As part of a reevaluation of the University’s risk assessment policy, Northwestern will soon offer three new undergraduate study abroad programs in Israel.
Starting in January 2013, students will be able to participate in study abroad programs at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheva, as well as an exchange program through Tel Aviv University, said Greg Buchanan, program coordinator for International Program Development.
Students will be able to take credit-approved courses in a variety of fields, including Jewish and Hebrew studies, engineering, Middle East studies and global health, according to a news release issued last week by International Program Development and Global Health Studies.
The new programs were established after two University committees “conducted a thorough health and safety review,” according to the release. Israel is included on a list of countries subject to U.S. DOS Travel Warnings, which are issued for countries considered dangerous for travel by the federal government.
Although undergraduates have previously been able to study abroad in Israel through NU’s Fiedler Hillel Center, the new programs allow students to apply for financial aid and participate in programs through University channels, said Michael Simon, executive director of NU Hillel. The undergraduate programs join graduate offerings in Israel through Kellogg School of Management and NU’s School of Law that have been established for a number of years.
— Lauren Caruba
