Study Abroad Options for Jewish Studies Majors

First consider the following types of programs:

• Mainstreamed programs in English-speaking countries
  (Mainstreamed programs involve taking regular classes with host national students.)
• Mainstreamed programs that require proficiency in another language
• Programs for Americans taught in English or other languages

Students should be prepared to show course materials to any department in which they would like to earn major or minor credit, for final course approval, at the conclusion of the program.

Eligibility, housing, program dates, cost and financial aid details for each program can be found on individual program flyers. The Information Center also has comprehensive program notebooks with more detailed information. If you have further questions or want to speak with an advisor about academic issues, please call Overseas Study to arrange an appointment.

• Jerusalem, Israel Students study at Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School. Enroll in 12-17 credit hours, including Ulpan and during the semester a Hebrew language course and at least one Jewish Studies course from a selection of 45 courses in humanities and social sciences taught in English. Students can study in fall, spring or academic year.
  • 45 courses in humanities and social sciences taught in English
• Tel Beth Shemesh, Israel involves 3-weeks of participation in an archeological expedition at the site of Tel Beth Shemesh and at Kibbutz Beit Guvrin.
  • Course: REL-R 300, Research in Biblical Archeology
• Jewish Studies in Germany is a program where students can explore contemporary Jewish culture in Germany and learn about German Jewish history. Introductory classes on German Jewish history are held in April, followed by a two-week study tour. This program is significantly underwritten by Bridge of Understanding.
  • Course: JSTU-H 495, Individual Readings in Jewish Studies
• Cape Town, South Africa has a department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies with a number of courses available.
  • Example courses: A History of Antisemitism, Great Books of Jewish Literature, Hebrew and Contemporary Jewry
• Denmark, Copenhagen offers a couple of courses that are Jewish Studies history and society courses.
  • Courses: The Jews in Europe from the Middle Ages to the Present and The Fate of North European Jews in World War 2
• Prague, Czech Republic offers a course that is a Jewish Studies Religion and Thought course
  • Contemporary Jewish Religious Thought

   

II. Affiliated Study Abroad Programs

IU does not offer programs in every location and language, so students may choose to search from among the list of affiliated programs that are administered by other institutions. Students earn transfer credit on these programs and the use of financial aid is subject to approval.

As a general rule, the mainstreamed programs are most likely to include courses that fulfill major requirements. Offerings in the programs designed exclusively for Americans are limited, and students should review the courses that are available and then consult Overseas Study for guidance.

• University College London has a Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies with many courses. Our affiliates (Arcadia University CEA and Butler University IFSA) offer UC London as an option.

III. Other Non-IU Options

If students still do not find a program that suits their needs, they should consult non-IU program instructions to get information on locating a program and procedures to follow.

• Consider the academic year or semester programs in Israel at the following universities: Ben-Gurion University, Haifa University or Tel Aviv University. (Students choosing to study at other universities in Israel will not be permitted to maintain IU enrollment or use of IU financial aid while abroad.)
• CET Academic Programs has a Jewish Studies program in Prague, Czech Republic that focuses on the Jewish experience in Central and Eastern Europe. Many of the credits earned on the program will fulfill Jewish Studies credit. Most of the courses fulfill Jewish Studies History and Society credit, although a course on Modern Jewish Philosophy (a Religion and Thought course) is frequently taught.
• A number of programs in Florence, Italy where students study at the Lorenzo de Medici Institute intermittently offer a few Jewish Studies History and Society courses. Students should primarily consider Broome Community College, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wells College.