Israel & the Post-Arab Spring: An Interactive View of the New Middle East

This course offers a first-hand perspective on the rising challenges and opportunities in a post-Arab Spring Middle East, from Israel’s unique vantage point. Through field study and dialogue with influential figures and international experts, you will gain personal insight into the ongoing changes in the region and their influence on Israel’s future. This course is offered as part of the nine-credit Coexistence in the Middle East Program.

The topics we will explore include: new opportunities and challenges in a changing Middle East, Jerusalem and the role of religion and faith in the Middle East, questions of the Arab Spring, Iran and the nuclear program, Syria’s civil war and Lebanon, Egypt after the Mubarak regime, the international community and the Middle East, and refugees and new media.

Course Components 

• Site visits and field trips
• Meetings and conversations with key regional actors, including diplomats, government officials, religious leaders, NGO activists, and academic experts
• Class readings and discussions
• Final term paper

View the syllabus  and a past itinerary. For more information, see the brochure or sign up for updates with the Coexistence program.

You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life. From a tour of the Old City to a trip to the Dead Sea to checking out the local festivals, you’ll build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. While residing in HebrewU dormitories with other international and Israeli students, you’ll have a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, is also there to help you adjust to your new surroundings and give you tips on things to do. Learn more about student life at HebrewU.

“I gained first-hand experience of what is happening in the real world. Not what politicians say, but what people say! I heard narratives from both Israeli and Palestinian families who lost their loved ones in conflict, young soldiers, and more. We really got to experience the human side of the conflict.”
Tinghua Zhou
PhD candidate, Monash University & United Nations intern and roster, China

“Two words: life changing. I think the program exceeded my expectations in every way. I was consistently blown away by the access we were given to prestigious individuals and institutions at the very center of the political, religious, and cultural life of Israel… This course will continue to shape and transform the way that I approach politics, faith, and activism long into the future.”
Angel Collie
Master of Divinity, Yale University, USA

• Watch alumni talk about this program.
• Check out our photo gallery on Facebook.
• Watch a short video about the program.
• Find out more about international student life at HebrewU.

Apply by: May 15, 2017
Arrive on campus: July 3, 2017
Program length: Four weeks

Course: US$ 1,600
Housing: US$ 775

Learn more about fees, cost of living, and paying for the program.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships based on demonstrated need or merit are available.

This course is open to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to mature learners with an academic background. You must be currently registered at or have been accepted to a recognized college or university or have successfully completed at least one year of study at an accredited institution of higher education. English-language fluency is also required.