About This Program
This program runs for five weeks – beginning in May when many college students complete their academic year and ends in mid June before the beginning of staff week for Jewish camps. Participants will combine their internship with Israel engagement activities such as tour days, shabbatons, and more. At the end of the program, participants will return to camp as veteran counselors with a deeper connection to Israeli culture. The goal of this program is to allow participants to complete an international internship, and return to work as a counselor in the place they hold so dear. Additionally, camps will have the opportunity to welcome back accomplished counselors as leaders of their staff to provide consistency and longevity.
The Camp Counselor Internship program takes place in Tel Aviv and provides comprehensive work experience, enabling each participant to experience another side of life in Israel while building their skills and resume.
Program Cost
$625
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 will be required to submit a $400 security deposit in advance via credit card. Deposits will be refunded at the end of the program pending good standing.
*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.
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 Birthright Israel Onward 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.
Acceptance Criteria
Eligibility Criteria
This program is open to any returning counselor who has been hired to work at participating camps during Summer 2025. If you are unsure if your camp is participating, please email your camp leadership. Your Camp employment is a work contract between you and your camp with job responsibilities outlined and negotiated with the Camp Director.
- Must be between 18-34 years old and at least one year post high school
- Must identify as 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 be fluent in English
- Must have had one previous short-term Israel experience
- Must have a valid Passport for at least 6 months after the program end date.
To review eligibility – click here.
Please note: If you wish to participate in a 10-day Birthright Israel trip, you must do so prior to attending an Onward program. You will not be able to participate on a Birthright Israel trip after participating on a Birthright Israel Onward Program.
Sample Internships
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- Social Media and outreach internship with local NGO or non-profit.
- Business Development internship with social media start-up.
- Event coordination and promotion intern for management company.
- Public Relations internship with a museum.
Applicants interested in internships in the fields of STEM, Finance, Law, and Medicine please click here for some important information regarding placements.
Not sure what type of internship you are looking for or unsure if you can find it in Israel? Our internship coordinator works one-on-one with each participant!