Onward Israel Boston Internship Experience

​By Sarah Rubinrott 
URI Nursing Student
Class of 2019
 
I was a participant of the Onward Israel Internship program, which is currently open for summer 2018 applications! I heard about the program when I was on my Birthright trip in January 2017. I applied for the program while I was still in Israel! It was a quick online application and then the coordinator contacted me once I returned to the States.
 
As a nursing student, I wanted to get hands-on experience in my field. I ended up interning in the Cancer Institute of Hadassah Ein Kerem in Jerusalem. Participants can choose their internship placement and there are many different program options. The programs can be split up by where you attend college or specific by fields like politics, government and environmental science.    
 
The program dates were June 14-August 10. While in Israel my group stayed in a hotel in the heart of Jerusalem! It was a very convenient location because it was close to bus stops, markets, and stores. Each program’s living accommodations are slightly different but you are well taken care of no matter where you stay. We typically had our internship four days a week, one educational/ advocacy for Israel day, and we had the weekends to ourselves. The program provides the housing and transportation, and distributes a stipend during orientation. The only thing I was responsible for was a plane ticket and a deposit of $300.
 
During my experience, I learned a lot about the people of Israel and the conflicts surrounding the country. I was able to experience the Israeli health care system and the standards of care which the hospitals must follow. Most importantly, I learned a lot about myself and gained a different perspective on life.
 
My favorite memory of the program was when we took a weekend trip to Tiberius. Our first activity was a water hike and rafting on the Jordan River. They put us up in a beautiful hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee. The view was absolutely breath taking!    
 
It was hard to include everything about my trip into one post, so if anyone would like more information on the program I’d love to talk to you! Just ask Amy or Yaniv for my contact info.