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 spaces that are courageous, equitable, and inclusive. Learn more about Belonging 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.

At JDC Entwine, we value Arevut, mutual responsibility. We understand that our participants contribute significantly to the trip experience and that financial circumstances vary among our participants. We have a generous donor community that ensures participation fees for all Insider Trips are highly subsidized to provide greater access and opportunity for participation. To ensure accessibility and equitable opportunity, we are able to offer additional financial subsidies based on each participant’s ability to contribute to the cost of the trip. Check out a specific trip webpage to learn more about subsidies for that trip!

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.

For any 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 Health Declaration form 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 health or medical 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.

Upon checking into the hotel upon arrival to the destination country, Entwine will follow the protocol as described in the Health Protocol document shared with participants during the pre-departure preparation process. 

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 for a contagious illness 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 $500,000.

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.

For Entwine’s full Insider Trip Health 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. 

The next cycle of the Jewish Service Corps Fellowship will start in September 2027. The application for this program will open in November 2026. To inquire about this Fellowship and get on the list for the application announcement, fill out the Contact Us form.

Fellows are matched with communities seeking someone with their talents and skills. Through their field placements, Fellows contribute to community life while developing their leadership capacity and knowledge of global Jewish causes. Ongoing learning, including three leadership retreats and monthly coaching, support the fellow’s growth, developing leaders who have a global mindset and a powerful skillset.

The JSC Fellowship is a paid opportunity with a monthly stipend based on the cost of living in each placement location. Fellows also receive vacation and sick days, medical and emergency evacuation insurance, international travel to and from the field and other items related to visas and vaccination requirements depending on the placement country.

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!

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 2026 RIG Fellowship begins in January 2026 with an orientation and 2-3 placements with JDC Departments. The Fellowship will conclude in December 2026.

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.

Applications for the 2027 RIG Fellowship will open in Spring 2026. To inquire about this Fellowship and get on the list for the application announcement, fill out the Contact Us form.

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 their spouse or family, likely two to 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.  

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