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US-Israel Academic Bridge Fellowship

University of Pennsylvania

About the Fellowship

The Academic Bridge Fellowship is a summer program for undergraduate students, offering an immersive research and cultural exchange experience at the University of Pennsylvania from July 4 to August 10, 2025. The program includes a three-day orientation in Israel, followed by five weeks of academic training and collaborative research in various fields, such as science, engineering, medicine, law, and business. Fellows will work with Penn faculty, students, and research teams, participate in daily academic seminars, and engage in social activities, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

The fellowship emphasizes academic growth, community building, and personal development, with a focus on creating future academic cooperation and broadening participants' perspectives. Applicants of all backgrounds are welcome, with special consideration for those affected by the October 7 massacre or the ongoing war.

For more information, we encourage you to attend our Info Session Webinar on January 1, 2025 at 6pm. This session will provide further details about the program and an opportunity to have your questions answered. Sign up now to learn more.

Info Session Webinar Signup Link

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July 4 - August 10, 2025

This includes an orientation in Israel (July 4-July 6) followed by five weeks at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Academic Bridge Fellowship is open to Israeli bachelor's degree students who meet English language proficiency requirements and are committed to dedicating five weeks to full-time academic training and research. The program welcomes applicants of all ethnicities, religions, and citizenships. Special consideration is given to those who have completed military or national service (if applicable) and individuals impacted by the October 7 massacre or the ongoing conflict.

  • CV: A detailed CV outlining academic and professional experience.
  • Academic Recommendation Letter (Optional).
  • Cover Letter: The cover letter should articulate the applicant's motivation for participating in this fellowship and demonstrate alignment with ABF's values:
    • Tell us about your academic or professional aspiration (150-250 words).
    • Tell us why you want to participate in the ABF program (150-250 words).
    • Optional: Tell us how the last year and a half affected your life (no words limit).

Upon acceptance, candidates will be required to submit a $250 deposit to secure their place in the fellowship. The deposit will be refunded upon arrival in the U.S.

The application deadline for the Academic Bridge Fellowship is January 10, 2025. Make sure to submit your application before this date to be considered for this unique opportunity.

Program Highlights

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Orientation and Preparatory Activities
Following team-building activities and workshops on cultural literacy, fellows will gather for an intense three-day orientation featuring lectures by Penn faculty and leading figures in Israeli society.
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Faculty Mentored Research
Fellows matched with members of Penn’s faculty for a five-week mentored research experience integrated into their respective research groups.
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Academic Exposure
Daily seminars expose the Fellows to cutting-edge research in various disciplines. Faculty engaged with students outside the seminars, including gatherings at their homes.
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Social Activities
Fellows will participate in local trips and social activities, joining local students in these events and building bridges between Israelis and Americans. During last year’s program, fellows visited New York City, Washington DC, and the Jersey Shore; they attended sports games and concerts and organized numerous social events in Philadelphia.
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Application Deadline: January 10th, 2025

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience! Apply now to the Academic Bridge Fellowship and gain hands-on research experience, academic training, and meaningful cultural exchange at the University of Pennsylvania.

Apply Here>>

Testimonials

Voices from Our Community

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For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience; the opportunity to be a part of an actual lab that conducts professional research has taught me so many new things that I couldn’t get anywhere else.
N.M.
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I never expected it to be such an impactful experience. I think that there are some opportunities that are truly life-changing, and its definitely one of them. I realized how I want my academic future to look like.
O.B.
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After the year we’ve been through, I set a goal for myself to make a change in my community, the society around me, and the country. This fellowship only strengthened my feeling that we have something to fight for.
D.K.
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The fellowship allowed me to collaborate with world-renowned professors like Claire Finkelstein at the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law. I feel fortunate to have participated in this unique program and hope to see my research published soon.
I.B.