The adventure of a lifetime. The sightseeing, the learning with people from all around the world, the delving knee-deep into a brand new language, a brand new culture. We’ve all heard it. “You should study abroad!” “Studying abroad will be the best decision you ever make!” That all sounds wonderful — but there is only one problem: it’s expensive.
So many students let finances stand in their way of studying abroad. With Jewish study abroad scholarships, you don’t have to worry!
For any student deciding to study abroad, there are many different factors to take into consideration, and many different questions to address. Where will I live? Will I be able to communicate with others? Will I receive credit for classes I take abroad?
However, money often serves as the threshold between staying home and studying abroad. Many students (Jewish students included) are determined to spend a summer interning in Europe but know, for that to happen, they have to find programs that are fully funded, or piece together different scholarships.
Luckily, Jewish study abroad scholarships can help to remedy some of your concerns, and hopefully make your study abroad experience much, much easier. Getting scholarships to go abroad is really possible! Check out some of the awesome Jewish study abroad and intern abroad scholarships below to help you get started on your education abroad journey.
Awesome Jewish study and intern abroad scholarships
The right scholarship for you and your goals is waiting.
1. Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships
The Fund for Education Abroad provides scholarships for American undergraduate students who wish to participate in any international education program for 28 days up to a year — which, of course, includes Jewish study abroad students. Applications for 2020-2021 are already open!
Scholarship snapshot:
- Study abroad location: Anywhere
- Deadline: January 17, 2020 for summer 2020
- Amount: Ranges from $1,250-$10,000
2. Scholarship for Jewish Students
KAHAL Your Jewish Home Abroad and CRCC Asia have partnered to provide Jewish study abroad scholarships which will award a student a fully-funded, one-month CRCC Asia internship. The application is open during the month of November, so make sure to apply for this scholarship soon!
Scholarship snapshot:
- Intern abroad location: Beijing or Ho Chi Minh City
- Deadline: November 30, 2019
- Amount: Fully-funded accommodations, internship placement, 24/7 on-site support, cultural activities, visa, and roundtrip international airfare
3. American Jewish Committee Goldman Fellowship
The AJC Goldman Fellowship program gives undergraduate and graduate students the chance to spend a funded summer working in international AJC offices and learning about international affairs and diplomacy, interethnic relations, and non-profit management.
Scholarship snapshot:
- Intern abroad location: Berlin, Brussels, Warsaw, or Melbourne
- Deadline: December 22, 2019 for summer 2020
- Amount: A minimum of $4,000 stipend, plus all major travel expenses
4. Greenberg Family International Internship Program
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews offers undergraduate and graduate students from around the world with the opportunity to spend eight weeks interning at a world-class museum, learning about the history of Polish Jews, and developing professional skills.
Scholarship snapshot:
- Intern abroad location: Warsaw
- Deadline: February each year
- Amount: ~$2,625
5. Hillel International Jewish Scholarships Portal
Many universities and study abroad offices across the country offer Jewish study abroad scholarships. A great way to find these scholarships specific to a university or a city is by browsing the Hillel International Jewish Scholarships Portal, which rounds up all kinds of scholarships for Jewish students!
Scholarship snapshot:
- Study abroad location: Many different locations
- Deadline: Varies
- Amount: Varies
6. DAAD USA
Interested in spending quality time in Germany? DAAD USA has a variety of scholarships available to do exactly that, whether you are looking to do graduate studies, conduct research, intern, or learn German!
Scholarship snapshot:
- Study abroad location: Germany
- Deadline: Varies
- Amount: Varies
Scholarships to study or intern abroad in Israel
Is Israel on your study abroad bucket list? You’re in luck!
1. American Jewish League for Israel Scholarships
The American Jewish League for Israel provides scholarships to students who have been accepted to study at an Israeli institution of higher learning for credit. Students are evaluated by merit, whether or not there is financial need. Between five and six scholarships are awarded each year. The 2020 application will be available in late January 2020.
Scholarship snapshot:
- Deadline: April 30, 2020
- Amount: Ranges from $4,000-$6,000
2. Hilda Specter Morgenstern Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded once a year to an American Jewish woman, who has at least a 3.5 GPA, intends to study in Israel during her undergraduate education, and has an interest in public advocacy, public policy, or government affairs. The application is currently open!
Scholarship snapshot:
- Deadline: February 28, 2020
- Amount: $2,500
3. Masa Israel
Masa gives scholarships to Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 to participate in short or long-term programs in Israel. Scholarship amount is determined by factors such as age, home country, length of program, and need.
Scholarship snapshot:
- Deadline: Ongoing
- Amount: Varies
4. Kupcinet-Getz International Science Summer School
This program at the Weizmann Institute of Science selects undergraduate students to participate in eight-week research projects in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and the life sciences, under the supervision of an experienced scientist.
Scholarship snapshot:
- Deadline: November 30, 2019
- Amount: ~$1,144 stipend plus eight weeks of free rooming in the dormitories of the Faculty of Agriculture of the Hebrew University
Win Jewish study abroad scholarships!
Put in the time to research Jewish study abroad scholarships, and it’ll pay off! (Literally.)
Don’t let the totally reasonable fear of money get in your way of exploring what the world has to offer! There are a number of scholarships out there geared towards Jewish students specifically, whether you are interested in spending time abroad in Israel, learning Hebrew, or just experiencing what it means to be Jewish in another part of the world. Check with your school’s study abroad office, as they may know of additional scholarships for Jewish students.
With a bit of research and hard work, and a passion for Jewish life and heritage, you could be on your way to expense-free experiences. What are you waiting for? With this list as your starting guide, begin filling out those applications now!
View ALL Study Abroad Scholarships
KAHAL Your Jewish Home Abroad is a non-profit organization which connects Jewish students studying abroad to Jewish opportunities, resources, and connections abroad. KAHAL aims to create meaningful Jewish experiences for study abroad students, allowing them to interact with local Jewish communities and deepen their Jewish identities.