Program Details
Location
Jerusalem,
Israel
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Summer Session
Housing
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
Arabic
English
Hebrew
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
3.0
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite
Photos
About
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a multidisciplinary institution of higher learning and research, a scientific center of international repute, and is ranked among the world’s leading universities. At the Hebrew University, students of all backgrounds receive a university education where excellence is emphasized.
About 2,000 international students from around the world enroll at the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University every year.
This program appeals to you if you are interested in experiencing Israeli and Middle Eastern culture, would like to study alongside Israeli and other international students, or need to fulfill major requirements.
Housing & Meals
You are required to live in the Mount Scopus on-campus housing, which allows you to meet other students and experience Israeli student life.
You are usually housed in apartments with single bedrooms. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared.
There is no meal plan, but the kitchens are equipped with stove burners and refrigerators for preparing light meals and snacks.
Excursions
The Rothberg International School at Hebrew University organizes an extensive orientation as well as activities throughout the semester. They also employ full-time Madrichim (or Social Activities Coordinators) who build and implement the social activities program.
The Madrichim live on campus, and it is their responsibility to assist you in engaging in campus life as much as possible. Most social activities planned by the Rothberg International School are included in the program fee, so you are encouraged to take advantage of them all.
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Learning Outcomes
Studying at Hebrew University of Jerusalem will help you:
- Augment your cross-cultural understanding through interactions with the host country, other international students, and community members
- Experience host country and international viewpoints on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at the Israeli host university
- Gain a better understanding of the diverse perspectives of the social, political, historical, and economic realities of Israel and the Palestinian Territories
- Enhance your intentionality through independent, though supported, living and learning opportunities
Faculty & Staff
All courses are taught by Hebrew University of Jerusalem faculty.
Program Structure
Program Level
Various levels
Courseload
15 credits per semester and 30 credits for the academic year. Credit amounts vary for the summer session.
You are required to maintain a minimum enrollment of 15 credits per semester.
Coursework
Undergraduate Study Abroad Program (fall, spring, academic year)
- Pre-semester program (choice of 1 of 4 courses: Practical Hebrew, Foundations of Modern Standard Arabic, Footloose in Historical Jerusalem, or Challenges in Israeli Society)
- English-taught courses at the Rothberg International School in a wide variety of subjects
- Departmental Hebrew University classes taught alongside Israeli students (many offered in English)
- Internships (3 credits, optional)
- Independent study (maximum of 3 credits, optional, I-UROP Scholarship eligible)
Spring in Jerusalem—Honors Program (spring): Combines language study, research, and advanced coursework; competitive
Summer Programs: Hebrew and Arabic language courses; Thematic programs taught in English; Internships
In addition to taking classes at the Rothberg International School, you have the option of taking English-taught classes in other departments of Hebrew University, expanding the range of academic offerings greatly. If you are a junior-year and above, you may be allowed into graduate level classes at Hebrew U if prerequisites are met. Note that due to a longer academic calendar, classes at Hebrew U run 3 weeks longer than classes at Rothberg, and require you to stay an additional 3 weeks in-country.
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 been 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 conducted
- discuss appropriate placement into your next Hebrew language course (if applicable)
- Once your Hebrew language course(s) from abroad has been posted to your UofM transcript, you will need to contact 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.
Global Identity
Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.
To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.
Program Dates
Program Suspension: While the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a partner with the University of Minnesota for many years, no students are approved for study abroad or other University-purpose travel in Israel until further notice given the state of war and the cessation of travel insurance by our provider of coverage for faculty and students.
Summer 2024
Application Open Date: August 1, 2023
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Dates vary by program track | NA |
Spring 2024
Spring Semester
Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Arrival in Israel | February 12 |
| Pre-semester course begins (required) | February 13–March 6 |
| Academic semester | March 10–June 5 |
| Rothberg courses end | June 5 |
| University semester ends | July 1 |
Spring Semester Honors Program
Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: November 15, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Arrival in Israel | February 12 |
| Pre-semester course begins (required) | February 13–March 6 |
| Academic semester | March 10–June 5 |
| Rothberg courses end | June 5 |
| University semester ends | July 1 |
Academic Year 2023-24
Application Open Date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Arrival in Israel | September 5 |
| Pre-Semester course begins (required) | September 6–28 |
| Fall Semester (Rothberg courses) | October 15–January 1 |
| University semester ends | January 22 |
| Spring Semester | March 10–June 5 |
| Moving out of housing and departure from Israel | June 6 |
Fall 2023
Application Open Date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023
| Schedule | Date |
|---|---|
| Arrival in Israel & Pre-semester Registration | September 5 |
| Pre-semester program | September 6–October 3 |
| Regular semester | October 23–January 1 |
| Final exams | January 3–4 |
| Move out of housing & departure from Israel | January 5 |
Fees
University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
MASA Israel Grant and Scholarship—MASA Israel Journey offers scholarships specifically for Jewish students studying in Israel.
The Minneapolis Jewish Foundation offers a number of awards for study abroad.
If you are accepted into the Spring in Jerusalem Honors Program, you will receive a $4000 merit scholarship as part of your acceptance to the program. No additional application is required. You do not need to be enrolled in the UofM Honors program in order to qualify for this scholarship. The requirement is a minimum of a 3.7 GPA.
Flight & Deposit Advance
The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Apply
While the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has been a partner with the University of Minnesota for many years, no students are approved for study abroad or other University-purpose travel in Israel until further notice given the state of war and the cessation of travel insurance by our provider of coverage for faculty and students.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to