The Wesleyan University Program in Israel, is run at, and in consortium with, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJ). This spring-semester program maintains the high academic standards and dedication to a sound liberal arts education for which its sponsoring institutions are known. The program accepts a maximum of 20 students from Wesleyan University and other colleges and universities. It runs from mid-January to early June, and offers an ulpan (intensive Hebrew language program) followed by matriculation at the HUJ and in program-run courses. Course credit can be transferred easily to other colleges and universities. Every effort is made to place students in courses from which they will receive the maximum intellectual benefit.

Courses

Students select three HUJ courses in a wide range of academic disciplines, taught in English through the HUJ’s Rothberg International School http://overseas.huji.ac.il/. Students with a sufficiently high level of Hebrew will have the option to enroll in regular Israeli university courses.

At the heart of the program are two courses designed exclusively for participants in the Wesleyan program. First is a robust one-credit seminar  (Contemporary Israel: Society, Culture, and Politics) taught by Professor Bernard Avishai, an outstanding international scholar.  In addition to his three highly acclaimed books and numerous articles on Israel, Prof. Avishai publishes one of the most-referenced Israel-related blogs (see http://bernardavishai.blogspot.com/).

A second, half-credit course consists of a series of cultural evenings organized by Linda Zisquit, a well-connected American-born Israeli poet, translator, and professor of creative writing. The course will meet in Prof. Zisquit’s home in the German Colony neighborhood of Jerusalem, and will provide participants opportunities to engage in dialogue with distinguished artists, poets, novelists, journalists, and intellectuals shaping Israeli culture today.

The program is open to Wesleyan and other undergraduate students. Training in Hebrew is strongly encouraged, but is not required. All students take a one-month Hebrew immersion course (ulpan) at the beginning of the program, as well as a course in Hebrew at the appropriate level during the regular semester. Students also can take Arabic as an elective.

Housing

Students will live in HUJ dormitories.

Application Process

To apply to the program, Wesleyan students must submit to the OIS:

1.    The Permission to Study Abroad form, available from the Office of International Studies (105 Fisk Hall) or on the OIS Web site (http://www.wesleyan.edu/ois/)

2.    The brief application form for the Wesleyan program in Israel.

3.    The on-line application to the Rothberg International School, available at http://overseas.huji.ac.il/. To be accepted at the Rothberg School students must have a 3.0 GPA.

The program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing. No student who has an outstanding grade of incomplete in any course at his or her home institution may participate. All acceptances are subject to the approval of the selection committee. Preference will be given to applicants from Wesleyan, but students from other institutions are very welcome.

Fees and Expenses

Students will pay Wesleyan tuition and the HUJ housing fee.  Students will pay for round trip airfare and we encourage students to travel on the group flight arranged by the Rothberg School (see the Rothberg Web site for details).  Students are responsible for the costs of food, books, and personal expenses.

Financial Aid for Wesleyan Students

The Rothberg School offers limited scholarships. While abroad, Wesleyan students continue to receive their financial aid. Work-study funds are not available. Outside applicants should consult with their own financial aid advisor before applying to the program. The program does not offer scholarships, loans, or campus jobs. Outside applicants receiving any form of financial aid should verify that such funds will be transferable to the Wesleyan Program in Israel.

Schedule of Payments

Students from Wesleyan will be billed by the Office of Student Accounts of their respective institutions, according to the normal tuition payment schedules. For other participants, a nonrefundable fee of $500 is due on November 1, and is credited to the relevant semester’s program fee. The balance of the semester fee is due January 1.

Refund Policy

Tuition refunds are calculated based on the date of the student’s withdrawal from the program. Additional refunds will be based on any recoverable portion of the room and board expenditures.

Insurance

All participants must submit proof of health insurance coverage through family insurance coverage or through their home institution.  In addition, HUJ provides health insurance. All participants will be required to purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), available through the OIS. In addition to discounts on travel and activities, this card provides supplemental insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Visas and Passports

A valid passport allows entry into Israel. Students who do not have a passport or whose passport will expire within six months of the end of the program should apply for a new one as soon as possible.  Student visas are required for visitors staying in the country for more than three months. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem will provide information on how to obtain a student visa once you have been accepted. Students who are Israeli citizens (even if they also carry a second nationality) must contact the consulate regarding their military status, and must travel to and from Israel on an Israeli passport.

For additional information please contact Professor Jeremy Zwelling at jzwelling@wesleyan.edu or at (860) 685-2296. 

Information from the Office of International Studies is available at:

Wesleyan University
            105 Fisk Hall
            Middletown, CT 06459
            Tel. (860) 685-2550
            Fax: (860) 685-2551
            E-Mail: gwinter@wesleyan.edu