MSU Jewish Studies Summer Program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem

Summer 2010

4 ½ weeks (late June to late July)

Sponsored by Jewish Studies and the College of Arts & Letters, James Madison College, and the College of Social Science; in cooperation with the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University; arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA). The Hebrew University and the Rothberg School are “open to all persons without distinction of race, sex, religion, political opinion, or national or social origin.”

What's this program about?

MSU’s Jewish Studies Summer Program at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem offers students the opportunity to earn eight credits in the arts and humanities or social sciences while living and studying in Jerusalem. The program is designed for students interested in learning first-hand about the history, politics, society, and culture of Israel. Students at other colleges and universities are also welcome to apply through MSU for credits to be transferred to their home institutions.

Where does it take place?

The Program takes place at the Rothberg International School of the Hebrew University, one of Israel’s leading universities. The Hebrew University is located atop Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem.

What can I study?

There are two required four-credit courses, the first a lecture course including other participants in the Rothberg School’s Israel Studies Institute, while the second is limited to members of the MSU program and consists of a seminar with study tours.

The Emergence of the Modern State of Israel (David Mendelsson)
The course will survey ideological, political and social developments in the Jewish community in Palestine (Yishuv), from the beginnings of political Zionism to the contemporary State of Israel. Topics include the evolution of the Zionist idea; the notion of the New Jew, political developments during the Yishuv period; the struggle for the State; social, ethnic and religious schisms; the evolution of the Arab-Israel conflict, the peace process and the intifada. The influence of these issues on Israeli collective identity will be examined. Meets M, T, W, Th mornings; also S half- or full-day excursions. (Counts as IAH 211D Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: The Middle East—Focus on Israel, or as MC 290: The Making of Modern Israel.)

Israeli Politics and Society (Yael Aronoff)
This course focuses on Israeli politics, political cultures, and society and investigates the relationship between society and social and ethnic cleavages, culture and politics, political institutions and parties, and democracy and the Jewish nature of the state. We will also be assessing the influence of these on Israel’s foreign policy. The course aims to give students an understanding of the historic political and cultural transformations Israel has undergone. We will take advantage of our location by meeting with representatives of different Israeli social movements and hearing from Israeli academics, as well as visiting the Israeli Knesset, High Court, and Think Tanks. We will also be visiting a variety of places of historical, cultural, and political significance throughout the country. Students will participate in seminar discussions and write research papers in preparation for our simulation of mock Israeli elections. Meets M, T, W, Th afternoons. (Counts as ISS 330B: Asia: Social Science Perspectives {pending approval}, or MC 391: Special Topics—Israeli Society and Culture)

Extracurricular activities

While the academic demands of the Program are rigorous, activities outside the classroom are also an integral part of the study abroad experience and the courses themselves will include considerable on-site learning. The Hebrew University campus is a short taxi ride from the heart of Jerusalem. Students will have opportunities to meet other students from around the world as well as from Israel at Rothberg lectures, events, and activities. Students are strongly encouraged to make use of free time on weekends to travel around the country.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

For example, in order to enroll for IAH 211D, students must have earned credit in their first IAH course requirement (IAH 201-210) prior to the beginning of this study abroad program.

What are the requirements?

Students must be of at least sophomore status and in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students on the MSU program live in the Hebrew University dormitories with Rothberg School students from several continents along with Israelis attending summer session. The University is a short bus or taxi ride from the heart of Jerusalem. The Boyar Building, in which the Rothberg School is housed, offers free wireless e-mail access, access to two computer labs, and a small library.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Yael Aronoff
2010 Program Director
317 S. Case Hall
Phone: (517) 884-1275

Kenneth Waltzer
Director, Jewish Studies Program
301 Linton Hall
Phone: (517) 432-3493

See the 2008 program blog.

Read about the Rothberg International School.

Do I need a passport or visa?

A valid passport is required for entry into Israel.  U.S. citizens do not need a visa. 

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.  It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

How much does it cost?

The program fee for 2009 was$3,081 and included the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $4,125 (US09).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

MSU Jewish Studies will work with eligible students to help secure scholarship funding. Jewish Studies administers the Julie and Ed Levy Jr. Student Leadership Scholarships for Study in Israel ($2,500 summer scholarships) and the Ed and Dot Slade Israel Study Scholarships ($1,500 summer scholarships). It also administers additional funds for Israel scholarships. These scholarships are available to all students without distinction of ethnicity, religion, or nationality. Application forms are available at www.jsp.msu.edu and are due along with faculty recommendation on March 1.

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

Is it safe to go?

MSU, the Office for Study Abroad, the Jewish Studies Program, and the Hebrew University take students’ safety extremely seriously. While all study abroad programs have inherent risks, it has been determined—after careful research and analysis—that studying in Israel does not pose any undue danger. However, all participants will be required to sign a statement of safety guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines, which include no travel to the West Bank or Gaza, and no travel on public busses in Jerusalem, may result in removal from the program.

The MSU Jewish Studies program originated during the late 1990s but was suspended for several years during the Al-Aqsa uprising. Upon petition and a site visit, the program was renewed in 2006. Security on the Hebrew University campus is tight, with entrance through guarded gates and a security perimeter under video surveillance. All excursions go only to areas deemed safe by the Hebrew University administration, which is in constant consultation with Israeli security officials. Conditions in Israel will be monitored at all stages of the program preparation and operation. In the unlikely event of a security flare-up MSU will review the situation and facilitate evacuation if necessary.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Return to the Study Abroad Home Page