Iberian & Latin American Studies & the Middle East – ILAM

This Hebrew University program is designed for Spanish-speaking students who are interested in exploring the dynamics between the Middle East and Latin America.

Offered in partnership between the HebrewU Department of Romance and Latin American Studies and the HebrewU Rothberg International School (RIS), courses are multidisciplinary and cover a full range of issues, from religion to sociology to trade. As a student in the program, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in an internship, go on study tours, and have access to the extensive library system and experienced faculty of HebrewU.

See the program page in Spanish.

During this program, you’ll take a range of courses taught in Spanish that deal with the following topics:

• Religious issues
• Migratory movements
• Cultural contacts
• Mutual commerce and trade
• Current literary trends
• Political participation of minorities
• Social inclusion and exclusion

Structure

This program is offered in the spring semester. You will attend both required and elective courses offered in Spanish. Additionally, you’ll participate in an internship.

Credits

You can earn up to 14 credits in this semester-long program.

See the program page in Spanish.

Our faculty are internationally respected in their fields. In this program, you’ll benefit from study with RIS faculty as well as faculty members from the Department of Romance and Latin American Studies. Among the top faculty of the program is Prof. Ruth Fine, Director of the Iberian and Latin American Section within the Department of Romance and Latin American Studies.

Prof. Fine is a senior lecturer and specialist in literary studies. Her research interests include semiotics and literary theory, Spanish Golden Age literature, the work of Cervantes, the Bible and Jewish elements in the work of Cervantes, the literature of the Conversos after 1492, and contemporary Ibero-American literature. Among her current research projects are “A Comprehensive Study of the Presence of the Old Testament and Jewish Elements in the Work of Cervantes” and “The Literature of the Conversos after 1492,” both sponsored by The Israel Science Foundation (The Israeli Academy of Sciences).

Please see the department faculty page and the RIS faculty page to learn more.

The internship aims to provide you with intensive work experience for competitive entry or advancement in a profession that involves working with Latin America and Israel relations, such as Latin American embassies in Israel. The ILAM coordinator will provide advising, as needed. You are encouraged to spend three months as an intern. The internship is offered for graded credit.

“[I] built relationships with professors who would create the connections that would land me my new job in New York City.”
Molly Wernick of the US
M.A. in Nonprofit Management and Leadership (2015)

Read more about our students’ experiences.

Extracurricular Activities & Student Support 

HebrewU’s RIS offers a rich extracurricular activities program, including tours, cultural and social events, lectures, and more. We support you throughout your stay with us so that Jerusalem becomes your home away from home.

Learn more about student life.

Apply by: December 30 each year; late applications accepted
Arrive on campus by: One week before your program starts; specific dates will be sent to accepted students in the pre-arrival packet
Program length: One semester; check the academic calendar

For financial information, see Tuition & Fees for Graduate student

*Securing housing through RIS is optional.

For a complete explanation of fees, please see our Fees and Refunds page.

Housing

Housing is available for this program. Read more about housing.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships based on demonstrated need or merit are available. Read more about Scholarships and Financial Aid.

To be eligible for the Iberian and Latin America and the Middle East program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by HebrewU
• GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Proficient in Spanish
• Demonstrated knowledge of English* (only if you wish to participate in courses taught in English)

*You are required to submit one of the following if you wish to participate in courses taught in English:

• TOEFL score (minimum 573 paper-based, 230 computer-based, or 89 internet-based)
• IELTS score (minimum 7)
• Amir score (minimum 220)
• If you have completed a four-year degree taught solely in English at a recognized institution of higher education, you can request to be considered for an exemption. You must submit documentation from your university verifying English as the language of instruction. Exemption is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis.

See the program page in Spanish.