Program Description

Co-sponsored by UW-Madison, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ) program to Jerusalem, Israel, offers students an opportunity to live and study in Jerusalem, one of the most important religious and historic cities in the world and a major center of Middle East politics. Participants join other international students at HUJ’s Rothberg International School in taking courses in English or Hebrew and experiencing the language and culture of Israel firsthand.

Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, is well known for its abundant historical and holy sites and fascinating tourist attractions. A city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem is a melding of past and present, of ancient roots and modern innovations. In addition, this thriving metropolis is rich in art galleries and museums, theaters and concert halls, restaurants and cafes, pubs and dance clubs. Exciting festivals, exhibitions, international conferences, sports competitions and many other special events are held throughout the year.

Academics

HUJ is Israel’s first university and has become a multidisciplinary institution of higher learning and research, as well as a scientific center of international repute. In 2005, Israel's Council for Higher Education ranked the Hebrew University as the nation's #1 university on a scale of "academic excellence." Today 24,000 students from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds study on the University’s four campuses, including some 1,200 visitors from abroad and new immigrants who have come to its Rothberg International School to pursue degrees or earn credits for transfer.

Participants on the program begin by enrolling in intensive Hebrew language study (ulpan) in a pre-semester session, where they are assigned to a class level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) based on the results of a Hebrew placement exam. Upon completion of the ulpan, students continue Hebrew language study throughout the semester.

During the semester, students will find a wide variety of courses, offered mainly in English, in archaeology, business, history, literature, philosophy, religion, communications, international studies, political science, psychology, sociology, and science. Students who have sufficient knowledge of Hebrew are encouraged to attend departmental Hebrew University classes, where they can choose from a broad selection of courses in the faculties of humanities, social sciences and science.

Housing

Participants live within walking distance to the university in student apartment complexes on Mount Scopus overlooking Jerusalem. Arranged by HUJ, students are housed in single or double bedrooms with international or Israeli students during the ulpan and throughout the academic year. Students prepare their own meals in common kitchen areas or purchase food from moderately priced kosher cafeterias and snack bars or small supermarkets near each student housing complex. Students can also pursue off-campus housing.

Excursions and Activities

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, participants attend the ulpan as well as an orientation to HUJ and Israeli society. HUJ offers numerous social and cultural opportunities throughout the year, such as volunteering in community organizations, extracurricular sports activities, special study tours during vacation periods, and much more. The Office of Student Activities organizes programs specifically designed to introduce international students to the land of Israel—Its people, geography, culture and politics. The many exciting events, tours and activities that complement the academic program allow participants to see the country from new angles and provide them with a comprehensive, memorable Israel experience. The Office of Student Activities also employs a team of specially selected Israeli students (madrichim) who reside in the dormitories and assist international students in adjusting to campus life at HUJ while helping them obtain the full benefit of their stay in Israel.