Masa Israel Journey is an Israeli initiative that brings thousands of young Jewish adults from around the world to Israel each year for longer-term programs — anywhere from three months to a full year. Programs span internships, volunteering, academic study, Hebrew language immersion, and more. This isn't a tourist trip — it's a structured experience with purpose, community, and real-world impact. Masa partners with hundreds of approved program operators across Israel, has a global alumni network of over 210,000 participants, and acts as the central umbrella organization connecting you with the right program, and — if you're eligible — grants that cover a significant portion of the cost.

Masa is for young Jewish adults aged 16–35 who want more than a gap year — particularly those looking for an international, professionally oriented experience that builds real skills, expands their network, and gives them something meaningful to bring back home. You don't need to be religious, speak Hebrew, or have visited Israel before. Programs are designed to meet you where you are — whether you just finished high school, recently completed a degree, or are in the middle of a career transition. If you're the kind of person who wants to grow by doing, to work and live alongside people from across the world, and to come back with a CV and a perspective that genuinely sets you apart — Masa is built for you.

The range is wide — and that's exactly what makes Masa unique.

Internships & career — work at an Israeli tech company, startup, or NGO and build genuine international experience for your CV.

Volunteering & social impact — work with vulnerable communities, environmental projects, or education initiatives in Israeli towns that rarely make the headlines.

The range is wide — and that's exactly what makes Masa unique.

Internships & career — work at an Israeli tech company, startup, or NGO and build genuine international experience for your CV.

Volunteering & social impact — work with vulnerable communities, environmental projects, or education initiatives in Israeli towns that rarely make the headlines.

Academic study — earn internationally recognized credits and degrees at leading Israeli universities, with courses offered in English across disciplines including Middle East Studies, technology, business, law, and more. Credits are transferable to institutions worldwide, and some programs lead to full accredited degrees.

Hebrew & language immersion — ulpan programs that give you solid foundational Hebrew in as little as six months.

Masa programs are flexible — you can start short and go deeper, or jump straight into a full program. Here's how it works:

It's one of the most common questions — and the honest answer is: it comes together faster than you'd expect. Every Masa program brings together participants from around the world, and the shared experience of being in a new country creates connections quickly. You're not stepping into a void. From day one there's structure: orientation weeks, shared housing (in most programs), group activities, and an alumni network of people who've done exactly what you're about to do. Many Masa participants describe their fellow program members as some of the most important friendships they've made as adults. The community is genuinely international — Israelis, Americans, Brits, South Africans, Argentinians — and as a Swede, you'll stand out in the best possible way.

More than you expect — and in ways that are hard to explain to people who haven't done it. It's not just about lines on a CV. You learn to live in another country, to adapt, to communicate across cultural and language barriers. You build an international network of friends and professional contacts you'd never have had otherwise. You understand Israel in depth — not through news headlines, but from the inside. And you come home with a clearer sense of who you are and what you want. That's exactly the kind of experience employers and universities notice — and that you'll feel yourself, for the rest of your life.

Being a Masa fellow means you're part of a supported network, not just enrolled in a program. Here's what comes with it:

Program costs vary by operator, type, and duration — but eligible participants can receive Masa grants of up to $ 4800 that significantly reduce or in many cases fully cover the program fee.

To be eligible for a grant you must meet all of the following:

✓Be Jewish — defined by Jewish law or having at least one Jewish grandparent

✓Age 16–35 — Masa Volunteers and select programs accept applicants up to age 40

✓No Israeli citizenship — or, if you hold Israeli citizenship, you must have left Israel before age 14 and lived outside Israel for at least four consecutive years prior to receiving your grant

✓No prior long-term Israel program — you must not have participated in an organized post-high school program (including academic) of more than four months in Israel since September 2004

✓No recent extended stay — you must not have spent four or more consecutive months in Israel within the 24 months prior to your program start date, after the age of 18

Grant amounts are tiered by program length — longer programs qualify for higher amounts, with a minimum program length of five months required. Housing and many meals are typically included in the program fee. The total out-of-pocket cost is in many cases lower than a comparable academic year in Sweden.

The best first step is to get in touch with our program advisor team. Our advisors work one-on-one with applicants to understand your goals, background, and timeline — and match you with the programs and opportunities that are the right fit for you. They'll walk you through everything: which programs are available, what you qualify for in terms of grants, what documents you'll need, and what to expect at each stage of the process. There's no commitment involved in reaching out — just a conversation to help you figure out if and how Masa fits into your plans. Use the button below to connect with an advisor and get personalized guidance on your next steps.

It's a completely valid question, and we'll answer it honestly: Israel is a country with a complex security situation, and Masa takes that seriously. All Masa programs have clear safety protocols, and participant wellbeing is always the top priority. Programs operate in close coordination with Israeli authorities and have contingency plans for all scenarios. Masa communicates proactively with participants and families. The best advice is to speak directly with a Masa advisor about the specific situation at the time you're planning to travel — they can give you current, honest information.

Perfect — most participants are in the same boat. English is a fully functional everyday language in Israel, and most Masa programs run entirely or partly in English. You'll pick up Hebrew along the way, and many programs include Hebrew language classes as part of the schedule. As for prior knowledge of Israel or Jewish culture: come as you are. Masa programs are designed to meet participants at every level of connection and background — from those who grew up active in a Jewish community to those who are just beginning to explore their identity.