Frequently Asked Questions
I was adopted, but I suspect I might be Italian. Am I eligible?
If you are adopted, but have reason to believe you might have Italian heritage, we suggest you reach out to us at [email protected], so we can discuss the specifics of your situation. You may be eligible.
I am an Italian citizen. Am I eligible?
Yes. If you hold Italian citizenship, you are eligible, provided that you have a U.S. passport and have not spent more than 1 continuous month in Italy after you turned 13.
Can I apply before I turn 18?
Yes! But your 18th birthday must fall before or on the first day of your trip.
Can I apply if I’m still in high school, but have already been accepted into a 4-year university?
Yes! It’s okay to apply while you’re still in high school, provided you will have graduated before the start date of your trip.
Unfortunately, this precludes juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. Don’t worry. You have until the age of 26 to join one of our trips.
I never considered myself Italian, but I took a DNA test which shows that I am. Am I eligible?
It is not uncommon for people who take DNA tests to be surprised by the results. Even if you never considered yourself Italian before, if you have taken a DNA test which shows that you have at least 12.5% Italian heritage, you are eligible to apply.
I am not Italian, but I love Italian culture/food/language/etc. Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, no. Our trips to Italy are only for students with Italian heritage. That said, we plan to expand our trip offerings to allow people of other ethnic groups to visit their ancestral homeland as well. If this is something that interests you, reach out to us at [email protected] and let us know.
Do I need to be a certain religion to join?
Not at all. While some of the sites we visit are religious in nature (such as The Vatican), they are chosen for their historic and cultural significance.
Why do you require a $250 deposit?
All applicants are asked to provide a completely refundable $250 deposit. This is to ensure that those who are chosen for a trip won’t back out at the last minute, thus taking a spot which could have gone to someone else.
When will I get my deposit back?
All applicants, whether chosen for a trip or not, will have their deposits returned by July 25th.
However, if you are so inclined, you may offer to donate your deposit. In which case, your donation will help fund a future student’s trip.
Rest assured though that everyone who wants their deposit back will get it.
I wasn’t offered a trip. What happens now?
If you weren’t offered a trip this round, you will be automatically placed on a waitlist. If a spot opens up, we will reach out to see if you are still interested.
Why do you need to know what medications I take?
We ask participants to disclose all relevant medical conditions and medications. It is important for trip leaders to know this in the unlikely case of a medical emergency. It is also important to realize that certain medications which are legal in the U.S., may not be legal in Italy. While unlikely, there are cases of people getting into trouble for bringing unauthorized prescription medications into foreign countries. We want to avoid this.
Is Birthright Global related to Taglit/Birthright Israel?
No. We are two distinct organizations, although we share similar missions, to bring students on trips to their native homeland to help them connect with their heritage.
I have been on a Taglit trip. Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, no. Birthright Global is for students who have never been on a cultural immersion trip before.