Jonathan Matthews, 22, Toronto, Ontario
University of Waterloo - BA Major in English Literature
Track: INTERN JERUSALEM
Placement: PresenTense Group
PresenTense is a non-profit organization that strives to connect and grow Jewish social entrepreneurs. Major aspects of the organization include the PresenTense Magazine, the central hub in Jerusalem which provides facilities and events for entrepreneurs to work and develop, and the PresenTense Institute - a six week fellowship aimed at training entrepreneurs in the skills needed to successfully launch and grow their social ventures. PresenTense: Fostering Innovation
What were you doing before you came here?
Before I came to Israel I had just graduated from university and knew that I wanted to travel to see more of the world while at the same time getting work experience.
How did you hear about this WUJS Israel program?
The rabbi that married my parents is friends with Mike Mitchell. Mike Mitchell is the director of WUJS Israel. WUJS Staff
What do you hope to get out of this program?
After the program is complete I hope to have received important work experience, but more importantly invaluable life experience.
What are your responsibilities as an intern?
My major project at the moment is to direct the production of marketing material for the purpose of advertising and recruiting.
Have you had any difficulties settling in?
So far the only tough time I've experienced has been on the intercity buses where the bus drivers don't announce any of the stops and I have no idea how far or close I am to my destination. Fortunately mostly everyone in Israel is very helpful so there's always someone that will help out.
What did your friends say when you told them your plan to come to Israel?
That they are expecting me to become Orthodox and that I'll bring back an Israeli woman when I return.
Click on Jon Profile.mov to see Jonathan in action!
