• Applicants between 19-30 years old (or at least one full year post-high school at the start of the program)
• Identify as Jewish and have NOT spent 3 or more consecutive months in Israel as part of an educational or peer program (this includes semester abroad, gap year, or any other MASA or Onward Israel program). Note, Alumni of Onward Israel programs (even if they are Masa eligible) are typically not eligible to participate in 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 higher.
• Fluent in English
• Have a valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after the program end date)
• Previous participation in Birthright Israel is encouraged but not required

No, living together with other Onward Israel participants is a central and required component of the overall experience.

The Onward program is relatively short in duration, therefore late arrival or early departure from the program is approved only in very exceptional cases. In order to arrive late or leave the program early, a written request must be submitted. Requests that include an absence longer than three days will not be approved.

No. 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.

Yes, and it's encouraged! Applicants participating in a Birthright Israel trip 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. Birthright Israel participants staying on in Israel for an Onward program will be responsible for extending their Birthright Israel flight.

Separate from the cost of the program, participants are required to submit a $400 security deposit in cash upon arrival in Israel. Deposits will be refunded at the end of the program, pending good standing.

Yes. Participants are required to have an Israeli cell phone number, and we will provide an option to arrange for a local SIM card as part of the pre-trip preparation documents.