Haifa is the technology hub of northern Israel and a picturesque mix of people and cultures. Students in the Israeli & Middle Eastern Studies Program spend a semester or year at the University of Haifa, considered one of the most pluralistic institutions of higher learning in the country. The program combines language study with other coursework and excursions in Israel. There are also internship opportunities; past placements have included such fields as medical services, archaeology, education, public relations, social work, conflict resolution, and women’s studies.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- The University of Haifa International School’s admissions criteria require study abroad students to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students with a GPA below a 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis and should contact BU Study Abroad before applying.
- No previous Hebrew or Arabic language experience needed
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
Pre-Semester Option
The University of Haifa often offer students additional opportunities to live in Israel and gain credit before the regular semester begins, for an additional cost that is not included in the tuition/fees for the semester. These opportunities vary from semester to semester, but may include a study tour, intensive beginning Arabic language program, or an Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language program). Contact us for more information on these pre-semester options.
Required Courses
Students enroll in the University of Haifa's International School. Generally, each student takes four courses (ranging from three to six credit-hours each) during the regular semester: a course in Hebrew or Arabic language, a course related to the culture or history of Israel and the Middle East, and courses in the student's area of interest in the general liberal arts curriculum.
Required Course List
Subject areas include:
- Communications
- Education
- Hebrew and Arabic Language
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Middle East Studies
- Peace and Conflict Studies
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Women's Studies
Students may also enroll in the Department of English Language & Literature, and art majors may enroll in the Department of Fine Arts. Students with sufficient Hebrew skills are encouraged to enroll directly in the regular courses offered at the University of Haifa.
Course offerings are subject to change. For the most up-to-date schedule with descriptions, visit the University of Haifa International School website.
Housing & Student Services
University Dormitory
- Students have single rooms with their own bathroom and share a kitchen and common space with 5 other Israeli and international students. The rooms are fully furnished with a bed, desk, chair, bookshelf, and closet, and students are provided with bedding (pillow, pillowcase, two sheets, 1 blanket). There is a 24-hour security guard, and one room in each suite has a “secure” room with a heavy steel door and walls
- Haifa is on the top of Mount Carmel with a sweeping view over the Mediterranean. It is adjacent to a national park in which students can run, and they can take an hour-long hike downhill to the “student beach.”
- Students share a kitchen with Israeli and international students.
- Board is not included
- The campus has a cafeteria, smaller eateries, and a weekly market
- Laundry room in the building
- Students can purchase a membership to the gym on campus, which is equipped with aerobic machines and weights. There is a library, a museum, and a student center with a bar and room for activities.
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: October to early January
- Fall Pre-semester Option: early August to early October
- Spring Semester: late February to early June
- Spring Pre-semester Option: mid-January to late February
Application Timeline
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline March 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications Deadline October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations