If you’ve graduated high school and are looking for a unique Israel experience, our academic gap year program is ideal for you. You’ll get to experience life in Israel for a semester or a year, meet young people from around the world, learn Hebrew, launch your academic career taking courses at Israel’s No. 1 university and, if it interests you, even gain work experience in the start-up sector! Beyond this, you’ll join many special activities offered by our Student Life Team, such as trips to the Dead Sea, Masada and Tel Aviv, guided tours throughout Jerusalem, and loads of intercultural student events.
Depending on your interests, you can choose from one of two gap year programs offered by Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School:
The First-Year Study Abroad Program will give you the opportunity to kick off your university career with specialized courses at HUJI. Your Israel experience will begin with an optional intensive Hebrew program, called an Ulpan. You’ll enjoy learning the practical uses of Hebrew, to help you get around Israel. Your language studies will continue into the semester, alongside two to three introductory level courses in the following fields: Jewish studies, Israel studies, Middle East studies, social sciences, business and communications. Additionally, you’ll have the option of attending a writing workshop to improve your academic writing skills. If you’d like to help make a difference during your time in Israel, you may choose to enroll in a 12-credit semester program and volunteer with a nonprofit organization.
Ultimately, the First-Year Study Abroad Program will provide you with a solid initiation into academic study and writing, and the credits you earn will be transferable to most colleges and universities abroad.
Our second program, STEAM for Social Change, will help you launch your career in the field of start-ups. Through our cooperation with the Hilma (Tech for Impact) Development Center, a technology incubator that works with companies like Cisco and Microsoft, you will have the chance to intern for a good cause and develop innovative applications and IT solutions in the areas of welfare, education and health for the underserved in society. You’ll work together with young Israeli high school graduates completing their national service, and will enjoy getting to know your Israeli peers. Before the semester starts, you’ll attend a coding boot camp to improve your skills. In addition to your semester-long internship, you’ll take one to two introductory level courses at RIS and earn academic credit.
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