Are there discounts for flights to my Masa program?

Yes, EL AL is proud to support your Masa program in Israel by offering a travel discount. You can enjoy a 15% discount on round-trip EL AL flights to and from Israel.

This special voucher is valid only for direct EL AL flights from the EU (excluding Moscow, Russia) or the USA, specifically for direct return flights, as per EL AL’s policy, as detailed in EL AL’s website. Please be aware that this voucher is non-transferable, has a fixed value, and is subject to EL AL’s booking, change, and cancellation policies. EL AL reserves the right to make changes regarding this travel discount or cancel it, at any time at its sole discretion. The voucher is valid for departures until Dec 31st, 2024.

You will receive the discount code upon approval of your Masa grant.

How are vacation days counted?

A vacation day does not include holidays (chagim) or holiday eves (erev chag), or Friday and Saturdays. Vacation days do include “chol hamoed” (חול המועד). Chol Hamoed refers to the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot.

How many vacation days are fellows given on their program?

According to the Masa By-Laws: A program up to six months: 15 vacation days, and a program longer than six months: 30 vacation days

Safety and Security

The safety and security of Masa Israel Journey program participants, staff and partners is our top priority.Masa Israel Journey maintains strict standards for safety and security on all program sponsored activities.
As a joint project of the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency for Israel, Masa Israel programs receive updated information regarding safety and security regularly and are able to respond to official recommendations. Our staff is in touch with every Masa Israel program to ensure information is shared effectively and to assist as needed.
If you have questions regarding safety and security, please contact us on Facebook at facebook.com/masaisrael, on Twitter at @masaisrael or speak with our helpdesk at 1.866.864.3279 or masainfo@masaisrael.org.

Are there special requirements for entering/exiting Israel?

In order to enter Israel, your passport must be valid for six months after the date of entry and throughout your stay.
Every Masa Israel participant can (and is strongly advised to) approach his/her local Consulate General of Israel or Embassy of Israel prior to beginning a Masa Israel program to request a Masa Israel visa. The Masa Israel visa is an A2 visa – a multiple-entry student visa (making it possible to leave Israel for a vacation and return without requiring a new visa).
To obtain a Masa Israel visa, you must visit a consulate or embassy with the following:
  1. The form you received from Masa Israel (PDF file) confirming your grant and/or scholarship amount
  2. A letter from your program organizer validating your acceptance to the program
  3. A valid passport
The consulate or embassy has final jurisdiction with granting a visa, pending prior intelligence or concerns about a participant.
Should you encounter a problem when requesting the visa, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs can provide an internal letter to clarify the procedures. If there is still a problem, please contact masainfo@masaisrael.org.
Please note: The Masa Israel visa does not entitle you to work in Israel and is only valid for a maximum stay of one year in Israel.

Do I need to speak Hebrew to participate on a Masa Israel program?

No. With very few exceptions, you are not required to speak Hebrew to participate in a Masa Israel program. In fact, Hebrew language study – or Ulpan – is considered part of the Masa Israel program DNA and is required for all participants of Masa Israel programs. For more information about the amount of hours and level of Hebrew study offered by your program of choice, contact your program organizer directly.

 Will I know my internship before I get to Israel?

In many cases you will know your internship before you get to Israel but sometimes companies require an in-person interview before accepting you as an intern.

 Can I apply if I’m not Jewish?

Many of these programs are open to everyone, but to receive funding through the Masa grant you must identify as Jewish.

What does the application process look like?

Visit our “How to Apply” page for step-by-step instructions on the application process.

What is the difference between the providers?

The providers differ slightly in cost, location and start dates, and extracurricular activities. Particular housing styles vary too. Some providers use dorm-style housing, while others have apartments. Other differences include average participant age, structure of orientation and the size of the program cohort.

What if I don’t see an internship I am interested on the site?

There is always the opportunity to customize an internship in your field. This means you work one-on-one with an internship coordinator to find the perfect opportunity for you. Our internship providers are always working to find new placements

Can I do an internship that is shorter than 5 months?

All Masa programs are 5 months or longer. Many of our internship programs offer summer internship programs but you would not be eligible for Masa funding.

Are these internships paid?

The internships are not paid but offer the opportunity to gain a lot of hands-on work experience, advance your career and to live abroad

 What if I have other questions? What should I do?

Reach out to us! Here at Masa Israel Journey have a team who would love to help you by answering questions on the programs, the grant, or anything else call 1.866.864.3279 or email us.

Will I know my volunteer placements before I get to Israel?

In many cases you will know your volunteer placements before you get to Israel but many participants decide after visiting different opportunities in Israel.

How far in advance can I apply?

It is never too early to start planning but generally it’s best to start 3-5 months in advance.

 Besides Masa, are there more scholarships I can apply for?

Yes. We recommend contacting your local federation or synagogue, or the program itself. Check out our list of possible scholarships for Masa participants.

When are the start dates?

Programs start throughout the year but most volunteer programs begin early September and February.

How much funding will I receive from Masa?

The amount of Masa funding that you will receive depends on your age, nationality and the length of your program.

To be eligible for a Masa Israel universal grant, you must:
• Be Jewish
• Be a graduate of a secondary school and/or between the ages of 18 and 30
• 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 your grant
• Have not been on an organized program (including an academic program) of more than four months in Israel since September 2004.

What is the difference between the providers?

Many of our volunteer programs are focused around working in a specific community with specific needs. The providers also differ depending on cost, location and start dates, and extracurricular activities. Particular housing styles vary too. Some providers use dorm-style housing, while others have apartments. Other differences include average participant age, structure of orientation and the size of the program cohort.

What if I don’t see volunteer opportunity I am interested in on the site?

Our volunteer providers are always working to find new placements. You can work one-on-one with a volunteer coordinator to find the right opportunity for you.

What’s included?

Housing, Hebrew classes, occasional trips around Israel, health insurance, and a bus pass for travel to your volunteer placements. Masa Israel offers additional optional weekend seminars and retreats.

Can I volunteer for shorter than 5 months?

All Masa programs are 5 months or longer. Many of our volunteer programs offer summer internship programs but you would not be eligible for Masa funding

What kind of volunteer programs do you offer?

Masa Israel Journey offers unique opportunities for you to volunteer in communities throughout Israel. Through our partnerships with grassroots and community-based organizations, you can affect change in some of Israel’s most vulnerable populations. Many volunteers work with at-risk youth, immigrant populations, Arab-Israelis, and other groups. Get started by reviewing Masa Israel’s volunteer experiences.

What is the difference between Masa Israel Journey and the program provider?

Masa Israel is the umbrella organization for long-term Israel programs. We connect young adults to these programs, provides grants and scholarships to help fund their experience, and offers additional enrichment activities throughout the year. The provider sets up your specific volunteer work, housing, and other day-to-day programming.

Will I have days off and vacation?

Fellows are committed to working 25 hours and at least 4 days a week. You will get all school and Israeli holidays off. If you need to take off additional days beyond the school holidays, you will need to obtain special permission from Masa Israel. You will also get 15 sick days (no more than 3 per month and doctor’s notes are required). If you need to take a sick day, you will have to notify your city coordinator the day before.

If, for family reasons or medical reasons, a Fellow needs to go abroad and be absent from school, special permission from Masa is required and relevant documentation will be necessary.

Just like in a a job, deviation from allowed number of vacation and sick days may be cause for program participation to come under review.

Who is eligible to apply to be a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow?

To be eligible, you must:
– Identify as Jewish
– Be between the ages of 21-35 by September 1, 2022
– Have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree by September 1, 2022
– Be a native English speaker meaning you were born or raised in a country where English is the primary language(from the MOE list of approved countries: North America, South Africa, UK, New Zealand, Australia, India). If you have Israeli citizenship 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.

Who funds Masa Israel Teaching Fellows?

Masa Israel Teaching Fellows is a Masa Israel Journey program and is made possible by the generous support of the Ministry of Education of the State of Israel. Masa Israel is a joint venture of The Jewish Agency for Israel and the Government of Israel.

Who are the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows program organizers?

Each city that hosts Masa Israel Teaching Fellows is managed by a different program organizer. Applicants should explore each program organizer and city on this website prior to applying.

Netanya Operated by Israel Outdoors NEXT

Be’er Sheva Operated by Israel Outdoors NEXT

Rehovot Operated by Destination Israel

Beit She’an Operated by BINA

Rishon LeZion Operated by Israel Experience

Petach Tikvah Operated by Destination Israel

Ramle Operated by Israel Experience

Bat Yam Operated by Israel Experience

Ashdod Operated by Destination Israel

Nazareth Operated by BINA

Rahat Operated by BINA

Jerusalem Operated by Israel Outdoors NEXT

Haifa Operated by Israel Experience

Tel Aviv+ Operated by Bina

When is the deadline to apply for Masa Israel Teaching Fellows?

Admission for Masa Israel Teaching Fellows are currently open until July 31 2021! We will begin accepting applicants for our 2021-2022 cohort. Admission for Masa Israel Teaching Fellows will be on a rolling basis.

What will my daily schedule be like?

You are required to work in your school at least four days a week (Monday – Friday) for at least five hours a day. Your school will determine which day between Monday and Friday you will have off. Fellows are also required to volunteer at least two times a week in their communities.

What is the cost of Masa Israel Teaching Fellows?

Fellows are responsible to pay $1,200 for the full 10-month experience.

Certified teachers will earn a monthly compensation of 3,000 NIS (about $980 USD) and will, after initial training, co-teach in the English classroom. English teaching assistants (non-certified teachers), will earn a monthly cash stipend of 1,750 NIS (about $490 USD). The $1,000 program fee includes accommodations, Hebrew Ulpan classes, pedagogical orientation and training, health insurance, trips around Israel, and other enrichment activities.

You will be reimbursed up to $1,000 for the cost of your flight upon completion of the program. If your flight to Israel was provided by Birthright Israel, you must submit your ticket home to be reimbursed for your return flight. Please note that you won’t receive a flight reimbursement until you complete the program.

Masa alumni from other programs are eligible to participate in MITF after their first programs for a fee of $5,700.

What is the application process?

Step 1: Prequalification and Main application

Provided you are eligible to participate in the program, admission for Masa Israel Teaching Fellows is rolling, with four application deadlines. Rolling admission dates are as follows:

Step 2: Initial placement conversation

Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted by a recruitment representative who will relay your next steps in the application process.

Step 3: Placement interview (Skype/phone)

In this interview, you will speak with a professional from the placement city you selected. You’ll be able to hear more about the day-to-day of the fellowship, ask specific questions, and request to connect with a current or past fellow who was or is placed in that city. You’ll have a chance to discuss your academic and professional history as it relates to the content of the fellowship.

Step 4: Submit supplemental documents

These include a medical form, a local or  state background check, and proof of your application for the Masa Israel Grant. You should upload your documents after your initial interview, but keep in mind that the first two may take a few weeks to arrange. Documents must be uploaded in order for you to receive a final decision regarding your acceptance.

Step 5: Final decision received by applicant

After all components of your application have been submitted, and all interviews completed, the admissions committee will review your application package and make a final decision. You’ll receive notification via email.

If you are not accepted by your first-choice placement, you may have the opportunity to interview for another placement. You will be notified if this is the case.

Step 6 (for accepted Fellows only): Submit deposit (or defer to next round)

If you are accepted as a Masa Israel Teaching Fellow, you will have 2 weeks from your notification date to accept your offer and secure your spot, by submitting a $300 non-refundable deposit that will be applied to the program cost of$1,200.

You may also choose to defer your acceptance to the following deadline. Please be advised that by deferring your acceptance, you are not guaranteed a spot in the program. However, you will not need to reapply or conduct any further interviews. If you are submitting your application for consideration for the final July 1st deadline, you will not have the option to defer your decision.

What is Masa Israel Teaching Fellows?

Masa Israel Teaching Fellows is on a 10-month, hands-on service program which brings exemplary college graduates from English-speaking countries to teach English in Israel. Our goal is to address Israel’s educational achievement gap and the widespread underperformance of youth in low-income communities.

What Financial Aid Is Available For Masa Israel Teaching Fellows?

All participants (not including Europeans) that successfully complete the full duration of the program are eligible for up to $1,000 in flight reimbursements (not including processing fees).

Flight reimbursement for European participants is upon ticket value.

During the program, Masa Teachers will receive a monthly stipend of 3,000 NIS and Masa Fellows will receive a stipend of 1,750 NIS.

Monthly stipend distributed over the course of 10 month

I don’t have formal training in education, what training and support will I receive?

To prepare you for the classroom, Fellows receive orientation in educational methods and teaching English as a foreign language, created and led by Israel’s Ministry of Education. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening your skills as a leader, communicator, and educator and improving your experience in the classroom. Participants take part in mandatory full-day training seminars at least once per month (a total of 10 training days plus two enrichment days). All Fellows must attend all orientation days to maintain you fellowship status.

All Fellows must attend all training days to maintain you fellowship status. Learn more about the training you’ll receive.

How does the new Tel Aviv-Dual Program work?

During the 10-month program, you will live and work in two different cities: One half will be in South Tel Aviv, and the other half in either Beit Shean, Nazareth, Rahat or Ramla. This option offers you a unique opportunity to experience the diverse cultures in two different Israeli cities, and become an integral member of them both. Throughout the entire year, you will remain with the same group and relocate together after the first five months.  While registering for the Fellowship, you may select your city preference; if spots are no longer available, an alternative placement will be suggested.

Do I need a visa to participate in Masa Israel Teaching Fellows?

You will need to apply for an A-2 visa to participate in Masa Israel Teaching Fellows. You can view the requirements for the visa on the Israeli consulate’s website. Please note that you might need to present a two way ticket in order to apply for the grant.

Are there any other rules and regulations I should 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. Remember that failure to complete the full 10 month program will mean you will not be reimbursed for your flight. 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.

How much financial assistance does Masa Israel provide?

All Masa Israel participants are eligible to apply for universal grants. Some countries can also apply for needs-based scholarships. The amount available and type of financial support you receive depends on your country of origin, your age and the program you attend. Visit our Grants and Scholarships page for eligibility criteria and for information about what you’ll need to apply https://www.masaisrael.org/grants-scholarships

**Please note, you can apply for additional funding by checking out our list of Jewish scholarships for programs in Israel.

How do I get a grant from Masa Israel?

After checking you are eligible to participate in Masa (click here https://www.masaisrael.org/grants/policy  ) apply to your chosen program via Masa website. You will then receive a username and password to your personal portal where you can check your funding status, contact Masa and catch up on Masa events and updates.

**Please note, you can apply for additional funding by checking out our list of Jewish scholarships for programs in Israel.

Are there any special requirements for entering/exiting Israel?

In order to enter Israel, your passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry and throughout your stay.
Every Masa Israel participant can (and is strongly advised to) approach his/her local Consulate General of Israel or the Embassy of Israel prior to beginning a Masa Israel program to request a special Masa Israel visa. The Masa Israel visa is an A2 visa – a multiple-entry student visa (making it possible to leave Israel for a vacation and be able to return without needing a new visa).
In order to obtain a Masa Israel Visa, you must visit a consulate or embassy with the following:
  1. The form you received from Masa Israel (PDF file) confirming your grant and/or scholarship amount
  2. A letter from the organizer of your program validating your acceptance to the program
  3. A valid passport
The consulate has final jurisdiction with regards to granting a visa, should it have prior intelligence or concerns about a participant
Should you encounter a problem when requesting the visa at consulate, an internal letter from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs can be provided to clarify the procedures. If there is still a problem, please contact masainfo@masaisrael.org.
Please Note: The Masa Israel Visa does not entitle you to work in Israel and is only valid for a maximum of one-year stay in Israel.
Please note, you can apply for additional funding by checking out our list of Jewish scholarships for programs in Israel

Trip Logistics

Am I accepted? When should I depart for Israel? When can my relatives visit? Where will I be staying? Can I extend my stay in Israel?

All of these questions, and more, should be directed to the organizer of the program for which you have signed up. Masa Israel Journey is the umbrella organization that provides the funding for and support for long-term programs in Israel, but the actual trips are operated by a wide variety of educational organizations.

What are Israel’s medical facilities like?

Israel offers some of the world’s best medical care and medicines are available in Israel. Visitors are required to have health insurance and – in most cases – medical insurance is included in the cost of your program. You can find information in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the Jerusalem Post and the English language edition of Ha’aretz newspapers.
If you take any medications regularly, be sure to have the generic name and active ingredient, as well as a copy of the prescription, with you as brand names will be different.

What kind of currency do I need in Israel?

Israeli currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). If you want to acquire shekels prior to your arrival in Israel, ask your bank if they can order some for you. Alternatively, ATM machines are widely available at the airport and throughout Israel. The best option is to change your money at one of the many exchange points in every major city, which do not charge a fee for exchange.

Why should I go to Israel?

If you’re interested in advancing your leadership skills, experiencing a new culture and pushing yourself as an individual you should experience Israel with Masa. As a Masa Israel participant, you will live in Israel for 2 to 12 months while exploring your passions, interests, identity and more. Israel is a country of great diversity within a very small area, offering many historical, religious, and cultural opportunities. Israel is also a global leader in innovation in many of today’s most relevant fields-technology, healthcare, the environment, and business.

 

For a more in depth look into life as a Masa participant check out our blog.

What is Masa Israel?

Masa Israel Journey, a public-service organization founded by the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Israel, together with The Jewish Agency for Israel, is the leading organization in the long term Israel experience space with a diverse portfolio of 2-12-month study, service, and career development programs for young Jewish adults (16-40).

Masa’s transformational, authentic Israel experiences, among the best in the international experience space, empower participants to develop as individuals, while also developing a robust global professional network that includes Israelis and Jews from around the world.

Who can I speak to about choosing a long-term Israel program?

Masa Israel staff members are available to help you or connect you to alumni who can provide you with information about programs. Please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to work with you.

Which airport should I fly into?

Israel has only one international airport – Ben Gurion International Airport. It is located near Tel Aviv and the airport code is TLV.

What types of programs does Masa Israel offer?

Masa Israel Journey offers 300+ study abroad, volunteer, internship, teaching and graduate programs in Israel. There truly is a program for everyone. We even offer the opportunity to build your own. To find the program that’s right for you check out our program finder here.

What support does Masa Israel provide before I leave for Israel, while I’m there, and after I come back?

Masa Israel provides simple access to immersive experiences that are as varied as Israel itself, and helps you navigate the entire process at every step along the way. Masa Israel offers a wide range of programs to fit every need and interest and can help match you to the most appropriate option. Masa Israel also provides grants and scholarships to help make the experience more affordable.
The Masa Israel Community provides a built-in network for Masa Israel program participants through social events and other activities that give program participants the chance to meet participants from other Masa Israel programs. The Masa Israel Community also gives alumni of Masa Israel programs a chance to reconnect with their fellow participants and to participate in social and professional networking and service opportunities back in their home communities. Check out community.masaisrael.org to see the opportunites we have for our program participants and alumni.

Please note, you can apply for additional funding by checking out our list of Jewish scholarships for programs in Israel

Your
Internship Wishlist
0
Your Internship Wishlist
Apply To Your Top 5 Internships All At Once
Skip to content