Learning Abroad in Jewish Studies

Academic Planning Recommendations

• Consider intensive language study programs in Hebrew and other languages that encourage language immersion.
• Consult with the Jewish Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies and the Learning Abroad Center to choose courses and programs that will fulfill requirements or offer credit toward your degree.

Liberal Education Requirements

Search the U Credit Abroad Search. You may also submit any liberal education course not yet evaluated for approval online.

Major and Minor Requirements

• JWST 1034/3034 is ideally completed prior to studying abroad as an equivalent course is typically not offered through study abroad programs. Completing this introductory course prior to study abroad will enhance your experience abroad and give you a broader context for your course selections abroad.
• With the consultation of an appropriate faculty member, you can use research completed abroad as the basis for your senior project.
• Internships abroad can also offer research experience that can be used for a senior project in consultation with a faculty adviser.
• Jewish studies courses abroad may not meet Jewish Studies requirements at the University of Minnesota. It is important to work with your academic adviser to obtain approval once you are admitted to the Jewish Studies major or minor.

Receiving Credit for Hebrew Language Courses Taken Abroad

• Before going abroad, consult with Dr. Renana Schneller – Director of Hebrew Language Instruction, Department of Classical and Near Eastern Religions and Cultures to inquire if Hebrew language course(s) taken abroad will meet Hebrew language requirements.
• When taking language coursework abroad, you will work with the program to determine your Hebrew language course level. This may involve a written placement exam, oral exam, and/or writing sample. Keep in mind that you cannot receive credit for a class that duplicates what you have already taken on campus.
• If you are not satisfied with the level in which you have placed, notify the on-site staff, Dr. Schneller, and your Learning Abroad Center program adviser immediately.
• As soon as you return from learning abroad, consult with Dr. Schneller to:
  • determine when a Hebrew placement exam and an oral proficiency interview will be conductes
  • discuss appropriate placement into your next Hebrew language course (if applicable)
• Once your Hebrew language from abroad has been posted to your UofM transcript, you will need to circle back to Dr. Schneller to request an update to your Academic Progress Audit System (APAS) to reflect what will count toward Hebrew language requirements. Dr. Schneller will work with the College of Liberal Arts to have your APAS updated.

College of Liberal Arts Language Requirement

Courses taken abroad for the CLA Language Requirement (for BA degrees) must be at least 4 credits. CLA college advisers can approve courses that are clearly identified in a syllabus or online course description as first-, second-, third-, or fourth-semester language courses. If a course level is not explicitly stated, you must work with your CLA adviser to have the course evaluated by the appropriate language department. Advisers cannot approve these courses.

Who will advise me and help me with course approvals?

Learning Abroad Center advisers can help you find program and course information to help you prepare for your study abroad academic planning discussion with your academic adviser. Once you have narrowed down your program options meet with Natan Paradise (Director of Undergraduate Studies) to use the Academic Planning for Study Abroad (APSA) form to structure your academic planning.

College/Department Scholarships for UofM Students

• CLA students can apply for CLA Study Abroad Scholarships in addition to other Learning Abroad Center scholarships.
• The Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers merit-based scholarships.
• The Center for Jewish Studies offers the possibility of additional scholarship assistance for majors and minors in Jewish Studies. Consult with Natan Paradise (Director of Undergraduate Studies).

Programs