Undergraduate Study Abroad Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

I always wanted to visit Israel for several reasons. I had a chance to come as exchange student. My first arrival wasn't as easy as expected, but soon, after 2~3 weeks everything went fine. People here are very interactive, rather than looking at the phone, they like to communicate with each others. In academic life also, lots of sharing their thoughs and debating. People are very straight forward and friendly. I actually extended one more semester to stay. Having some relaxing time, and oraganizing my life, and finding my further direction.

I went to Jerusalem to study one thing and everything––that is, to study Jerusalem, where the ancient and the modern are bound together, where many peoples and histories have a home. Hebrew University gave *me* a home in the middle of all of it. The staff were wonderful and welcoming, and always took the time to talk. The professors were always thoughtful and engaging. And, of course, the program attracts a certain kind of person––adventurous, thoughtful, and deeply curious. Being at Hebrew U. allowed me to feel connected to something even as I broadened my horizons, wider than I ever thought possible.

My time at Hebrew University was easily my favorite semester of college. I met incredible people, had extremely engaging professors, and explored the beautiful city of Jerusalem. The staff at the university care so much about the students and offer a ton of support and resources. I especially loved my Jerusalem architecture class with Professor Abraham Silver.

I was able to join a research project at the university, meet and have lunch with Dennis Ross, and still have time to adventure and explore the city.

During this time of uncertainty, I invite undergraduates like myself to embrace the unusual and carve out an experience that may be different than what they were expecting. My experiences abroad in Israel have shown me that being open minded and flexible to the fast-changing environment we’ve found ourselves in is the straightest path to making the most of a difficult situation. Despite everything, I’m so grateful to have been here and seen Israel under these circumstances. Not only has Israeli perseverance and the community helped them come out of this time stronger, but because of it I’ve been able to spend such an odd moment in history having unforgettable experiences: exploring Akko and Tzfat, snorkeling in the Red Sea, hiking in the Golan, and tasting local street foods throughout Jerusalem. And with no tourists in the country, I have had the opportunity to witness the authentic, local life.

I'm an engineering major but wanted to try something different for my exchange experience. I took many social science classes from Rothberg and cannot regret even one of them. Without much background in them, the synergy of Rothberg encouraged me to learn and enjoy all of my courses. The professors and instructions I had were either having an excellent academic background or a substantial field experience and, most amazingly, usually both. Students who chose to come here were mature, open-minded, and resilient. It's a great place to challenge one another and observe life under conflict. You learn how to look at things from both sides and explore your authentic self even more. The student office took great care of us by providing help any time we need, organizing field trips and hikes, having regular speakers from different social and ethnic groups in Israel.

I was lucky enough to be a part of the Rothberg school for one semester during my gap year. It was the most amazing experience ever being I was able to meet so many people from so many different countries, have an amazing academic experience with awesome teachers and faculty, stay in beautiful dorms and be in the best city in the best country in the world. This program was so great, I will likely be taking a semester abroad there as well during college. I highly recommend it as it was the best 5 months of my life.

This is a really nice program if you want to continue your studies in a more relaxed way while exploring Jerusalem and Israel/Palestine. They have great programing and really help you find your way around the city. The course offerings are pretty limited if you stick with English, but you will find something that works. Jerusalem is just such a fantastic city and Hebrew University is the best place to be when in Israel.

Mt. Scopus is one of the most amazing places in the Middle East. Physically, you on the diving line of the Judean Desert and the Jerusalem Hills. Metaphorically, you are in the Middle of the deepest conflict in the Middle East, amongst history that is important for 3 major world religions. Jerusalem is a place of many sites, sounds, colors, and smells, each tied to a history that is told differently depending on who you speak with.

The program itself is what you make out of it. There are ample opportunities to explore and meet people of all types. You can immerse yourself in Israeli, Arab, or a multitude of other cultures. The school provides a good base to do this from. You must fight not to get stuck in the group of American kids that just want to drink all the time and smoke hookah (of course we all want to sometimes). Also, all of the professors have opinions on the conflict that they bring into class - diverse opinions. This can turn off some students. Great Hebrew language instruction is available.