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US-Israel Academic Bridge Fellowship

US-Israel Academic Bridge Fellowship

University of Pennsylvania

About the Fellowship

The Academic Bridge Fellowship (ABF) is a summer program for undergraduate students, offering an immersive research and cultural exchange experience at the University of Pennsylvania (UPENN) from July 2 to August 9, 2026.

The program includes a three-day mandatory orientation in Israel, followed by five weeks of academic training and collaborative research at UPENN across various fields, including 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, to foster cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

For more information, we encourage you to attend ABF's Info Session Webinar on December 10, 2025, at 8 pm Israel time.

This session will provide further details about the program and an opportunity to have your questions answered.

Sign up now to learn more >>

Program Dates

July 2 - August 9, 2026

This includes a mandatory orientation in Israel (June 19-June 22) followed by five weeks at the University of Pennsylvania.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

students in their second year of three-year programs, and students in their second or third year of four-year programs.
English language proficiency requirements:
- University-level English exemption score
- Finished B2 English level course with a final score of 90.
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).

Application Deadline: December 20, 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>>

Application Process

CV: A detailed CV outlining academic and professional experience.
Transcript
Academic Recommendation Letter (Optional).
Motivation Letter: It should articulate your motivation to participate in this international course. Please include the following:
- Detail how you will actively serve as an effective cultural ambassador and build strong connections during the program (up to 150 words).
- Describe your academic background, research experience, and professional aspirations (up to 200 words).
- Detail your proven track record of social involvement and leadership (up to 150 words).
Upload a copy of a Valid Passport.
Upload a digital photograph (Passport size photo-JPG).

Upon acceptance, candidates will be required to submit a $300 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 December 20, 2025.

Make sure to submit your application before this date to be considered for this unique opportunity.

First-Stage Qualifiers

Students who have qualified for the first step of the application will be invited to a short Zoom interview on January 8, 2026.

Final Applicants

Recommended applicants will be required to submit a second application form to the ABF committee, along with a short introductory video.
The ABF committee will conduct interviews with recommended applicants between January 16 - January 30, 2026.
Final program decisions will be infromed by the ABF committee starting from March 5, 2026.

Program Highlights

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.

Faculty Mentored Research

Fellows matched with members of Penn’s faculty for a five-week mentored research experience integrated into their respective research groups.

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.

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.

Application Deadline: December 20, 2025

Apply Here>>

Testimonials

Voices from Our Community

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.

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.

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.

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.