onward once (excludes Volunteer)

Alumni of 10-day Birthright Israel trips are ELIGIBLE!

WHAT IT'S LIKE

Pick up new skills on a professionally taught Fellowship course scheduled for most weekdays

Social activities and some weekend excursions take you beyond a classic Israel tour

Free time (evenings and most weekends) to enjoy Tel Aviv's beach culture and connect with new travel friends

OVERVIEW | OPTIONS | FIELD TRIPS | APPLYING | FAQs

WHAT SKILL SPEAKS TO YOU?

Choose the Fellowship option that most inspires you. Fellowship courses and programming is scheduled 4-5 days each a week.

ISRAEL SHAKE + STIR

AGES 18-35

MAY 29 – JUNE 25, 2025

Shake, stir, and savor this month-long Tel Aviv experience. You'll be enrolled in a certified course teaching the nuances of spirits, wines, and beers. Then, take your knowledge further – practicing the art of cocktail mixology and professional bartending.

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Our certified bartending course is a hands-on experience that combines theory and practice to hone your skills to perfection. You’ll start with an introduction to the world of bartending – gaining insight into the history, techniques, and essential knowledge needed to excel in the field.

The course then takes you on a journey through the diverse realms of spirits – including vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy, cognac, liqueurs, and whiskey – as well as wines and beer. You'll learn about the unique characteristics and applications of each, enabling you to craft a wide array of exceptional cocktails.

What sets our program apart is the extensive real-world practice behind the bar, where you'll get hands-on experience in mixing, garnishing, and serving a variety of drinks. To solidify your expertise, we provide rigorous tests, and upon successful completion, you'll receive a diploma recognized by the American Bartenders Association, setting you up to be a certified bartender ready to conquer the industry or just seriously impress your friends!

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FLAVORS OF ISRAEL

AGES 18-35

MAY 29 – JUNE 25, 2025

Impress your friends with new cooking skills on this course taught by Dan Gourmet Culinary School. Discover Israel's rich food heritage – from its ancient traditions to its multi-cultural modern dishes. Then, learn the practical skills to prepare your own Israeli specialties.

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Look forward to a comprehensive and engaging experience that combines rigorous culinary education with cultural exploration. The program features interactive cooking classes, guided tours, and opportunities to engage with local food artisans. By the end of the course, Fellows will have a robust understanding of Israeli culinary traditions from ancient times to the present and will gain practical skills that can be applied in any culinary setting.

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EMT COURSE + VOLUNTEER

AGES 18-35

JULY 9 – AUGUST 20, 2025

Gain emergency medical training from Magen David Adom, Israel's leading first responders, and then put your skills to work volunteering on an ambulance based in Haifa or Be'er Sheva. This 6-week Fellowship + volunteer opportunity includes an optional group flight.

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The Fellowship begins with participants completing a 2-week certified emergency medical technician (EMT) course taught by Magen David Adom, Israel's leader in emergency medical response. The course covers CPR and basic first aid training (60 hours total). After completing the course, you’ll spend four weeks volunteering in an ambulance (3-4 days per week), supporting Israeli medical professionals in providing critical care when every second counts.

The Magen David Adom Fellowship is based in Be'er Sheva or Haifa. This is a unique opportunity to gain practical lifelong medical skills and tap into the Israeli volunteering movement in a highly personal way.

ABOUT REGISTRATION
Although this is one program, participants register separately for the 4-week Onward Fellowship ($499) and then complete a secondary registration for the connected 2-week Birthright Israel Volunteer continuation. In total, this is a 6-week program that includes furnished housing and an optional group flight from NYC or LAX to support you in making the journey ($600 with optional flight).

NOTE: It is not possible to only participate in the 4-week Fellowship alone.

REGISTER

DOCTORS FOR ISRAEL

AGES 26-35

JULY 14 – AUGUST 10, 2025

Discover new life-saving treatment techniques and enrich your heart & mind. This four-week fellowship invites English-speaking physicians, physician assistants and 3rd/4th year medical school students from around the globe for an exclusive look into groundbreaking medical treatments developed due to the events of October 7th. LEARN MORE

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STORYTELLERS REICHMAN FELLOWSHIP

AGES 18-35

JULY 2 – JULY 29, 2025

Find your voice. Expand your digital influence. Ignite your power. Organized in partnership with Reichman University (IDC), this Fellowship is for emerging/aspiring thought leaders across all fields, and it combines media lab workshops, eye-opening field trips, and expert lectures.
Includes a group flight from NYC!

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STORYTELLERS IMPACT INCUBATOR

AGES 18-35

JUNE 30 – JULY 9, 2025

A first-of-its-kind 10-day immersive leadership journey for established thought leaders with a curiosity to expand what it means to lead in the digital age while authentically embracing their Jewish identity and/or connections to Israel. This program is fully subsidized and includes a group flight from NYC!

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MORE THAN A FELLOWSHIP...

Beyond the Fellowship, you'll go on regular field trip adventures and benefit from social events with a cohort of your peers. In your free time, discover the nightlife, iconic beaches, and vibrant culture of Tel Aviv.

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READY TO GO?

Are you inspired to go Onward? Follow these simple steps to apply – just don't delay taking the first step. Availability is limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Choose the Fellowship that speaks to you and complete the commitment-free application (see links above).

We'll invite you for an interview to discuss the program, answer your questions, and get to know you.

Once accepted, paying the $499 program fee makes it all official

We'll send you a planning guide to arrange your travels and help you get ready for your journey ahead.

To stay on track, supplemental forms and documents are due within 30 days of your acceptance.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Don't see the answer to a question on your mind? Contact us! We're here to get you there!

HOW REGISTRATION WORKS

How much does Onward Fellowship Cost?

How soon do I have to make payment?

What about security considerations?

While Israel remains engaged in a lingering conflict, we look forward to brighter days ahead.

Practically speaking, the rhythm of daily life has long returned to Israeli society, and our programs have fully resumed since January 2024.

We will continue to prioritize the welfare of our travelers all along their journey and closely follow the Israeli civil defense guidelines.

If conditions were to change, and we do not believe we can responsibly offer our programs, we would postpone until safer times, and the participation fee would be refunded.

We are here to answer your questions about the Onward opportunity and look forward to welcoming you to Israel with open arms!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

How do flights work?

What is provided? What do I need to bring?

All housing includes basic furniture, including beds, mattresses, pillows, blankets, linens and towels. Each accommodation also includes a bathroom, equipped kitchen (refrigerator, toaster oven, stove OR hotplate (Israeli kitchens often do not have both), cutlery, crockery, and air conditioning. You will be responsible for your own cleaning (including purchasing cleaning supplies while on the program), though the housing accommodations might include some basic cleaning supplies (enough to get you through the first few days).

What kind of medical insurance is provided?

Each traveler is covered by basic medical insurance only. The insurance covers illness or injury contracted in Israel, including treatment of Covid-19. Pre-existing conditions are not covered, nor are incidents related to or resulting from the use of drugs or alcohol. If you are concerned about covering pre-existing conditions abroad, we recommend purchasing a travel insurance plan with a medical benefit such as this.

How will I get around during my stay in Israel?

Will I share a room?

How is laundry handled?

All Onward Fellowship housing will either include laundry services or have access to laundry services within a short walking distance. Laundry costs are covered in the overall program cost, however, solutions for laundry can vary by program (either through a laundry service, laundry machines in apartments, or a modest stipend provided for participants to do laundry in a local laundromat). If a stipend or laundry service is provided, it may only cover laundry to be done a certain number of times throughout the summer. Participants should consider this as they pack and prepare for their programs.