In today’s rapidly changing global environment, the need for informed, open-minded, and culturally aware young leaders is more critical than ever. The ICC Geller International Fellowship serves as a beacon for college students seeking to deepen their understanding of Israel, diplomacy, and international relations while gaining practical experience. This program, founded by the Israel on Campus Coalition (ICC), provides an immersive platform for students to explore complex global issues. Connect with peers from across the United States, and experience the Middle East firsthand.
Understanding the ICC Geller International Fellowship
The ICC Geller International Fellowship is an educational and leadership development program designed to empower undergraduate students in the United States. It focuses on helping students gain a deeper understanding of the U.S.–Israel relationship and its broader implications in the Middle East and globally. Through a combination of academic learning, cultural exchange, and experiential travel. The fellowship seeks to cultivate a new generation of advocates. Leaders who can promote informed discussions about Israel and global diplomacy on their campuses.
The program spans approximately six months and includes virtual learning sessions, guest lectures, mentorship, and a 10-day educational mission to Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This unique journey enables fellows to witness the impact of international diplomacy firsthand and learn from political leaders, educators, and local communities. By connecting classroom discussions with on-the-ground experiences. The fellowship bridges theory and practice in a way that few academic programs can.
The Structure and Learning Journey
The fellowship experience begins months before participants ever board a plane. Selected fellows take part in a comprehensive pre-departure curriculum designed to build foundational knowledge of Israeli history, diplomacy, regional politics, and international relations. They participate in guided seminars, interactive discussions, and virtual workshops led by seasoned experts and policymakers. This period of preparation is essential. As it ensures that each participant enters the international mission with a solid understanding of the complex topics they will encounter.
The highlight of the program is the overseas mission. For ten days, fellows travel across Israel and the UAE, exploring cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Dubai. They visit cultural landmarks, meet with diplomats and civil society leaders, and gain insights into the realities of coexistence, innovation, and regional cooperation. This immersive experience enables fellows to see beyond media headlines and gain a deeper understanding of the region through direct interaction.
In Israel, students often visit places of political and cultural significance. Meeting with residents in border regions, touring innovation hubs, and learning how local communities adapt to ongoing challenges. In the United Arab Emirates, fellows witness the tangible results of the Abraham Accords. Seeing how new partnerships between Israel and Gulf nations are reshaping trade, technology, and diplomacy.
Building Leaders and Advocates
The Geller Fellowship is more than a travel or study program; it is a leadership incubator. The ICC carefully selects students who have demonstrated initiative, community engagement, or a strong interest in international affairs. Once accepted, fellows become part of a tight-knit cohort committed to developing their voices as informed advocates.
After returning from their mission abroad, fellows are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in meaningful ways. Many take on leadership roles within student organizations, write opinion pieces for campus newspapers, or organize educational programs that promote dialogue and understanding. The fellowship helps them find their voice, grounding their advocacy in facts, personal experience, and empathy rather than ideology.
Graduates of the fellowship join a growing network of ICC Senior Fellows. A community of young leaders who continue to collaborate, mentor, and participate in ongoing development opportunities. This lifelong network amplifies the program’s impact, ensuring that the lessons learned endure well beyond the fellowship itself.
Selection Process and Expectations
The ICC Geller International Fellowship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents currently enrolled in accredited undergraduate programs. The selection process is competitive and includes a written application, interviews, and reference checks. Candidates are chosen based on their leadership potential, interest in diplomacy, and commitment to civic engagement.
Fellows must be able to attend the full orientation program, complete all pre-departure assignments, and participate in the entire international mission, typically scheduled between late December and early January. A valid passport is required, and applicants are expected to demonstrate professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives.
By the time the program concludes, fellows have invested months of effort into developing their skills and understanding of global affairs. Making the experience not only academically rewarding but also personally transformative.
Transformative Experiences and Long-Term Impact
The power of the ICC Geller International Fellowship lies in its ability to change perspectives. Many participants describe the program as one of the most eye-opening experiences of their college careers. They return home with a more nuanced understanding of Israel, the Middle East, and international cooperation.
For example, fellows who witness Israeli and Emirati professionals working together often speak about how such interactions redefine their ideas about peace and progress. Others mention how walking through Jerusalem’s ancient streets or visiting high-tech incubators. In Tel Aviv gives them a deeper appreciation for the complexity and resilience of Israeli society.
Back on campus, fellows use their experiences to foster dialogue rather than division. They host lectures, facilitate interfaith discussions, and bring a global perspective to academic and student-led initiatives. The program equips them not just with knowledge but with the empathy and confidence needed to engage others constructively on complex topics.
Why the Fellowship Matters Today
In an era of polarization and misinformation, the ICC Geller International Fellowship offers something rare. A space for genuine learning and connection. It challenges young people to think critically, listen actively, and seek understanding rather than easy answers. By blending education, travel, and leadership, it produces students who are informed, thoughtful, and ready to make a difference.
The fellowship also highlights the power of personal experience in shaping opinion. When students see the realities of diplomacy and cooperation firsthand, they become ambassadors for empathy and understanding. These are precisely the kinds of leaders our interconnected world needs. Individuals capable of bridging divides and inspiring others to think beyond borders.
The Future of Global Student Leadership
As each new cohort of ICC Geller Fellows completes the program, the ripple effects grow stronger. Graduates go on to pursue careers in public service, international development, law, education, and business. Fields where cross-cultural understanding and ethical leadership are invaluable.
The ICC Geller International Fellowship serves as a model for how education and experience can combine to produce a lasting impact. It demonstrates that when young people are allowed to learn through immersion, mentorship, and reflection, they can become powerful agents of change.
Ultimately, the fellowship is more than a program—it is a journey of discovery, connection, and transformation. It empowers the next generation not only to understand the world but also to lead it toward greater understanding.