Overview

This exciting joint initiative of Harvard University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is designed for outstanding students in their third and fourth years of study who are looking for a unique intellectual challenge. Participants study together with Israelis in advanced-level courses offered in English by various departments of the Hebrew University.

Hebrew and Arabic language classes are available at different levels of expertise. Students experience Israel through field trips, social encounters with prominent Israelis, supervised internships, independent research projects and a variety of extracurricular activities. The program runs from mid-January to late June.
 

Third and fourth year Rice University students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply.  Applications to the program will be jointly reviewed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Rothberg International School and Harvard University.

Academics

Students initially attend an intensive Hebrew language course, the Winter Ulpan (5 credits), and then continue with their studies in the spring semester, in which they must choose a minimum of 15 credits.

At least two courses must be selected from the special list of advanced courses offered in English by Hebrew University departments in such areas as Environmental Studies, Urban and Regional Studies, Business Administration, Brain Research, Behavior and Genetics, Political Science, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, History of the Jewish People, Latin American Studies and the Study of Rationality (2-3 credits per course). These courses extend to the end of June.

Students with a sufficient command of the language may choose, as an alternative, departmental courses offered in Hebrew. The remainder of credits can be taken from among the following:

• Courses at the Rothberg International School on a wide range of topics, most notably in Jewish, Israel and Middle Eastern Studies as well as Environmental and Brain Sciences. Students may choose courses offered by the Undergraduate Division or those offered by the Graduate Division open to upper-level undergraduates (3 credits per course). See the RIS undergraduate course list.
• Language Study. Hebrew and Arabic language courses are available on various levels (3-7 credits)
• Independent Research Project. Students may conduct independent research under the supervision of a Hebrew University faculty member in lieu of one class (3 credits).
• Internships. Interning in a private company, public institution or NGO provides a unique opportunity to experience Israeli society first hand (1 credit).

Please Note:  Third and fourth year Rice University students with a minimum GPA of 3.5 are eligible to apply.  Applications to the program will be jointly reviewed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Rothberg International School and Harvard University.

Student Life

More information can be found here: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/?CategoryID=163
 

Housing

The student housing complexes on Mount Scopus, overlooking the incredible panorama of Jerusalem, are walking distance from the University. They offer an independent setting appropriate for overseas students. Living in University housing is an important part of the overall experience of studying abroad. RIS students have the opportunity to meet new friends from different cultures and continents – North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Europe – as well as a chance to share experiences with Israeli students.
Students are usually housed in apartments with single bedrooms. The bedrooms contain a bed, desk, chair and closet. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared. Internet access is available for an additional fee. 
Students must supply their own bedroom linens and blankets, dishes and cooking utensils. Students may bring their own laptops, T.V. sets (PAL system), DVD, etc. There is a service from which students may purchase the needed items and have them delivered to them in Israel.
 

Location

What has not already been said about the holiest city in the world, the city that has been united, the eternal city first built thousands of years ago, whose history can be heard in the whispering of the wind along the walls, where every stone tells a wondrous story of a city that has drawn millions of faithful pilgrims for thousands of years. Such is Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, the only city in the world that has 70 names of love and yearning, the city that in old maps appears at the center of the world and is still adored like a young bride.
 
Jerusalem is a city of overwhelming emotions, a city that promises a religious and spiritual experience, excitement and pleasure, interesting tours and entertaining adventures. Here, alongside Jerusalem’s fascinating historic and archeological sites, there are amazingly modern tourist attractions for all lovers of culture, the arts, theater and music, architecture and gastronomic delights.