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1. What is the Excel Fellowship?
Excel is a highly selective business fellowship for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year college students across the world. For applicants from the southern hemisphere and those from Germany, eligibility extends up until a year after graduating with an undergraduate degree. The fellowship begins with an immersive, summer professional internship in Israel with Fortune 500 companies and startups. It is for highly accomplished Jewish college students who are pursuing careers across a wide spectrum of industries within business and/or technology. Each Excel Fellow embarks on an in-depth professional internship choosing among a wide selection of industries: biotech business development, consulting, engineering, ESG, finance, marketing, computer science — including cyber technology, software development, startups, and venture capital. Internships run during the Israeli work week, Sundays-Thursdays and each Excel Fellow is appointed a mentor at the company where they will intern. The mentor serves as both a supervisor and someone who helps introduce Israeli business culture. Often times, mentors and Excel Fellows form a relationship that extends well beyond the summer. We take particular pride in several mentors/fellows collaborating on business endeavors.
2. Who is the target audience for this program?
The Birthright Israel Excel program is a fast-paced, demanding and intellectually stimulating fellowship designed to develop the next generation of Jewish business leaders. Birthright Israel Excel Fellows come to Israel to intern at Israeli companies -- some global companies with offices in Israel -- with a keen interest to pursue careers in business or technology. We look for candidates with excellent quantitative, analytical and communication skills. Candidates should be hard working, adaptable, able to manage projects independently and ready to assume a high level of responsibility as a member of a team. Candidates must demonstrate academic strength with a minimum 3.2 GPA, strong SAT/ACT scores (for US applicants who submitted test scores with their college applications), demonstrated leadership skills and a high energy level.
3. Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to all Jewish young adults who are currently college sophomores (2nd year), juniors (3rd year) or seniors (4th year) and for those from the southern hemisphere or Germany, up to one year after completing an undergraduate degree. Those graduating must be committed to graduate programs or full-time employment in the fall after graduation. Students who attend university full time at an Israel based university are not eligible for the global Birthright Israel Excel fellowship. Students should be pursuing a well-rounded academic background with relevant coursework related to their desired internships. Candidates must demonstrate academic strength. U.S applicants are required to have a minimum 3.2 GPA (or equivalent for international students), strong standardized test scores (if applicable), demonstrated leadership skills, and a high energy level. Eligible individuals are those who identify as Jewish and have at least one Jewish parent or have completed Jewish conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination.
4. When is the application deadline?
Application decisions for Summer 2025 will be made based on two application submission dates: Early application submission — by end of day, October 1st. Applicants who submit a completed application with essay and video by October 1st will be notified within two weeks of submission whether they are being granted a first-round interview. Applicants who submit an application without essay and video by October 1st will be notified within two weeks of submission whether they should proceed with submitting an essay and video. However, after October 1st, the earlier applicants submit the essay/video, the better chance they have to be selected for an interview. Interview consideration is only given following the essay and video submission. Application status notifications are targeted for email communication approximately two weeks after a first-round interview. The email will indicate whether the applicant is invited to a second-round (final) interview or will not be continuing in the admission process. As of October 2nd, the Birthright Israel Excel Fellowship application will operate on rolling admission — limited spots remain. After submitting an application to the Excel Fellowship on or after October 2nd (including essay and video), we are targeting a month when applicants will be notified by email whether or not they have been selected for a first-round interview. Those who submit their application initially without the essay and video, will be informed within two weeks whether they should proceed with submitting essay and video. Interview consideration is only given following the essay and video submission. Applicants selected for a first round interview will typically be informed within a month whether they have been selected for a second (final) interview with the admissions team.
5. What is the application process?
Interested students must complete the online Excel Fellowship application. Application includes submission of a resume, essay, video, and unofficial transcript. For those who don't submit the essay and video with their initial application, the admissions team will inform candidates within two weeks whether they should submit an essay and video. We will be reviewing applications and requesting these items from those candidates who we would like to continue to move through the application process. The application is accessible online through the APPLY NOW button on the top right of the home page. Once all application materials are submitted, selected candidates will be offered a first-round interview which is conducted by Excel Fellows who have graduated from college. From there, selected applicants are given a second-round interview, which is led by the Excel Admissions Team. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified via email. Candidates who are selected for the Excel Fellowship will be notified by email and asked to accept one week following the offer date. Please direct your questions via email to hello@birthrightexcel.com. Israeli students interested in applying to become an Israeli Fellow should see the Israeli applicants section of the FAQs.
6. How many participants will be selected for the program?
Approximately 44 participants from the US and 20 from international countries, each of whom are paired with an Israeli participant.
7. Am I more likely to be accepted to the program if I apply early in the application process?
There is an early application deadline of 10/1 and then for submissions on 10/2 and after, rolling admission. There is an advantage to submit your application by the early deadline of October 1st.
8. When will I learn if I am accepted to the program?
For those who submit their application by the early due date, end of day October 1st, admission decisions will be shared by Thursday, December 5th, 2024. Notifications for applications submitted after 10/1 will be on a rolling basis.
9. Do applicants need to speak Hebrew over the summer?
No. The internships and all activities are all conducted in English.
10. Can I apply to both Birthright Israel and the Birthright Israel Excel Program?
Yes, you may apply to both programs and we encourage you to do so, however, if you are accepted to both you must participate on the Birthright Israel trip before the departure of the Excel Fellowship. Once you have participated in the Excel Fellowship program, you are no longer eligible for a Birthright Israel trip. You still have the opportunity to staff Birthright Israel 10-day trips upon your return to the US.
11. Can individuals who have previously joined Birthright Israel trips apply for the program?
Yes.
12. I have been to Israel before. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. Prior Israel experience does not affect your eligibility for the Excel Fellowship.
13. I have had an internship in Israel through another program in the past. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes.
14. What are the exact dates of the program?
Summer 2025 program dates: Program begins in Tel Aviv in the late afternoon of June 9th. Program ends the evening of August 7th. Check out from living accommodations can be on August 8th or 9th.
15. What is the cost of the program?
The majority of costs are covered by the generous donors supporting the Excel Fellowship. These covered costs include double occupancy, dorm-style rooms in Tel Aviv, daily breakfast and dinner, and lunch subsidized by the companies during the Israeli work week. Security Deposit – In order to participate in the Program, you will be required to provide Birthright Israel with a security deposit of Five Hundred Dollars ($500). This Security Deposit is required whether or not you are approved for Financial Aid. Of the total Security Deposit: Two Hundred Dollars ($200) represents a payment to help support the Program and is non-refundable (the “Program Payment”); and Three Hundred Dollars ($300) represents a portion that you may select to have returned to you or donated to the Program (the “Refundable Payment”). Participants are responsible for organizing and paying for their roundtrip air travel to Israel. Financial aid is available for those who provide a written request and is determined based on whether the participant receives financial aid at their collegiate institution.
16. Which companies are participating in the program?
Please refer to the Internships page on the site for a sampling of our participating companies. There may be additional companies and positions added during the year. If accepted to the fellowship, the placement coordinator will have one-on-one discussions with you to match you with a particular company.
17. Will the applicant be able to select the company for which he or she is interning?
Extensive conversations will be held with each accepted applicant to determine the best fit for the Fellow and the participating companies alike, but staff cannot guarantee a specific request. Students will be matched with companies based on professional and industry interests, previous work experience, university coursework, and workplace environment preferences. Preferences for industry and specific internships are strongly taken into account in determining placements. Our goal is for each Excel Fellow to be excited with their placement.
18. How will Excel fellows be acclimated to their workplace?
Each fellow will be mentored by seasoned business professionals within the company at which they are interning, who will oversee your work assignments, keep track of your progress, answer questions, and acclimate you to the Israeli workplace. The ongoing mentorship will additionally provide personal and professional guidance throughout the summer, answering not only job related questions but providing career and personal advice. In addition, we maintain full time staff members to address any questions and needs that may arise during your internship.
19. How will I spend my time as an Excel participant?
Internship: Each Excel Fellow interns at a prominent Israeli company. Interns are expected to work 5 days (Sunday through Thursday) for a minimum of 40 hours a week. Fellowship: Excel Fellows attend leadership seminars with distinguished Israeli leaders in order to broaden their understanding of Israeli society: business, technology/innovation, government, culinary and other arts, Jewish identity, Israeli diversity, current events, and the global economy. These meetings take place during the day on Fridays and during weeknight evening hours (approximately 2-3 days during the week). Participation in these programs is mandatory. Travel: Excel Fellows travel throughout Israel on three weekends. Israeli Fellow Connections: A key component of the summer experience is engaging with Israelis of the same age, most of whom or studying in areas of similar interest or are serving in the Israel Defense Forces. This is an opportunity to get to know Israel through its people. Each fellow is matched with an Israeli partner. Together, these peers explore their views about personal, religious, and political identities and ideologies. You can view a sample calendar for the summer HERE
20. Is there a sample schedule for the summer?
Yes. You can view one HERE
21. Is this a religious program?
You may apply for the Excel Fellowship regardless of your Jewish background or affiliation, however you must be Jewish to apply -- if you have at least one Jewish parent, you are qualified to apply. Although Excel does not provide a religious environment, all organized programming taking place on Shabbat will be appropriate for observant participants.
22. Do my political views affect my eligibiity?
Not at all. We don't ask applicants to share their political views. The Excel Fellowship is for young Jewish adults from around the globe. That being said, during the summer program, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss historical and current events in an organized and educational setting.
23. My parents are intermarried, but I identify as Jewish, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes. Eligible individuals are those who identify as Jewish and are recognized as such by their local community or by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism. Applicants must also have at least one Jewish parent or have completed Jewish conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination.
24. Do I need to have a COVID vaccine to participate in Excel?
Please review the current instructions for entering Israel for non-Israelis. Those with an Israeli passport can toggle to the relevant section for their entry requirements.
1. How will I commute to work?
Most participants take public transportation to and from work. There is also the opportunity to ride a bicycle if that is your preferred means of transportation.
2. Will there be free time to plan my own activities in the evenings and on weekends?
Yes. You will have free time many evenings after work and on identified weekends, however all Birthright Israel Excel Fellows must participate in all programmed evening meetings and activities. Schedules are always subject to change and the Excel Fellow must remain flexible to such changes at all times.
3. Will touring Israel as a group be a part of the program?
Excel Fellows travel as a group during the three trip weekends within Israel. Participants who have not been to Israel in the past may choose to supplement these trips with additional site seeing on their own either before, during, or after the Excel program.
4. Am I allowed to invite friends or relatives to visit me during the program?
Yes, however guests are not permitted to stay in the dorms provided by the program and you will still be required to attend all program activities during such visits. Guests are not permitted to attend group activities.
5. Am I allowed to leave Israel during the program?
No. Participants are asked not to leave Israel for the duration of the program unless special permission is granted.
6. What do I need to bring with me?
We will send you a complete recommended packing list prior to the start of the program, but we expect Birthright Israel Excel Fellows to bring the following items: A valid passport (expiring no earlier than March 1, 2026) Two copies of a passport-sized photo of yourself Business casual attire Personal laptop Proof of medical insurance valid in Israel Spending money for personal activities
7. Will I be able to arrive in Israel early or extend my stay beyond the program?
Yes, however please note that if you arrive early or extend your stay you are responsible for your own accommodations and health insurance coverage outside of the program dates.
8. What will the living arrangements be like in Israel?
Participants are housed in double occupancy dorm-style room in Tel Aviv with dedicated spaces for meals and an outdoor courtyard where Excel Fellows can gather during free time. All Birthright Israel Excel Fellows are housed in the same location in order to create opportunities for community building.
9. What if I get sick in Israel? Do I need health insurance? What about Travel Insurance?
Birthright Israel Excel will provide medical insurance which covers most medical concerns throughout your participation on the program. It will not cover pre-existing conditions and will only be effective with proof of coverage from your local medical insurance. If you are not insured on your own (or if your local insurance policy does not cover you in Israel), then you need to arrange for an insurance policy that is valid in Israel. In addition, you may want to purchase travel insurance that covers the following: Insurance in case your connecting flight is delayed or canceled Insurance in case you need to cancel the trip due to a family medical emergency Insurance in case your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen
10. What safety guidelines are followed by Birthright Israel Excel while in Israel?
We are constantly reviewing all security measures and implement the most stringent security measures throughout your trip to ensure that we provide a comprehensive safety umbrella.
11. Who do I turn to if I have questions during my stay in Israel?
Throughout your stay in Israel there are three Madrichim (program counselors) available to answer any questions regarding daily life in Israel. Additionally, Birthright Israel Excel has a full-time team in Israel who are available for all matters related to your needs during the program (professional and personal). You should feel comfortable approaching your mentor at work or others in the program for appropriate professional and social matters.
12. Will participants have interaction with young Israelis? What is an Israeli participant's role in the program?
Yes. A key component of the summer experience is engaging with Israelis of the same age, most of whom or studying in areas of similar interest or are serving as Officers in the Israel Defense Forces. This is an opportunity to get to know Israel through an authentic lens. Each fellow is matched with an Israeli peer Excel Fellow. While the Israeli Fellows don't participate in the internship experience, they are part of all other aspects of the Excel summer program and the lifelong Excel community. Together, these peers explore their views about personal, religious, and political identities and ideologies.
1. What is the Birthright Excel Community?
Birthright Israel Excel began in 2011. The Excel Community (alumni of the summer program in Israel) is now made up of 1K+ Excel Fellows from the US, Israel and several other countries. Excel Fellows participate in many activities and initiatives in their home area as well as on a global level, as feasible. Excel provides resources and guidance to ensure Excel Fellows thrive through professional development, social impact, Jewish identity, career networking and mentoring, and beyond.
2. What are some of the opportunities that Fellows have as members of the community?
The Excel Community provides: Countless networking events across industries such as consulting, finance, global health, marketing, technology, and venture capital Mentorship between mid-career Excel Fellows and those beginning their post collegiate careers Professional development sessions such as Advanced Microsoft Excel, Media/Press Coaching Microgrants for social impact initiatives, Jewish identity experiences such as Shabbat dinners, and interfacing with Jewish thought leaders
3. What does Excel expect from me once I complete the program in Israel and What is the Excel Summit?
After completing the summer internship, we anticipate that you will become an active member of our community, taking part in some of the 100+ activities, events, and initiatives available to you annually. As part of the community onboarding process, you will be matched with a mentor from our community, attend a brief onboarding session led by our Global Fellow Leadership Board, participate in a local/virtual cohort reunion, attend events, and ultimately, join us at our annual Summit in NYC. The Summit is a three-day event featuring high level speakers, networking, and socializing, and is a great opportunity to meet members of our worldwide community. Travel expenses and accommodations are covered for your first Summit post-summer.
4. What if I still have questions that were not answered in the FAQs?
Email us at: hello@birthrightexcel.com and someone from our staff will respond promptly.
5. Is there a sample agenda for the annual Global (US/International) Summit?
You can view one HERE
1. What is the Excel Fellowship?
The Excel Fellowship is a highly selective 10-week internship program for young adults worldwide. Each Israeli Excel Fellow is paired with a US or international peer, engaging with distinguished Israeli leaders in business, technology, politics, and philanthropy to explore leadership, innovation, Jewish identity, and teamwork. Participants build meaningful relationships and join an alumni network of over 1,300 motivated individuals working in leading corporations and startups. We are committed to empowering future leaders, making our selection process rigorous and resource-intensive.
2. What are the exact dates of the program?
For summer 2025, the program will run from June 11th through August 13th.
3. Who is the target audience for this program?
The Excel Fellowship for Israeli participants is targeted towards young adults exhibiting strong leadership skills with interest in the tech and business sectors. Israeli participants should be interested in engaging with young Jewish leaders from around the world to form long term bonds within the Jewish community.
4. What is the cost of the program?
All Fellows will be required to provide a 1000NIS deposit which will be refunded upon completion of the program and other post-program obligations. Birthright Israel Excel may offer you the opportunity to voluntarily donate all or part of your deposit to support future programming, however, this decision is made solely at your discretion.
5. What are the commitment requirements for Israeli Excel Fellows?
Fellows are obligated to take part in five mandatory events: Orientation Session (in beginning of May), Opening Seminar, Opening Event, first Group Weekend and Closing Event. In addition, we expect the Israeli Excel Fellows to take part in as many ongoing evening programming events as possible. Out of more than 30 different events during the summer, participants must attend a minimum of 10 events.
6. What is the role of the Israeli Excel Fellows?
The Israeli Excel Fellows are a key component of the Birthright Israel Excel business program. As a Fellow, you will take part in different events, workshops and weekend trips. Most activities take place in the evenings. In addition to organized activities, Israeli Fellows serve as a social bridge to the international participants and help them get to know Israel through its people. Together, Israelis and their peers in the Diaspora explore their views about personal, religious, and political identities and ideologies and form lifelong friendships. You can view a sample calendar for the summer HERE.
7. I see there are trips on the weekends – does Birthright Excel observe Shabbat?
Birthright Israel Excel is a Jewish organization, and as such, all weekend activities observe Shabbat. During our weekend trips, no activity on Saturday will involve driving/using electricity. In addition, we provide only kosher food.
8. Will we be taking trips in Israel as part of the program?
The Birthright Israel Excel Fellows travel as a group to designated sites within Israel. 2 out of the 3 weekend trips will be MANDATORY for Israeli participants.
9. Am I allowed to leave Israel during the program?
No. Participants are asked not to leave Israel for the duration of the program.
10. What does Excel expect from me once I complete the program in Israel?
Attendance at the annual Summit Engagement in Excel community activities Execution of any idea or venture that you have and we can help you achieve Recruit other young adults who exhibit similar qualities to become future business leaders
11. Is there a sample summer program calendar?
Yes. You can view one HERE
12. How is the summer program different than what happens after the summer?
The summer program is an intense 10-week commitment, filled with programming, content and obligations. On the other hand, our community is led by a board of Excel Fellows who create a year-long plan of events, meetups, social impact initiatives and networking options — you can attend as many as you want. The Excel community offers endless opportunities to become the business leader you aspire to be.
13. What if I still have questions that were not answered in the FAQs?
Contact us emailing israel@briexcel.com.
1. Who is eligible to apply?
To participate in the Birthright Israel Excel Fellowship, applicants must be no older than 26 on the day of registration and be either:
1. An active Israeli B.A/BSc student studying a business/tech related degree at a recognized institution.
OR
2. An Officer/NCO of a technological/top unit of the IDF.
OR
3. A bachelor's degree graduate, working in the business/tech fields, in ongoing connection with international entities. From February 3rd-8th, only IDF soldiers are able to apply for summer 2025.
2. What are the criteria for acceptance?
Birthright Excel is a Jewish leadership program. Each applicant will submit an application and be assessed on several criteria, including:
- Demonstrated background and interest in business and/or technology.
- Demonstrated interest in Israeli culture and society.
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and Extracurricular Activities.
- Desire to actively participate in fellowship community for years to come.
- Citizens of Israel
- Fluent in English
3. What are the dates when applications can be submitted?
The application will be accessible online starting from Dec. 1st and will close on Dec 21st.
4. What is the application process?
- The application for Birthright Israel Excel will be accessible online starting from Dec. 1st and will close on Dec 21st.
- Select candidates will be invite to participate in a 1st round interview in January and a 2nd round interview in February.
- Candidates selected for an interview will be notified via email only.
- Accepted candidates will be required to sign a letter of commitment and pay a deposit within two weeks of receiving the acceptance letter.
*** The exact dates of interviews may change due to a high number of applications and extensions granted to military reservists.
5. What does the online application include?
The online application consists of the following:
- Personal information
- Questions related to leadership, business orientation, and connection to Jewish engagement.
- 1-minute video in English
- A resume, a LinkedIn profile, pofessional profile photo, proof of age,and contact information for a recommender (an employer, business partner, commander, etc.)
- Sign a waiver, and commit to the program's mandatory dates.
***Typically, it takes a few days to prepare and submit a strong application.
6. What should I expect from the interview stage?
The first interview will be conducted by a community member, and the second by a program manager (sometimes with a community member). Each interview lasts 15-30 minutes and evaluates your business/leadership orientation, social fit, English skills, and Jewish engagement. You'll be informed via email whether the interview will be in person or on Zoom. Due to a high number of interviews, please be patient. Acceptance or denial emails will be sent to all applicants at the same time.
7. How many participants will be selected for the program?
Out of approximately 700 applicants, 64-80 Fellows will be selected, depending on the number of global fellows accepted into the program. Please note that admission is highly competitive each year.
8. When will I learn if I am accepted to the program?
An email of acceptance will be given during March. The exact date may change due to a high number of applications and extensions granted to military reservists.
9. Can individuals who have previously joined Birthright Israel trips apply for the program?
Yes. Participation on a Birthright Israel 10-day trip does not affect your eligibility for Birthright Israel Excel.
10. What can I do before starting the application?
- Sign up to "Notify Me" (click the 'Notify me' tab)
- Register for one of our zoom info sessions in December (Go to 'Israeli applicants' page and click the 'Information session' tab)
11. How can I contact Excel staff in Israel?
Israeli candidates can email us at Israel@briexcel.com
1. What is the Birthright Excel Community?
Upon completing the summer program, the Birthright Israel Excel Fellows enter the Fellowship stage of the program in the US, international countries and Israel, where their network expands to include leading businesspeople as well as Birthright Israel Excel Fellows from previous classes. Fellows become part of the Birthright Israel Excel community of alumni and mentors who convene and work together towards their mutual goals of Jewish leadership and business growth and development.
2. What are some of the opportunities that Fellows have as members of the community?
Networking opportunities with high level speakers Monthly social activities planned by Excel Fellows Industry-specific informational webinars Annual summit Community and team building initiatives Workshops and lectures on practical skills Grants for conferences and special initiatives
3. Is there a sample itinerary for the annual Israeli Fellows conference?
Yes. You can view one HERE
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