Attendance and participation in all DFI seminars is required. Living Arrangements Fellows are expected to make their own living arrangements in Israel and are required to live with Israelis. Fellows typically find a room in an apartment with Israeli university students or with host families. Fellows may use the summer, while in ulpan, to identify possibilities and to make arrangements for the year. During that time, Fellows may stay with family or friends, live in ulpan dorms for the short term, or sublet apartments for the summer.
Some Fellows are able to make arrangements from North America before their departure.
The DFI staff is available to provide counsel to those who have exhausted all other resources. As immersion in Israeli society and culture is a primary goal of the fellowship, Fellows are expected to spend the full year in Israel. Short trips within the Middle East, however, can offer greater understanding of Israel's role in the region and are encouraged. Trips throughout Israel are also encouraged. Fellows are expected to remain in Israel for all Jewish holidays.