Entwine Insider Trips are made up of diverse groups of young professionals or college students from across the United States, United Kingdom, and around the world. Our participants come from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and experiences.  We look for participants who are interested in learning about and taking action on global Jewish and humanitarian issues and are excited to participate in a group travel experience.

Participants on Insider Trips connect and build relationships with their fellow participants and peers overseas, learn about the opportunities and challenges facing global communities and the role of JDC in responding to these needs, and, upon returning home, engage in advocacy for global Jewish and humanitarian needs. Throughout Insider Trips, there will be moments for the full group to take part in facilitated conversations around global Jewish responsibility. These conversations tend to be among the highlights of our trips!

The application asks for information about your activities/volunteer experience, current employment, as well as a few short essay questions. Additionally, we’ll ask a few identity based questions. We see Jewishness as expansive and seek to create Jewish space that is courageous, equitable, and inclusive. Learn more about Equity at Entwine. A select number of applicants will be invited for a conversation within one month following the application deadline. Trip interviews are conducted via Zoom with an Entwine staff member and last between 10 and 15 minutes.

All participants will be notified of acceptance within one month of the application deadline. If selected, you will have approximately one week to confirm your participation and pay the non-refundable trip deposit.

Unless otherwise noted, included in the participation fee is local transportation, meals, hotel accommodations (note: double occupancy rooms are provided; participants may elect to stay in single rooms for an additional fee and subject to availability), briefings, tours, leisure activities, and medical and emergency evacuation insurance. Not included in the participation fee are items of a personal nature such as souvenirs and extra snacks and drinks, roundtrip airfare (unless otherwise stated), additional travel insurance.

Insider Trips participation fees are highly subsidized in order to provide greater access and opportunity for participation (the average actual cost of an Insider Trip is estimated at $4,500/person). If additional financial help is needed in order to participate, we provide assistance, whenever possible, by connecting participants with funding opportunities in their local communities. While we cannot guarantee that funds will be available from other funding sources, we are happy to help facilitate these connections. Please reference the JDC Entwine Participant Fundraising Guide for useful information on raising additional funds for your trip, including recommendations on local organizations to reach out to and tips on creating a crowd-sourcing page.

A non-refundable deposit is due within one week of acceptance and is required to confirm your participation and reserve your spot on the trip. If applicable, the remainder of the participation fee is typically due two months before the trip departure date. Cancellation after the submission of final payment may result in a loss of the entire payment. No refunds will be made within seven days of departure.

No. Participation fees are payments, not donations, and therefore do not qualify as tax deductible.

In general, meals are kosher-style. Should participants require strictly kosher food, they should indicate this on their participation form. When available, JDC staff will try to accommodate as best as possible. In some locations, certified kosher food may not be available, in which case, alternate arrangements can be made. JDC Entwine Insider Trips are pluralistic and designed for all levels of Jewish observance; travel is not required on Shabbat. When possible, Shabbat is spent with the local Jewish community and local traditions/practices are observed. A variety of options are given throughout the day on Shabbat (for example, attending synagogue, free time, walking tour, etc.).

Select trips may require a group flight for North American-based participants. If this is the case, participants must travel to the trip location on the group flight. Depending on airline rules, participants may receive frequent flyer miles for these flights and, if desired, may be able to upgrade their tickets for an additional cost. Limited trip extension may be available pending airline regulations. Participants coming from locations other than North America will book their own travel to the trip location in coordination with JDC Entwine staff. If there is no group flight, all participants will be responsible for booking their own travel to and from the trip location. Parameters will be given in your acceptance letter regarding arrival and departure times.

The JDC is the leading Jewish humanitarian organization, operating in over 70 countries, with more than 100 years of experience and longstanding relationships around the world. The organization does as much as possible to ascertain and ensure the safety of staff and participants traveling with the JDC. Locations for travel are based on an assessment that they meet high levels of safety and security. JDC’s Global Security team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and adjusts instructions and activities as necessary. Security guidelines are shared with the group before departure and participants will receive a comprehensive security briefing by local staff upon arrival to their trip location. All participants are required to share emergency contact information with JDC Entwine. Additionally, JDC Entwine staff always travel with an international cell phone, should participants need to reach loved ones or vice versa.

To protect the privacy of JDC Entwine’s participants, we do not share names and contact information with people who are not confirmed on the trip. Upon confirming your participation, you will receive a formal welcome email where you will be introduced to your fellow travelers and we encourage you to interact with one another and coordinate travel. To protect the privacy of JDC Entwine’s alumni, we also do not connect past trip participants with applicants. We would be happy to connect you with a member of the Entwine Engagement team to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding the trip. The Engagement team has personal experience participating and leading Insider Trips and will be able to provide additional trip details.

We require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to participate. For any other vaccine requirements or recommendations, we recommend participants visit the CDC website and speak with a travel physician for vaccination suggestions. 

Alumni are welcome to apply to future trips with Entwine! Alumni are encouraged to get involved in local Entwine programming, host DIY programs, and other alumni opportunities. Check out the ways you can Take Action here.

We follow the rules and regulations set forth by the local governing body in the particular country of travel, subject to last minute adjustments and Entwine’s own requirements. While many countries have cancelled requiring proof of vaccination and/or COVID-19 testing or health screening prior to entry, these are subject to change at any moment.

Entwine requires all participants submit a negative antigen test within 48 hours of trip start time in order to participate in the trip.

Entwine will share helpful resources on the most up to date information, though participants will need to arrange for any COVID-19 related requirements for their trip and will be responsible for those associated costs.

Currently, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements to enter the United States. In case of changes to this policy or requirements to enter other countries of further travel, Entwine will help arrange any required COVID-19 testing. Participants will be responsible for the costs of testing for return to the United States/home country/next country of travel if required and assume the risk of testing positive while overseas and its associated costs.

The safety and well-being of our participants has always been our highest priority. Interactions with local community members, institutions and site visits will be in locations that have been approved by our global security team and local experts. Due to evolving circumstances, we may need to make necessary adjustments to program itineraries to uphold our commitment to this safety while still maintaining the high-level, “insider” immersive experience you are used to.

Upon checking into the hotel upon arrival to the destination country, Entwine will distribute a pre-trip self-administered antigen test that participants must take and submit results to their group leader before the group gathers for the first meeting and on any other days as determined by JDC staff.

At the current time, most countries have cancelled or suspended COVID testing and quarantine requirements on arrival. Entwine closely monitors these requirements and will notify participants of any changes during the pre-departure preparation process.

Entwine maintains a robust set of protocols if a participant tests positive during an Insider Trip, including isolating the participant and organizing room service meals and doctor appointments, notifying local community members the group interacted with and adjusting the itinerary as needed, among other steps.

Included in your participation fee is international health and evacuation insurance. This covers any emergency doctor visits, hospital stays, and medically necessary claims related to infectious diseases and medical conditions per the terms of the health plan. Accordingly, your plan will provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 to the same extent as it would for any other unexpected medical condition, up to $500.

Travel and cancellation insurance is not included in the participation fee. Entwine requires all participants to acquire comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the cost of COVID-19-related travel extensions if a participant tests positive and has related expenses (hotel stay, food during quarantine, flight change fees, cancellation, etc.). It is required that this insurance cover up to the full cost of the trip, or $4,500 USD.

We strive to be as transparent as possible in all matters related to travel adjustments. The safety and security of our participants is of the utmost importance to us and we recognize that COVID-19 outbreaks and travel restrictions are constantly in flux. Should we deem it necessary to cancel a trip due to safety or health concerns, participants will be refunded in full for their program participation fees.

Please note that any payments made to third party providers such as airlines or independent hotel stays outside of the participation fee are the sole responsibility of the participant and obtaining your own travel insurance to cover these expenses is required.

Travel always assumes some risks and while we do our best to accommodate participants in all circumstances, should you need to cancel your participation after the refundable deposit period, you will be subject to JDC Entwine’s cancellation policy. We will do our best to reimburse any funds we are able to recoup as a result of your cancellation, which may result in partial or no refund depending on the timing of your withdrawal. Please note that any payments made to third party providers such as airlines or independent hotel stays outside of the participation fee are the sole responsibility of the participant and obtaining your own travel insurance to cover these expenses is required.

For Entwine’s full Insider Trip COVID-19 Protocol, see here.

JSC Fellows are emerging and rising young leaders in their 20s and 30s who have demonstrated interest in public service or humanitarian work and global Jewish causes. Successful candidates are independent, mature, and flexible. They have a sense of adventure, balance humility with curiosity and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. They have some work experience and a college degree or equivalent. Knowledge of foreign language(s), such as Russian or Hebrew, and Jewish education is a plus, but not a requirement.

 

Qualifications for the JSC Fellowship include:

• College degree or equivalent and proven academic achievement. 
• Strong leadership, communication skills, adaptability, flexibility, and capacity to work independently.
• Knowledge of other languages is valuable in many placements. 

Applicants receive status update | February 12, 2025
Group Interview Days (Virtual) | February 25-26, 2025
Applicants receive status update | March 3, 2025
Field Interviews | March 3-20, 2025
Applicants notified on FINAL status | April 3, 2025
Fellows confirmed | April 10, 2025

The JSC selection process is rigorous and designed to identify the top candidates depending on the number of placements available. A complex matching process encompassing several interviews ensures that each placement is filled by a candidate with the necessary qualities, skills, and talent to have a successful JSC experience.

Note that certain placements may require Israeli or European citizenship due to visa and employment requirements. 

The JSC Fellowship is a paid opportunity. Fellows receive a monthly stipend to offset the cost of living in their placement location; these stipends vary based on the cost of living in each location, as follows:

 

$450-600 for placements in India and Rwanda (as well as fully subsidized housing)
$550-800 for placements in Europe (as well as fully subsidized housing)
$1700+ for placements in Israel (where a housing allowance is included in the stipend)

Medical and emergency evacuation insurance is provided, as well as any international travel to and from the field and other items related to visas and vaccination requirements depending on the placement country. The fellowship also includes paid time off (vacation and sick time) in accordance with the employment regulations in each placement location. In general, fellows receive 10 vacation days per 6-month period and 10 sick days to be used during the year. Included in the program are also three in-person seminars and a stipend for professional development.

1. The JSC Fellowship begins with an Orientation for selected JSC Fellows at JDC’s Headquarters in New York. Orientation typically takes place over the course of four days at the beginning of fall.

 

2. Most JSC placements begin shortly after orientation.

3. JSC Fellows gather in Israel or another location for a Mid-Year Leadership and Training Seminar.

5. The JSC Fellowship year ends with a Closing Seminar in July and placements end shortly after.

6. While JSC Fellows are placed around the world, the JSC Fellowship is managed by JDC Entwine. JSC Fellows receive supervision and ongoing support throughout the year from JDC Entwine staff, as well as field supervisors who may be based in the fellows’ country of service or in another overseas location.

JDC works in over 70 countries around the world. In recent years, Fellows have served in locations like Hungary, Israel, Poland, Rwanda, Budapest, and more!.

 

Upcoming 2025-2026 JSC placements will include:

JDC works in over 70 countries around the world. RIG placements are based on an individual fellow’s strengths, background and preferences. Previously, RIG Fellows have served in locations including Georgia, Ethiopia, India, Israel, Hungary, Nepal and Ukraine. Typically, RIG Fellows will serve in two or three different country assignments during the fellowship year.

We seek passionate and rising young leaders, who have demonstrated interest or experience as professionals or lay leaders, in the Jewish community and who care deeply about global Jewry, and are committed to making the world a better place. 

The 2025 RIG Fellowship begins in January 2025 with an orientation and 2-3 placements with JDC Departments. The Fellowship will conclude in December 2025. 

Candidates should be rising young leaders with demonstrated interest and or experience as professionals or lay leaders in the Jewish community, have professional achievement in their chosen career, exceptional leadership and communication skills, strong interest in international Jewish affairs and public service. The following are not required but a plus: masters or higher education degree, knowledge of foreign language(s), formal and/or informal Jewish education. Candidates must also be able to travel full time throughout the year, often with short notice.  

The Fellowship is a paid, professional opportunity. RIG Fellows receive comprehensive health insurance and a generous monthly stipend to cover their living expenses, such as rent and day-to-day needs. Travel expenses, including airfare to orientation and international placements, visas fees etc. are covered by the organization.  

The RIG application includes educational  and Jewish community involvement, short personal essay, and 90-second video.
If you advance to the semi-finalist interview round, you’ll also need to submit two letters of recommendation from references.

• July 7 – Application Closes 
• July 22 – Notification of Application Status 
• July 29 to August 2 – Virtual Interviews  
• August 7 – Notification of Application Status 
• September 9 to 12– Semi-Finalist & Finalist Interviews held virtually 
• September 12 – RIG Fellow Announced

There is no set age for the Fellowship. We look for candidates that have an advanced degree or those with equivalent experience, maturity, and commitment. 

No. We accept applicants of all nationalities and urge everyone to apply. We have former RIG fellows from Israel, Argentina and the Former Soviet Union. 

The Fellowship is open to applicants with spouses and children; however, JDC only covers costs associated with the individual RIG Fellow accepted to the program. A RIG Fellow may choose to relocate with his/her spouse or family, likely two – three times throughout the year, and the RIG fellow is responsible for any costs (such as flights, etc.) for family members should they choose to join the Fellow in field placement locations. In the past, RIG Fellows have chosen both to travel to their placements with and without their families. 

Your application should be filled out in English.

All recommendations must be submitted in English. If your recommender does not speak English, it will be your responsibility to have it officially translated and submitted in English.  

All components of the RIG application are due by July 7, 2024.

We would be happy to schedule a time to speak with you further! Please contact us to coordinate. We look forward to speaking soon!