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FAQs

FAQs

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SEMESTER ABROAD IN ISRAEL?
The semester in Israel, which takes place during the Spring semester of junior year of college, focuses on building a diverse Cohort of peers, deepening fellows’ commitment to Israel, exposing them to North American Jewish professional opportunities, and strengthening their level of Jewish leadership and literacy.

Fellows study tuition-free at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and participate in Nachshon Project seminars and trips where they meet with world-class scholars, innovators, and leaders.

Together with a diverse group of up-to-35 incredible young adults from across North America, fellows are challenged to choose the best individual path for personal and professional success as future leaders in the North American Jewish community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE NACHSHON PROJECT UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP?
The Nachshon Project is seeking ambitious and accomplished college juniors who have already proven themselves through their work on their college campuses and/or at Jewish summer camp and demonstrate a potential to accept the mantle of leadership in the challenging yet opportunity-filled world that is Jewish communal life.

Applicants must have completed their sophomore year of college and have one year of their undergraduate program remaining after the upcoming academic year. Those who are not in a classic four-year program, should have between one and three semesters left on campus after the semester with The Nachshon Project. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered.

HOW DO I APPLY TO THE UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP?
The application for The Nachshon Project is open through mid-October each year (for rising juniors). Relevant candidates are invited to participate in virtual interviews with the program directors.

Acceptance to The Nachshon Project is subject to acceptance by the Rothberg International School of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, which individuals must apply to on their own.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
The Nachshon Project covers tuition for all fellows for the spring semester at the Hebrew University and all supplementary program costs, such as Shabbatonim and special events. Fellows are responsible for their own airfare, Ulpan and registration fees, and room and board. Fellows are also responsible for additional fees that may be charged by their respective home universities.

Needs-based scholarships are available to cover these additional expenses for those who qualify.

WHAT ARE THE DATES OF THE PROGRAM?
Application deadline
: October 15th
Acceptances sent out: November 15th
Arrival in Israel for The Nachshon Project Opening Conference: late-January
Semester at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Attend classes at the Rothberg International School, while partaking in weekly Nachshon Project programming and monthly Shabbatonim): February through end-of-May
Finals at the Rothberg International School: First week of June (approximate)
Annual Fall Conference (US-based): November

WILL THE PROGRAM CONSIDER MY RELIGIOUS AND PERSONAL NEEDS?
Yes. Fellows live in their own dormitories on campus or in student apartments throughout the city. Jerusalem provides a variety of religious opportunities from which the fellows can choose. On Shabbatonim, The Nachshon Project provides a Shomer Shabbat/Kosher environment while not obligating fellows to participate in services.

IS ATTENDING JEWISH SUMMER CAMP A REQUIREMENT OF THE PROGRAM?
No. Candidates do not have to have attended Jewish summer camp in order to apply, and fellows are not required to go to camp the summer following the semester in Israel.

However, fellows are encouraged to work at Jewish summer camp after their semester in Israel and to contribute to the camp’s Israel education efforts. Those who do so receive a $1,500 stipend from The Nachshon Project on top of their camp salaries.

ARE FELLOWS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY IN JERUSALEM?
Nachshon Project Fellows must be enrolled as full-time students at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem for the Spring semester.

WHO DO I CONTACT WITH ANY QUESTIONS RELATING TO COURSES AT HEBREW U, CREDIT TRANSFERS, DORMS, AND HEALTH INSURANCE?
For questions about courses and credits, contact Roit Lavi at ronitla@savion.huji.ac.il.

For questions about dorms, health insurance, and all other Hebrew U/Rothberg related inquiries, contact: HebrewU@hebrewu.org.

CAN I TAKE TIME OFF BETWEEN GRADUATING COLLEGE AND BEGINNING GRADUATE SCHOOL?
Upon graduation, fellows may take up to three years to develop their professional and/or academic skills through internships and Jewish learning programs, before applying for the Graduate Fellowship. Fellows may be eligible for up to $15,000 to fund year-long unpaid internships or learning programs.

WHAT IS THE GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP?
Fellows who continue on to graduate degrees that prepare them for professional careers in the Jewish community apply for The Nachshon Project Graduate Fellowship. Graduate Fellows are granted $30,000 per year for the duration of their studies, pursuant to program requirements. The Graduate Fellowship provides fellows with tools, skills, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in their future careers as Jewish professionals.