Travel with Us
Explore the world. Expand your perspective.
We believe travel is a powerful tool for learning, connection, and growth. Whether you’re exploring global Jewish communities, deepening your leadership skills, or building friendships that last long after you return, our travel experiences help shape your Jewish journey and your worldview.
Through alternative breaks and Birthright Israel trips, Columbia/Barnard Hillel offers meaningful opportunities to see the world, engage with diverse perspectives, and return with a renewed sense of purpose and community.
Alternative Breaks
We are so excited to announce this year’s travel opportunities!
Fall Break Trips:
- Golden Hour: Senior Los Angeles Trip – click here to learn more
- Island Life: Exploring Jewish Curacao – click here to learn more
Winter Break Trips:
- Columbia/Barnard Birthright Israel – scroll down to learn more
- The Village Way: Exploring Rwanda – click here to learn more
Spring Break Trips: We’re heading to Poland, Rio, Atlanta & Birmingham, and Portugal – stay tuned for more information
Columbia/Barnard Birthright Israel
Join us for a 10-day peer travel experience that explores Jewish identity, community, and connection — set against the backdrop of Israel’s rich history and complexity. Travel with fellow Columbia and Barnard students and return to campus with new friendships and shared memories!
We’re committed to offering a trip experience that prioritizes comfort, thoughtful dialogue, nuance, and a celebration of diverse Jewish and political identities.
Important Information:
– Trip Dates: December 27th, 2026 – January 8th, 2027
– What’s Included: Birthright covers your flights, hotels, transportation, 2 meals a day, activities, and a licensed Israeli tour guide.
– Deposit: The $360 deposit is refundable until October 23rd (65 days before departure) and returned after completing the trip.
– Eligibility: Open to students who haven’t spent extensive time in Israel and meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Unsure whether you qualify? Check the FAQ below or reach out — we’re happy to help!
– Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and spots are limited. All applications, required documents, and deposits must be completed 65 days before departure.
– Need help? Reach out to Eliana Hallegua at eh3239@columbia.edu to answer your questions and get started on your Birthright journey!
Ready to join us? Start your application today, or learn more about the Birthright Israel program on the Taglit Birthright Israel website.
FAQ
To be eligible for Birthright, you must be Jewish (have at least one Jewish parent or have formally completed a recognized conversion), be between the ages of 18 and 26, have graduated high school, and have spent less than 3 months in Israel before your 18th birthday.
You’re not eligible if you’ve participated in an organized post-high school Israel program after the age of 18, such as study abroad, a gap year, yeshiva/seminary, an internship, Masa, or Onward.
Yes! Trip extensions are requested and managed through Gil Travel in the Birthright app once participants have been confirmed and assigned to a group. You may submit a request up to 7 days before your scheduled departure to Israel. Extensions are subject to availability, are not guaranteed, and may include change fees or fare differences.
If your extension is approved, Gil Travel will update your return flight to your approved extension date. Once your flight has been changed, your return travel is no longer part of the group’s itinerary and becomes your individual responsibility.
Birthright’s top priority is the safety and well-being of every participant. Each itinerary is carefully planned with security experts and monitored throughout the trip. Groups only travel to approved areas, and if conditions change, the itinerary will change too. Every trip is led by 2 experienced staff members, a trained Israeli tour guide, and an armed medic. The group’s location is monitored 24/7 through GPS tracking, and Birthright remains in constant communication with on-the-ground security teams to respond quickly to any changes.
Birthright would never operate a trip if there were an immediate safety risk. Trips only depart when Birthright leadership determines it’s safe to do so.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated by the hotels and meal providers throughout the trip. Be sure to list any dietary restrictions or allergies in your application. If you have a severe allergy, it’s your responsibility to bring any necessary emergency medications, such as an EpiPen, and let your trip staff know before the trip begins.
Every Birthright trip includes a certified medic who can provide care if you get sick or injured. If you need additional medical care, your trip staff will coordinate transportation and help you get treated at a local clinic or hospital. If you take prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for the entire trip.
You’ll be responsible for personal expenses such as some meals (typically one meal a day), souvenirs, gifts, snacks, beverages, optional activities during free time, and any other personal purchases. If you plan to use cash, you can exchange it for Israeli shekels at the airport upon arrival.
While you must remain with your Birthright group throughout the trip and cannot leave the group to spend the night or travel separately with family or friends, they’re welcome to come see you during designated free time, including nights out in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They may also visit you at your hotel when there are no scheduled activities.
Check out photos from past Columbia Barnard Birthright Israel trips:
Geopolitical Birthright Extension
January 7-11, 2027
Join us for a 5-day Birthright Extension this summer that will offer unique access to Israelis and Palestinians working to create a shared future. This opt-in addition to your Birthright experience will include tours and meetings with Palestinian and Israeli human rights activists and speakers, engaging with small groups of passionate people—Israelis, Palestinians, students, activists, and organizers. Participants will encounter Palestinian life under Israeli sovereignty up close, which also has far-reaching impacts on Israel’s security and Jewish flourishing worldwide. Together we will create a community to sustain vulnerable conversations and build the tools to move forward with the resilience and responsibility that this moment demands.
