Frequently Asked Questions

The Birthright Israel Excel fellowship is for outstanding college students across the world who seek a fast-paced, demanding and intellectually stimulating experience that develops the next generation of Jewish business leaders. 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.

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 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. To be eligible for Birthright Israel Excel, you must be considered Jewish by one of the recognized Jewish denominations. You must not be exclusively practicing another religion, and you also need to have at least one Jewish parent who identifies as such. You may also be eligible if you are a Jew by Choice through conversion to Judaism (documentation will be requested). Please note that final eligibility for Birthright Israel Excel is only determined after you complete the full application process and is subject to change. If your Jewish story feels complicated and you have questions about your Jewish eligibility, or if you practice another religion, or if you are adopted, we take these cases seriously and prefer to talk to you 1 on 1. Please reach out to us at: hello@birthrightexcel.com. *Birthright Israel recognizes the following denominations: Reform Reconstructionist Conservative Orthodox Sephardic

Interested students must complete the online Excel Fellowship application accessible through the APPLY button on top of the Excel site home page. The submission must include a resume, responses to three short-answer questions, a video, and latest transcript. Early applicants are required to submit ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS by September 29th. Alternatively, applicants are permitted to initially submit their application without the short-answer responses and video. For those who don't submit these materials with their application, the admissions team will inform candidates within approximately two weeks whether they should complete these remaining items. Once all application materials are submitted, selected candidates will be offered a first-round interview which will be conducted by Excel Fellows who have graduated from college. From there, selected applicants are selected for a second-round (final) interview, which is led by the Excel Admissions Team. Candidates selected for an interview will be notified via email. We encourage applicants to regularly check their spam before reaching out to the Excel team. Candidates selected for the Excel Fellowship will be notified by email on December 11th and will need to accept the offer of admission within one week following the offer date. Please direct your questions via email to hello@birthrightexcel.com. Israelis based in Israel who are interested in applying to become an Israeli Excel Fellow should visit the Excel Israel site: https://taglitisrael.co.il/excel

Typically, depending on the year, 60-80 participants are selected; 2/3 from the US and 1/3rd from international countries, each of whom are paired with an Israeli Excel Fellow.

There is an early application deadline of September 29th by 11:59pm ET. Application submissions after September 29th will be on rolling admission. There is a significant advantage to submit your application by the early deadline of September 29th.

Interested students must complete the online Excel Fellowship application accessible through the APPLY button on top of the Excel site home page. Early Application Submission If submitting a fully completed application for summer 2026 by the early application date of September 29th (by 11:59pm ET), applicants will be notified of their admission status on December 11th. The majority of spots will be filled from the early admission pool. Applicants who initially submit without responses to the three short-answer questions, video, and most recent transcript will be notified within two weeks whether they should proceed to submit the short-answers, video, and most recent transcript, or if they will not be advancing in the admissions process. Applicants who submit a fully completed application with responses to the three short-answer questions and a video by September 29th will be notified within a few weeks of submission whether they are selected for a first-round interview. Applicants selected for a first-round interview should expect to hear back if they are selected for a second-round (final) interview within three weeks of their first 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. Rolling Admission After September 29th, the admissions process will move to rolling admission for the remaining spots. Interview consideration is only given following the submission of the three short-answer responses, video, and most recent transcript. Applicants who initially submit an application without responses to the three short-answer questions, video, and most recent transcript, will be notified within approximately two weeks whether they should proceed to submit the short-answer responses, video, and most recent transcript or if they will not be advancing in the admissions process. Students who submit their completed application after September 29th will receive admissions process updates. Decisions on applicants who are part of rolling admission will be released after decisions for early applicants (those who submit their full application by September 29th). Admissions Offer and Questions Candidates selected for the Excel Fellowship who submitted their full application by the early deadline of September 29th will be notified by email on December 11th; those students will need to accept the offer of admission within one week following the offer date. Please direct your questions via email to hello@birthrightexcel.com. Israelis based in Israel who are interested in applying to become an Israeli Excel Fellow should visit the Excel Israel site: https://taglitisrael.co.il/excel

For those who submit their application by the early due date, end of day September 29th (11:59pm ET), admission decisions will be shared on Thursday, December 11th, 2025. Notifications for applications submitted after September 29th will be on a rolling basis.

No. The internships and all activities are all conducted in English.

To be eligible for Birthright Israel Excel, you must be considered Jewish by one of the recognized Jewish denominations. You must not be exclusively practicing another religion, and you also need to have at least one Jewish parent who identifies as such. You may also be eligible if you are a Jew by Choice through conversion to Judaism (documentation will be requested). Please note that final eligibility for Birthright Israel Excel is only determined after you complete the full application process and is subject to change. If your Jewish story feels complicated and you have questions about your Jewish eligibility, or if you practice another religion, or if you are adopted, we take these cases seriously and prefer to talk to you 1 on 1. Please reach out to us at: hello@birthrightexcel.com. *Birthright Israel recognizes the following denominations: Reform Reconstructionist Conservative Orthodox Sephardic

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, 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.

Yes.

Yes. Prior Israel experience does not affect your eligibility for the Excel Fellowship. However, students who have previously completed an internship in Israel should explain in their application materials what they hope to accomplish and contribute through this additional internship, and also express ways they believe they will add to the Excel community and the greater Jewish community as lifelong Excel Fellows.

Yes. However, students who have previously completed an internship in Israel should explain in their application materials what they hope to accomplish and contribute through this additional internship, and also express ways they believe they will add to the Excel community and the greater Jewish community as lifelong Excel Fellows.  

The summer 2026 program dates: Start: Monday, June 8th at 5pm Israel time End: Thursday, August 6th at 8pm Israel time  

Each Excel 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 help you acclimate 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Excel Fellows attend a speaker series with distinguished Israeli leaders to broaden their understanding of Israeli society: business, technology/innovation, government, media, culinary and other arts, Jewish identity, Israeli diversity, current events, and the global economy. The speaker series takes place approximately 2-3 evenings per week. Participation is mandatory. Travel: Excel Fellows travel as a cohort along with staff 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 are 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 1:1 with an Israeli peer. Together, they explore their views about personal, religious, and political identities and ideologies. You can view a sample calendar for the summer HERE

Yes. You can view one HERE

To be eligible for Birthright Israel Excel, you must be considered Jewish by one of the recognized Jewish denominations. You must not be exclusively practicing another religion, and you also need to have at least one Jewish parent who identifies as such. You may also be eligible if you are a Jew by Choice through conversion to Judaism (documentation will be requested). Please note that final eligibility for Birthright Israel Excel is only determined after you complete the full application process and is subject to change. If your Jewish story feels complicated and you have questions about your Jewish eligibility, or if you practice another religion, or if you are adopted, we take these cases seriously and prefer to talk to you 1 on 1. Please reach out to us at: hello@birthrightexcel.com. *Birthright Israel recognizes the following denominations: Reform Reconstructionist Conservative Orthodox Sephardic

Email us at: hello@birthrightexcel.com and someone from our staff will respond promptly.

You can view a prior Summit agenda HERE

Birthright Israel Excel began in 2011. The Excel Community (alumni of the summer program in Israel) is now made up of 1.5K+ 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, mentoring, and beyond.

The Excel Community provides: Countless networking events across industries such as consulting, finance, consulting, 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 Interfacing with C-Suite executives of prestigious companies Jewish identity experiences such as Shabbat dinners, and interfacing with Jewish thought leaders

After completing the summer program, we anticipate that you will become an active member of our global community, taking part in some of the 100+ activities, events, and initiatives available to you annually. It's expected that following the summer program in Israel, Excel Fellows take on roles as Excel On-Campus or Regional Reps to help recruit applicants for the following summer — spreading knowledge and passion about the Excel Fellowship with those on your college campuses and in your broader networks. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, however guests are not permitted to stay in the housing 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.

No. Participants are asked not to leave Israel for the duration of the program unless special permission is granted.

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, 2027) 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

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.

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.

Yes. A key component of the summer experience is engaging with Israelis of the same age, most of whom are 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.

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

Throughout your stay in Israel there are multiple 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.

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.