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Rothberg International School - Undergraduate Study Abroad Program (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Jerusalem, Israel
  • Program Terms: Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Hebrew University of Jerusalem 
  • Restrictions: Pomona applicants only
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: Arabic, English, Hebrew Housing options: Residence Hall
Areas of study: American Studies, Anthropology, Arabic, Archaeology, Architecture, Art, Asian Studies, Biology, Botany, Culture, Dance, Development Studies, Economics, Education, Engineering, English, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, Gender and Women's Studies, Geography, German, Greek, Hebrew, History, Human Rights, Humanities, International Relations, Internships, Jewish Studies, Latin American Studies, Liberal Arts, Linguistics, Literature, Math/Statistics, Media Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Music, Neuroscience, Peace & Conflict Studies, Performing and Visual Arts, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Pre-Law, Psychology, Religious Studies, Russian, Sociology, Theatre Class standing: 1 - Second Semester Sophomore, 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Program type: Direct enrollment, Hybrid GPA: 3.0
GPA Spring Honors Program: 3.7
Program Description:

jerusalemSituated at the crossroads of East and West, Jerusalem is a city of powerful religious, political, and historical contrasts. Sacred to three of the world's religions, Jerusalem's shrines, temples, mosques, churches, and archaeological treasures create a philosophical and spiritual atmosphere which, combined with the many market places and active street life, demonstrate the unique makeup of this fascinating city.

The first university in the new nation of Israel, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem fulfills an important role in preparing Israelis to meet their nation's current political and cultural challenges. As the university's international arm, the Rothberg International School offers an opportunity for students from around the world to study various disciplines with a Jewish or Islamic focus. Located on the Mount Scopus campus, the Rothberg International School provides a base from which students can explore the cultural riches of Jerusalem.

Academic Program
This program is normally only available in the spring semester, due to the university’s academic term dates. In a year where the fall semester ends in time for students to return to Pomona for the spring semester, students may apply for the fall semester program.

Before the semester at Hebrew University begins, students enroll in a Practical Hebrew beginning language course in the winter pre-session program (4 semester credits, 1 Pomona credit). Students who place out of this course with prior Hebrew language proficiency may substitute a pre-session elective focused on Jerusalem for this course (3 semester credits; 0.75 Pomona credit).

During the academic semester, students enroll in courses totaling 13-15 Hebrew University credits (3.25-3.75 Pomona credits). One of these courses must be a Hebrew or Arabic language course, and students choose electives for the remaining courses. One elective must be in Jewish or Israeli studies.

Jerusalem is home to a vibrant arts scene and is a lively cultural center where diverse traditions find expression through the arts. The Rothberg International School (RIS) has developed unique programs in the fields of dance, music, and art. These programs combine artistic training and techniques with academic exposure to Israel’s social, historical, and cultural environment. For more information, please visit DanceJerusalem, Jerusalem Sounds, or ArtJerusalem. Students participating in these program tracks follow the same policies as outlined above, however, some of their elective courses will be taught at partner institutions rather than RIS.

Students who meet the minimum GPA listed above may apply to the "Spring in Jerusalem" Honors Program. For this program, students enroll in the pre-session program, and during the semester they take advanced-level classes taught in English alongside Israeli students at the university. Students take semester courses totaling a minimum of 20 semester credits (5 Pomona credits), including one Hebrew or Arabic language course, and one course focused on Jewish or Israeli studies. For their electives, students take at least two courses in Hebrew University departments including: Brain Research, Behavior and Genetics, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Study of Rationality, Urban and Regional Studies, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and History of Jewish People. Students also take one advanced seminar at the Rothberg International School. The fourth elective course may be taken either at Hebrew University or at the Rothberg International School. This program runs through the end of June. See link for Spring in Jerusalem at the end of this section.

Depending on enrollment and program track, students earn a total of 4.0-6.0 Pomona credits in this program. 

The CR/NC option is limited to the Hebrew Ulpan, direct enroll courses (outside of Rothberg International School) only. 

Living Arrangements
Spring semester participants will be placed in dormitory housing, if available; otherwise, they will be housed in private apartments located with the assistance of Hebrew University.

Number of Students
Total semester group is approximately 350. The Rothberg School's enrollment is 1,200. Hebrew University's enrollment is 24,000. 

Host Institution
Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Faculty Liaison
Lynn Rapaport

Internet Links
http://overseas.huji.ac.il

Spring in Jerusalem: http://overseas.huji.ac.il/spring

DanceJerusalem: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/undergraduate-programs/special-interest-programs/ugrad-dance/

Jerusalem Sounds: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/undergraduate-programs/special-interest-programs/ugrad-music/

ArtJerusalem: https://overseas.huji.ac.il/academics/undergraduate-programs/special-interest-programs/ugrad-art/

Read about student experiences on the Rothberg International School blog.

Travel Advisories

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 09/08/2024 10/04/2024 TBA TBA