Question 1

When do applications open and close?

Accepted Answer

Applications open September 6 The deadline is announced on our social media — spots fill up
fast, so apply early!

Question 2

How long is the trip?

Accepted Answer

The trip is 2 weeks long.

Question 3

What date is the trip happening?

Accepted Answer

March 28, 2026 to April 11, 2026.

Question 4

How much does the   trip cost?

Accepted Answer

The trip costs $1200 USD, this cost includes accommodations, transportation and activities throughout the trip. Cost of air-fare to Erbil is not included.

Question 5

Is the $1200 fee refundable if I can’t attend?

Accepted Answer

The fee is refundable only if the trip is canceled by GISHRU for safety or logistical reasons.

Question 6

What if I want to fly in early and make my trip longer?

Accepted Answer

All participants are welcome to fly in early or leave later. All extra costs such as hotel or travel are not covered by GISHRU.

Question 7

Is there an age restriction?

Accepted Answer

The age requirement for the trip is 18-40.

Question 8

Why is there an age limit?

Accepted Answer

Our main issue is due to limited spots, logistical restraints and limited volunteer capacity. GISHRU’s mission is to empower the youth to become leaders for tomorrow, focusing on the 18-40 age group, allows us to do so.

Question 9

What places do participants go to?

Accepted Answer

Our main issue is due to limited spots, logistical restraints and limited volunteer capacity. GISHRU’s mission is to empower the youth to become leaders for tomorrow, focusing on the 18-40 age group, allows us to do so.

Question 10

What languages will be spoken during the trip?

Accepted Answer

Mostly English and Assyrian. Translators are available when needed.

Question 11

Will there be a guide or trip leader?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We have a main trip leader plus team leads to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Question 12

Are there Visa requirements for Iraq?

Accepted Answer

Yes - those not born in Iraq require Visas. Visas can be purchased before or on arrival.

Question 13

What is the process like after an application is submitted?

Accepted Answer

Applications get reviewed by past participants and/or members of the GISHRU team. Applicants are then contacted either for further information or an interview.

Question 14

Is priority preference given to those who have never been to Iraq?

Accepted Answer

There is no priority based on past trips - we as a team look at: submission responses, references, community involvement. We also have a final interview to get to know the applicant.

Question 15

Do we have to read and write Assyrian in order to be able to apply/come?

Accepted Answer

Knowing how to read and/or write Assyrian is not required. Only requirement is being of Assyrian descent.

Question 16

What makes a strong application?

Accepted Answer

Thoughtful answers, strong references, and a history of community involvement stand out.

Question 17

Is this only a once-a-year trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is currently a once-a-year trip.

Question 18

What are the accommodations like?

Accepted Answer

All participants will be staying in either Assyrian-owned or Assyrian-managed hotels.

Question 19

How do we get around?

Accepted Answer

All transportation during the trip will be planned for and provided by GISHRU. We work with our partner organizations to secure Assyrian-run transportation. This includes pickup and drop off at the airport.

Question 20

What safety measures are in place?

Accepted Answer

We work with trusted local partners, follow group travel protocols, and always move as a group.

Question 21

Is there a code of conduct for participants?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all participants must sign and follow our trip code of conduct.

Question 22

Can locals from Iraq apply?

Accepted Answer

Applications are not open to locals. But if you see us around - come by and say HI!

Question 23

How many participants has GISHRU had since it first started?

Accepted Answer

375 participants in 11 years!

Question 24

How many different diaspora countries have participated as participants in the past?

Accepted Answer

A total of 10 different countries!

Question 25

What if I’ve already been on a GISHRU trip, can I join again?

Accepted Answer

No, you are unable to join again. The GISHRU team is working on having an ALUMNI trip this year as a separate group! Stay tuned for more details.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When do applications open and close?

How long is the trip?

What date is the trip happening?

How much does the trip cost?

Is the $1200 fee refundable if I can’t attend?

What if I want to fly in early and make my trip longer?

Is there an age restriction?

Why is there an age limit?

What places do participants go to?

What languages will be spoken during the trip?

Will there be a guide or trip leader?

Are there Visa requirements for Iraq?

What is the process like after an application is submitted?

Is priority preference given to those who have never been to Iraq?

Do we have to read and write Assyrian in order to be able to apply/come?

What makes a strong application?

Is this only a once-a-year trip?

What are the accommodations like?

How do we get around?

What safety measures are in place?

Is there a code of conduct for participants?

Can locals from Iraq apply?

How many participants has GISHRU had since it first started?

How many different diaspora countries have participated as participants in the past?

What if I’ve already been on a GISHRU trip, can I join again?

For inquiries, email us at info@gishru.com

GISHRU is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that organizes and conducts humanitarian and educational trips for Assyrians born in the Diaspora to the ancestral Assyrian homeland
EIN: 46-2951652

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

When do applications open and close?

How long is the trip?

What date is the trip happening?

How much does the trip cost?

Is the $1200 fee refundable if I can’t attend?

What if I want to fly in early and make my trip longer?

Is there an age restriction?

Why is there an age limit?

What places do participants go to?

What languages will be spoken during the trip?

Will there be a guide or trip leader?

Are there Visa requirements for Iraq?

What is the process like after an application is submitted?

Is priority preference given to those who have never been to Iraq?

Do we have to read and write Assyrian in order to be able to apply/come?

What makes a strong application?

Is this only a once-a-year trip?

What are the accommodations like?

How do we get around?

What safety measures are in place?

Is there a code of conduct for participants?

Can locals from Iraq apply?

How many participants has GISHRU had since it first started?

How many different diaspora countries have participated as participants in the past?

What if I’ve already been on a GISHRU trip, can I join again?

For inquiries, email us at info@gishru.com

GISHRU is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that organizes and conducts humanitarian and educational trips for Assyrians born in the Diaspora to the ancestral Assyrian homeland EIN: 46-2951652

GISHRU is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that organizes and conducts humanitarian and educational trips for Assyrians born in the Diaspora to the ancestral Assyrian homeland
EIN: 46-2951652