Apply

The first step is to fill out and submit the online application. Once we receive your application, we'll contact you to schedule a 30 minute interview (usually done over Zoom). The next step is to have your recommenders each submit a recommendation which should be received before the date of your interview. Applicants will be notified of program acceptance within 1-2 months of their interview.

The Early Bird application deadline is March 18 for all applicants. The final deadline is May 13. Once the Early Bird deadline has passed, applicants will be accepted on a rolling admission basis as space allows. We encourage you to apply before the Early Bird deadline for the best chances of acceptance as the rolling admission process begins in December.

Due to the incredible generosity of Marilyn and Sigi Ziering and other supporters of BCI, we are able to offer BCI this summer at a regular cost of $600.  If you apply by the Early Bird deadline of March 18, the cost is only $450.  Scholarships and travel subsidies are available as needed and processed after a participant has been accepted into the program.

Two references must be submitted in order to complete your application. Your references may be teachers, counselors, advisors, mentors, former BCI participants, rabbis, or Jewish professionals. References will not be accepted from relatives or close friends.

The link to the reference form can be found on the Application Process section of our website.

No.

Payment for the Early Bird deadline is due within 4 weeks of acceptance to the program (full refunds are available for cancellations made before May 1, 2024). 

When you are accepted, you will receive information about payment, which can be done online (Visa or Mastercard only), or by mailed check (made out to "The Marilyn and Sigi Ziering BCI"). The check should be mailed to:

BCI

American Jewish University

15600 Mulholland Dr.

Los Angeles, CA 90077 

These are the dates and amounts we will refund if you have to withdraw from BCI after paying:

• May 1 - May 15: Receive a 50% refund of your BCI tuition 

• *No refunds will be given after May 15* 

You are responsible for booking travel to and from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  BCI provides transportation from the airport to campus on both arrival and departure day. 

As soon as you apply to BCI we will supply a letter of support to help you get your Visa. Please note that this letter does NOT guarantee your acceptance to BCI. We send it out before you are actually accepted because the Visa process can take a long time, and you should get started as soon as possible in order to have your Visa if you are accepted. Once you receive your Visa, please email a scanned copy to bciaju.edu (bci[at]aju[dot]edu).

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