Program Study in Israel (PSI)
The BC Program Study in Israel (PSI) program is administered through Brooklyn College. Through this program, you will gain international experience in the Middle East while completing academic course work for your degree. You can study a broad range of subjects at:
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev
- Haifa University
- Hebrew University (Rothberg)
- Tel Aviv University
Students can choose from a wide range of courses offered in English in special programs for visiting foreign students. Students with a high level of Hebrew may also register for courses taught in Hebrew within the regular university curriculum. Sample areas of study offered in English: Arabic, archeology, the arts, global health, Israeli culture and customs, Jewish history and traditions, Middle Eastern history, music, performing arts, political science, pre-medicine, psychology, religious studies, sustainability, and many others. Courses in English may be found at some institutions within the regular university curriculum as well. Students not fluent in Hebrew are usually required to take an intensive Hebrew language study course (Ulpan) that precedes the beginning of the academic semester.
Eligibility
This program is open to Brooklyn College students who have completed a full semester of study at Brooklyn College. Some of the Israeli institutions may wish to have visiting students with more advanced standing depending on the program of study. Students from other CUNY schools, as well as non-CUNY students, are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Program Dates
The beginning date of fall classes varies depending on the Jewish calendar and fall holidays. Generally, a student might study in the Ulpan in late July through early September or early September into October, break for the holidays, and begin fall classes in mid-October, which continue through the end of December or early January. Spring term begins with the winter Ulpan in late January with spring courses beginning in late February.
Costs
Estimated costs for one semester of study (airfare, housing, meals, personal expenses, tuition, books, Ulpan), prior to the application of scholarships and financial aid, is estimated between $15,000 and $17,000. Students may apply financial aid and scholarships towards this cost. Students pay the full tuition of the host institution in two steps:
- Students pay CUNY tuition to Brooklyn College upon registration for the program by the IPSA office.
- The remaining balance of the host institution tuition, as well as the housing costs, are billed directly to the student by the host Israeli institution.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
A variety of funding sources are available. The host institution will have scholarships for visiting students. PSI applicants of Brooklyn College may apply for SASA, Furman, Gould, use their Opportunity Grants and Macaulay funds, etc. Jewish students will want to explore opportunities offered by Masa. National scholarships such as the Gilman and the Boren are excellent choices, particularly for those who plan to take courses in Arabic language and Middle Eastern studies. Most financial aid can be applied to semester study abroad programs. Questions about your financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.
How to Apply
There are two parts to the application process. First, an application is submitted to Brooklyn College and, upon acceptance, a second one to the Israeli institution at which they plan to study (see Contacts below).
- Complete and submit the Online Notification of Study Abroad/Brooklyn College Study Abroad Application.
- IPSA applications must be submitted to IPSA no later than April 1 for fall semesters, and October 1 for spring semesters. Due to limited spaces, interested students should submit their applications as early as possible.
- After initial acceptance by IPSA, students will complete an online application for the Israeli institution of choice. Once the applicant has obtained admission from the Israeli institution, the student provides a copy of the admission letter to the IPSA office at Brooklyn College and will be registered by IPSA for the term desired.
- Applications to Israeli institutions must be submitted no later than April 15 (some later) for fall semesters, and November 15 for spring and winter terms.
Housing
Students will live in residence halls with Israeli students or with other international students, depending on the institution. Off-campus apartment living may also be an option.
Cocurricular Activities
Host institutions offer volunteer experiences, internships and research opportunities to visiting students. Campuses have an active club life and extracurricular opportunities to make friends.
Contacts
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Jonathan Hakim
Associate Director for Student Affairs
Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Student Program
1001 Avenue of the Americas, 19th floor
New York, NY 10018
P: 646.452.3682
F: 212.302.6443
E: osp@bgustudyabroad.org
Rothberg International School
at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Sean Reilly
One Battery Park Plaza, 25th Floor
New York, NY 10004-1405
P: 800.404.8622 or 212.607.8520
E: hebrewu@hebrewu.org
Tel Aviv University International
Melea Rubenstein or Shayna Matzner
Office of Academic Affairs
39 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10006
P: 212.742.9030 or 800.665.9828
E: melear@telavivuniv.org
E: admissions@telavivuniv.org
University of Haifa
Michal Morgenstern Laor
Director of Study Abroad Programs
International School, University of Haifa
Haifa 31905
Israel
P: +972.4.828.8882
F: +972.4.824.0391
E: info@mail.uhaifa.org
Note that all information listed above is subject to change at any time. Page last modified on January 5, 2018.
