FAQs

Chances are, no. The average age is 24, although the program is open to adults from 18 to 29 years old.

BCI attracts young adults from around the world, creating a dynamic, pluralistic, and one-of-a-kind Jewish community. As any BCI alum will tell you, a core part of the experience for each participant is getting to know young Jewish people from a full range of backgrounds. Our cohorts tend to be diverse in terms of religious background and Jewish knowledge, region of origin (including across the U.S. and around the world), race, gender, sexual orientation, political ideology, hobbies, interests, and more.

Because of the unique community-building process that takes place at BCI throughout the course of the program, we only accept participants who can commit to being at BCI for the entire duration of the program.

BCI is a pluralistic program that strives to create an environment that will make everyone feel comfortable, no matter their religious background, while offering participants many opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. BCI is not affiliated with any particular movement. The kitchen at BCI is Glatt Kosher and is under orthodox rabbinic supervision. We observe Shabbat at BCI but occasionally use instruments during Shabbat services and play music after dinner on Friday nights for Israeli dancing. When these occur, there are always alternatives provided.

You do not have to know Hebrew to come to BCI. Hebrew texts are used for Beit Midrash (Jewish learning) sessions; they are always accompanied by English translations.

While BCI is an international program, speaking and understanding English is a requirement for participating in BCI. All of our programs are conducted in English, and participants are expected to converse in English with each other in public spaces.

If you live outside of Southern California, you will need to fly into LAX on Tuesday, June 28th. Once you arrive, BCI will provide transportation from the airport to the campus. If you live in Southern California and/or are not flying into LAX, you will be responsible for arriving at BCI by the evening of Tuesday, June 28th. On the last day of BCI, we will provide transportation to LAX. Transportation is only provided to LAX. You are more than welcome to extend your ticket, but any additional travel arrangements/costs will be your responsibility.

Not to worry! The food at BCI is incredible! Before the summer, we’ll ask about your food allergies so that we can make sure the kitchen is stocked with the right food for you. At dairy meals, we always provide a non-dairy option, and at meat meals, there is always a vegetarian and a vegan option. All meals provide clear labeling for dishes that are gluten/dairy-free and vegan/vegetarian.

Yes!

Some providers do get reception (i.e., T-Mobile, Verizon), but since BCI is located in a valley, there is no guarantee that you will have consistent reception. Check your provider’s website for coverage (the ZIP is 93064). BCI does provide free wifi access in the main buildings.

BCI is a smoke-free facility. That is, you are not allowed to smoke anywhere except in the specifically designated smoking area in the parking lot. This is for both health reasons as well as safety, as the summer is high fire danger season. Please note that you will need to bring all the cigarettes you want with you when you come. We will, however, be happy to purchase the nicotine patch or gum for anyone who may be interested in quitting while at BCI.

Yes. People can send mail to you at:

Your Name
c/o BCI
1101 Peppertree Lane
Brandeis, CA 93064

While BCI does provide free wifi access in the main buildings, the more physically and mentally present you are, the more you will get out of it. In order to facilitate this level of presence, participants are not permitted to use their computers, smartphones, or other internet-enabled devices during programming. During free time, you may use your computers as desired…though you may find yourself wanting to go on a hike instead.

Due to safety reasons, as well as the intimate nature of the experience, BCI participants are required to stay on the grounds at all times, and visitors are not allowed.

For the 10-Day Program, BCI-ers can earn 3.0 college credits through American Jewish University, which you can transfer to your home institution. To earn credit you will have required activities, learning, and assignments that you will complete during the 10 days of the program. A final grade will be issued and you will be eligible to request AJU transcripts for the credits you have earned.

The best way to reach us is by email. 

Email us: bci [at] aju.edu (bci[at]aju[dot]edu).

Tuition for the 26-Day program:
Due to the incredible generosity of the Ziering family and our other BCI supporters, we are able to offer this year’s program at a cost of $1000. However, if you apply by the Early Bird deadline of March 31st, the cost is only $750. Scholarships are available as needed, and processed after a participant has been accepted into the program. International participants are additionally eligible for a travel reimbursement scholarship.

Payment for the Early Bird deadline is due within four weeks of your acceptance date. Full refunds are available for cancellations made by May 1, 2025. If you are accepted after the Early Bird deadline, payment is due within two weeks of your acceptance date.

Tuition for the 10-Day Program:
At BCI, we are committed to maintaining a unique experience that is financially accessible to all young adult Jews who wish to participate. Due to the incredible generosity of our supporters and of Marilyn and Sigi Ziering, BCI is able to offer the 10-Day BCI Experience on a sliding scale of $300 – $3,000. The tuition fee covers meals, housing, staffing resources, and all program-related expenses for the full duration of the program.

We never want finances to be a barrier to participation. If you have any concerns or questions about payment, or feel unsure about how much to pay, please feel free to reach out to Rabbi Myra Meskin, BCI Director (bci [at] aju.edu (bci[at]aju[dot]edu)) who can talk through it all with you.