Study Abroad Programs in the Middle East
Egypt
Cairo: Fall, Spring, or Full Year
This program is at the American University in Cairo (AUC), a four-year liberal arts college of 4,500 students from all segments of Egyptian society and from around the world. Its academic programs are organized into three schools: Humanities and Social Sciences; Sciences and Engineering; and Business, Economics and Communication. The language of instruction is English. AUC is noted for its fine courses on Arabic language, Islamic art and architecture, Egyptology, Middle Eastern society and politics. Science and engineering courses are also offered. Note that AUC's Arabic Language Institute courses are not transferable to UR.
More about the American University in Cairo
Israel
1. Beer Sheva: Fall, Spring, or Full Year
The overseas program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev offers full-year and semester study. Located in Beer Sheva, BGU has become an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Over 17,000 Israeli students live on or around campus and study in the faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Natural Sciences. The Overseas Student Program begins with an intensive, Hebrew language course (Ulpan-6 credits). Academic-year classes taught in English include options such as Focused Academic Tracks in the areas of Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice, Peace Studies and Regional Security, and Global Health. Classes in Israel and Jewish studies are also available including Archaeology, History and Literature. Most students will complete their semester at BGU with 21 academic credits. Numerous volunteering opportunities as well as internships are available, including opportunities to work with the large Bedouin community that lives in the area surrounding Beer Sheva. Students live with Israeli roommates in the dormitories and have the opportunity to be immersed in the most vibrant and socially engaged campus in Israel. A modern train station on campus allows easy access to traveling in the entire country and trips, lectures and excursions are an integral part of the program in order for students to get a truly all-encompassing feel of the country. For further information please see the BGU website at www.bgu-osp.org.
2. Jerusalem: Fall, Spring, or Full Year
This program takes place at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The program begins with an intensive Hebrew language course (Ulpan) and a social and cultural orientation. Most students on the program attend courses offered in English by the Rothberg International School. Students proficient in Hebrew may enroll in regularly scheduled Hebrew University courses. Upon satisfactory completion of the Ulpan (6 credits are earned for the summer Ulpan; 4 credits for the winter Ulpan) and two full academic semesters, students are eligible to receive up to 38 credits. Students may also apply to spend one semester at Hebrew University. Semester students are eligible to earn up to 22 credits. Upon successful completion, students earn 4 credits for Hebrew language courses taken during the academic year proper.
More about the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
3. Karmiel: ORT Braude College Exchange: Spring only
This program is for sophomore and junior engineering and computer science students in Karmiel, Israel. ORT Braude students spend the fall semester at the University of Rochester. All classes are offered in English and special area studies courses on the archaeology of the Galilee are offered in addition to the technical courses. For details, see Lisa Norwood, SEAS, Lattimore 301, lnrw@seas.rochester.edu.
More about the ORT Braude College Exchange
UR student Lindsay Wood '10 visits ORT Braude
exchange student Bat-Hen
Sayag in Israel, January 2009
Jordan
Amman: Fall or Spring
The program in Jordan, through CIEE, affords students the opportunity to study in one of the most welcoming countries in the Middle East. Classroom learning and field trips combine to dispel the myths of the Middle East and give students unparalleled insight into one of the richest histories in the world. Jordan is truly a combination of the ancient with the modern, of traditional Arab culture with the West. Whether your interest is Arabic language or anthropology, economics or archaeology, the CIEE program has a wide range of course selections that can be enriched with volunteer work or an internship. The program is designed for students who have an interest in Jordan and the Middle East. Courses are offered in the areas of Arabic language, anthropology, history, economics, literature, religion, archaeology, environment, political science, and the media. Students are required to take Arabic along with three area studies courses, taught in English. Program highlights include a three-day trip to the south of Jordan to visit Petra and Wadi Rum.