Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program

Our Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program will challenge and inspire you, incorporating a diverse range of courses from science to Middle East studies. You’ll take advanced-level courses in English with Israeli students and conduct independent research. Explore Israel’s rich and vibrant culture through field trips, social activities, and courses on Hebrew language, Israel, and the Middle East. At the same time, build your career through professional internship opportunities with Israeli private companies, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This program will help prepare you for your future career or continuing studies.

As a Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program student, you’ll take advanced-level courses taught in English at HebrewUand choose from a  wide range of options. The topics may include, for example, urban and regional studies, environmental studies, and brain research. Please note that the opportunities vary from year to year. You’ll also take courses at HebrewU’s Rothberg International School (RIS) in a variety of areas, such as Jewish, Israel, and Middle East studies; international relations; human rights; behavioral sciences; and Modern Hebrew and Arabic languages.

Program Structure & Credits

You may study for a semester or year. 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. 

Note: If you are interested in an internship, you can begin your placement during the Pre-Semester.

Spring Semester

• Select at least two courses offered in English at Hebrew University faculties (4-6 credits).
• Register for one advanced seminar (4000-level course) taught within the Undergraduate Division of Hebrew University’s RIS (3 credits).
• Participate in a series of interdisciplinary Sunday brunch lectures presented by leading HebrewU faculty members.

The remainder of your courses can be taken from the following:

• Hebrew University’s RIS: Choose courses offered by the Undergraduate Division or by the Graduate Division that are open to upper-level undergraduates (3 credits per course).
• Language study: Hebrew- and Arabic-language courses are available at various levels (3 to 7 credits).
• Independent research project: Conduct independent research under the supervision of a Hebrew University faculty member (3 credits).
• Internships: Intern at a private company, public institution, or NGO (1 credit).

Courses

View the HebrewU courses taught in English. View the HebrewU RIS courses and get to know HebrewU’s RIS faculty members. Please note that you may choose HebrewU courses offered in the Hebrew language if you have sufficient command of Hebrew.

You can opt to do a professional internship with a partner organization for eight 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

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). The project will be completed 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, where they can help you arrange an option that is tailored to your needs and availability.

The JDC–Hebrew University Fellowship in Service 

You can also apply to participate in a prestigious community service program in collaboration with the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the largest developer of social programs in the country. The JDC touches the lives of one in four Israelis. This program allows you to engage in meaningful service work with one of Jerusalem’s most vulnerable populations, including at-risk youth, persons with disabilities, unemployed Ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredi), and others in need. If accepted to this exclusive program, you will receive in-depth educational development and training relating to your placement.

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. You’ll live on the Mount Scopus Campus with other international and Israeli students, giving you a chance to form new friendships and get involved in campus and Israeli 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: November 30*
Program length: Semester
*Late applications are accepted subject to the approval of the program director.

View our Academic Calendar for registration dates and more.

For financial information, see Tuition & Fees

Scholarships

A limited number of merit awards are offered to highly qualified, motivated US students participating in the Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program. This award is offered in the amount of US$ 3,000 for a semester of study at HebrewU’s RIS. To be considered, you must be accepted to the Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program. 

Apply for Scholarship

To apply, please download the form and return it to the Office of Academic Affairs. You may direct any questions about the scholarship to the same office:

Email
Tel.: +1 (800) 404 8622
Fax: +1 (212) 809 4183

Third-year or fourth-year undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.7 or equivalent are eligible to apply. We will consider students with a lower GPA if special circumstances are warranted.

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 89 on the internet-based test is required. The school code for TOEFL is 0206. Equivalent Cambridge or IELTS scores are also acceptable.