FAQ
Does in•sight have a political agenda?
in•sight is an educational initiative committed to providing Minerva students and alumni the opportunity to deepen their understanding complexity in areas of conflict. The first pilot is a journey into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through exposure to Israeli and Palestinian thought leaders, activists, journalists, and day to day people. Our speakers span a significant section of the Israeli-Palestinian political spectrum. in•sight participant will encounter a number of speakers who will have different beliefs than him or her. We encourage participants to discuss, disagree, and challenge our speakers.
Is it safe to go to?
This is a question is common and inevitable. Be sure that safety is our top priority. The general answer is - mostly yes. It depends on current events and can change within the space of a few days. We monitor the situation on a constant basis and the program would be postponed or canceled if we felt that we could not properly ensure your safety and well-being. in•sight will never take you to unsafe areas, Additionally, we are working with local security providers who will join us for the duration of the trip.
How do I know if the trip is right for me?
No matter what your political opinion, religion, country of origin is – If you are ready to be honest with yourself, examine your opinions and biases, to be challenged, meet speakers with different opinions, perhaps ones that you might consider extreme, and try to understand their perspective. If you are ready to fully immerse in a unique educational experience for seven days while getting to know the Minerva community better, if you want to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from up close, not by a third party, in•sight is right for you.
I am not associated with Minerva. Can I still join your program?
At this point, in•sight is open only to Minerva students and alumni. Minerva's Habits of Mind and Foundational Concepts allow the Minerva community to share a similar language and understanding of ways to analyze different situations.
I hold a passport of an Arab or Muslim country, can I join?
You are highly encouraged to join us. Diverse perspectives are essential to the depth of discussions and interactions we aim for. We will do everything possible to help you obtain a visa to enter Israel. It might be challenging, require some paperwork and back and forth communications with the Israeli embassy, but it has been done before.
How do I find out about visa requirements?
Once you are accepted into the program, we will work with you to deal with visa arrangements.
Students from Muslim and Arab countries are encouraged to apply.
How much does the trip cost?
in•sight is highly subsidized, but we do ask participants to contribute to program costs. The trip cost covers all costs associated with ground transportation, speaker fees and honoraria, entrance tickets to sites, accommodation, and some of the meals. You will receive information about the cost of the trip once our fundraising efforts are completed. We estimate it to be at around 400 USD. This is excluding flight, visa and insurance costs. You may apply for a scholarship if you cannot afford the cost.
I don't know much about the conflict. Am I eligible to apply?
All perspectives and backgrounds are welcome. Regardless of your knowledge of the topic, we do ask you to participate in four preparation workshops that will be divided into in-person meetings and Minerva Forum sessions. Exact dates will be announced in March.
I am under 18 years of age, can I join?
Unfortunately, at this point, we cannot take underage applications. We hope it will change for the following programs.
How do I apply?
You can find the application form on the Apply page. You will be asked to tell us a little bit about yourself, why you are interested in this program, and what you hope to learn from it. Please know that people of all political views and backgrounds are welcome.
Have a question we haven't answered?
Email us at dana@minerva.kgi.edu
or at insightjourney.info@gmail.com