Credit: Yonit Schiller
Credit: Yonit Schiller
Credit: Yonit Schiller
Why Study Abroad at Hebrew University?
- Live in Jerusalem, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, advanced technology, and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Build self-reliance and career skills through volunteer work or an internship.
- Make connections with Israelis and international students.
- Develop artistic abilities through unique art, music, and dance programs – or gain experience in international relations, human rights, behavioral sciences, and more.
- Immerse yourself in the fascinating mosaic of Israeli life and culture.
Overview
Studying at top-ranked Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) will inspire you. Experience Israel’s remarkable culture through field trips and social activities, as well as through optional subject-specific tracks and courses on Hebrew language, Israel, and the Middle East. Jerusalem will be a second classroom for you, full of colorful sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.
You can choose from a wide range of topics while studying in Jerusalem, a center of historical, political, and religious significance. Our city is also central in the development of advanced technology and innovative entrepreneurship. You can even advance your career through an internship with one of Israel’s leading organizations. Whether you study for a semester or year, your life will be richer with Jerusalem as your second home.
Curriculum
Program Structure & Credits
All programs begin with the Pre-Semester “Encountering Jerusalem” Program (3-5 credits) which will acquaint you with the language, culture and history of Jerusalem. Upon completion of the Pre-Semester Program, you will begin the semester with elective courses (13-15 credits).
- Beginners Level
- Beginners Level
- 5 credits
- Beginners Level
During the semester students can tailor their schedule to meet the requirements of their home university. Full- time students enroll in 13-15 credits each semester.
Optional Language Studies:
- Intensive Hebrew (6-7-credits)
- Arabic MSA (12 credits)
- Practical Hebrew, three levels:
- Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced (4 credits)
Elective courses (9 credits)
See our course catalog for individual course descriptions in the following disciplines:
- Jewish Civilization, Religion and History
- Middle East and Islamic Studies
- Political Science and International Relations
- Israel Studies: History, Politics, Society and Culture
- Conflict and Security Studies
- Business and Law
- Education
- Global Studies
- Geography
- Arabic Language
- Hebrew
Additional tracks include: Honors, Dance, Art & Hi-Tech.
Internships and independent studies are also available. See below for more info.
Here is a list of available courses for students at RIS:
RIS Undergraduate Course Catalog
Courses Taught in English at the Hebrew University*
*Note that most courses at the Hebrew University run on a 14-week semester, longer than the courses at RIS.
If you are a full-time student, you can opt to do a professional internship each semester with a partner organization for 8 hours each week. Internships are organized and monitored by a special coordinator at RIS.
Examples of Recent Internship Partners
- Hadassah University Hospital
- Albright Institute of Archaeological Research
- Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive
- Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs
- Business venture companies
- Nursery and elementary schools
- Community centers
- University research institutes
Students wishing to place into technology and innovation internships are advised to pair their internship with a course in a relevant field for a more robust experience. The following courses are recommended:
- Technology in Israel: From the Laboratory in the Academy to the Production Line
- Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship 101 (Two-credit online course; course number 11160)
- Design Driven Innovation: Methodologies and Skills for Meaningful Insights
Students interested in a practical component and more academic credit may want to consider the “Introduction to Innovation and Entrepreneurship 101” course (course number 48716) that is offered through the Undergraduate Division instead of the abovementioned course (11160) with the same name. Course 48716 offers a practical in-person tutorial in addition to the online course.
Student Internship Experience
“Being able to see, first-hand, a part of society so often disconnected from the general discourse of most westernized secular countries was undoubtedly a highlight of my time with MEMRI.”
Khyle Eastin, Pomona College
The Middle East Media Research Institute
“Through my internship, I learned about the field of venture capital and the Israel startup environment.”
Danielle Orenshein, Yeshiva University
OurCrowd
“I appreciated having the opportunity to leave the Hebrew University campus and get a feel for what it’s like to work at a tech start-up in Jerusalem. It was a great cultural and work experience overall!”
Rebecca Silver, University of Pennsylvania
OrCam
“Not only was I able to help with the key tasks that go into financing Yad Vashem’s daily work, I had the opportunity to add my own creativity to my work.”
Heather Gillies, Tulane University
Yad Vashem
You may also submit a proposal to carry out an independent study project (for 3 credits). You’ll complete the project under the supervision of a faculty member or expert in the field, who will serve as your mentor and evaluate your project. Submit your proposal by the first week of classes.
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity to complement your studies, we invite you to visit our Office of Student Life (OSL), where they can help you arrange an option tailored to your needs and availability.
You’ll be invited to participate in a wide array of trips, tours, and activities offered by the Office of Student Life, including a tour of the Old City, a trip to the Dead Sea, and festivals that are held throughout the year. Build your own unique impressions and memories of Jerusalem and Israel. Housing on the Mount Scopus Campus is available for you as a study abroad student. Living with other international and Israeli students provides you with the opportunity to form new friendships and get involved in campus life. A team of multilingual Israeli students, called madrichim, are 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.
While studying at HebrewU, you’ll experience Jerusalem’s incredible mosaic of cultures, foods, religions, and peoples. Stroll through a lively street market, or spend an evening with friends at a trendy nightclub. Intern with an Israeli start-up, or volunteer with one of the many nonprofit organizations here. Immerse yourself in the lively arts and culture scene, or pursue another interest that will connect you to the city through an independent study project.
Entrepreneurs, creatives, scholars, scientists, and activists all flock to Jerusalem, making it an exciting place to study abroad. You’ll make new friends and new memories as you discover first-hand Jerusalem’s rich history, as well as its vibrant and innovative culture. Learn more about Jerusalem and start planning your adventure.
Apply by:
Fall/Year 2022-2023 – April 15, 2023
Spring 2023 – November 15, 2023
Program length: Semester or year
Hebrew University Faculty Fall Semester Ends January 22, 2024
Hebrew University Faculty Spring Semester Ends July 1, 2024
View our Academic Calendar for registration dates and more.
View our Course Registration Deadlines.
For financial information, see Tuition & Fees
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships, based on demonstrated need or merit, are available. In addition, a Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program scholarship is available to North American students. To apply, follow the procedure required by your local office.
Credits & GPA
In order to apply, you must have already completed at least two full semesters at university. Your cumulative GPA should be a minimum of 3.0 (B) or equivalent.
English Language Requirement
If you are from a non-English-speaking country and have not previously studied at an institution of higher education where the language of instruction is English, you are required to take an English proficiency test. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the internet-based test is required. The school code for TOEFL is 0206. Equivalent Cambridge or IELTS scores are also acceptable.
For more details on Study Abroad in Jerusalem:
Study Abroad in Jerusalem
"*" indicates required fields
Apply
We’re pleased you’re applying to join us in Jerusalem. See our application guidelines or apply online now. Please choose the program of your choice on the drop-down list at the start of the online application form
Contact
Questions? We’d love to hear from you.
Division of Undergraduate Studies
Rothberg International School
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Boyar Building, Room 426
Jerusalem 9190501
risundergrad@savion.huji.ac.il
Tel.: +972 2 588 1628, or 588 2610
Fax: +972 2 588 2363
Fast Facts
Program:
Undergraduate Study Abroad Program (USAP)
Language of Instruction:
English
Length:
Semester or year
Program Dates:
Fall Pre-Semester Course (September 6 – October 3) / Fall Semester (October 23, 2022 – January 27, 2023)
Spring Pre-Semester Course (February 1, 2023 – February 22, 2023) / Spring Semester: (February 28, 2023 – June 30, 2023)
Eligibility:
Completion of at least two full university semesters; minimum 3.0 (B) GPA; additional requirements for Special Interest Programs
First-year students see First-Year Study Abroad Program
Application Deadline:
Fall/Year 2022-2023 – April 15, 2023
Spring 2023 – November 15, 2023
Internship Possibility:
Yes; independent study also available
Cost:
For financial information, see Tuition & Fees for undergraduates