Program Overview
Program Overview
In a country as complex as Israel, why would you settle for a single perspective?
On a truly integrated campus in Haifa, one of Israel’s most progressive cities, you’ll engage in an in-depth and balanced exploration of regional tensions, conflict, and pertinent issues with one the most diverse student bodies of any university in the country.
Through the combination of a formal academic program, daily interaction with local and regional students, community engagement, and various field trips and excursions, you have the opportunity to explore the challenges, successes, and on-going dialogues in Israel and its role in the Middle East from a variety of perspectives.
In Haifa you’ll have access to:
- A unique combination of academic coursework, daily interaction with local and regional students, community engagement opportunities, and many field trips and excursions
- Experts in international relations, psychology, and peace and conflict studies
- Special honors programs in peace and conflict studies and psychology
- A leading university with cutting-edge research centers located in a city known for its ethnic and religious diversity
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Get ready for an in-depth exploration of issues involving international relations, psychology, Middle Eastern Studies, and peace and conflict studies. Just a few of the courses you can choose from include:
- Arab-Israeli Relations
- Intergroup Relations: Psychology of Conflict and Reconciliation
- Terrorism and Responses
- Topics in the Social History of Israel
- Socio-Economic, Political, Ethnic, and Religious Conflicts in Israel and the Search for Common Ground
You can also choose to take part in the honors programs in peace and conflict studies and psychology.
Hebrew or Arabic Language Study
Language study is critical to any serious international development program. A knowledge of native languages facilitates communication, promotes understanding, and prevents the kind of misapprehensions that obstruct the path to diplomacy. With study abroad in Israel you’ll choose between Hebrew and Arabic courses that teach you how to interact daily with your peers and members of the community—from daily greetings to asking for directions and reading basic texts such as restaurant menus. You’ll then get to practice your new skills during a homestay with a Hebrew or Arabic-speaking host family or a local roommate in a residence hall.
Internships
Put your knowledge of international relations, psychology, or peace and conflict studies to work and gain valuable hands-on experience in the process with an internship. Possible agencies and organizations include the Arab-Jewish Center, Center for Battered Women, government social work agencies, public and special education facilities, health services, archaeological explorations, local museums, and the Galilee Research Center.
Activities and Excursions
Through study abroad in Israel, you’ll take part in numerous excursions, and activities that give you insight into Israeli culture and it’s people, see the region through many perspectives, and get a balanced view of the issues impacting the country and region today. Attend a special lecture on life in Israel. Hike through the Carmel National Forest, Israel’s largest park. Explore the neighborhoods of the country’s third-largest city, Haifa, and view an example of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Baha’is living together in harmony. You’ll also have the opportunity to volunteer to help a local organization to learn more about social problems affecting Israelis today.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.
- Tuition and housing
- Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
- Full-time program leadership and support
- Field trips and cultural activities
- CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits
Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the
button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.
Application Due
Start Date
End Date
Costs
Fall 2013 (13 wks)
04/01/2013
10/04/2013
01/02/2014
$16,850
Program Date Notes
Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$14,598
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee
$1,350
International Airfare *
$1,350
Local Transportation
$200
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2013 (15 wks)
11/15/2012
02/23/2013
06/07/2013
$16,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$14,598
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee
$1,350
International Airfare *
$1,350
Local Transportation
$200
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2014
11/01/2013
to be announced
to be announced
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
Estimated Additional Costs
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
Academic year 2013-2014
04/01/2013
10/04/2013
to be announced
$32,100
Program Date Notes
Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$27,998
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all student
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee
$2,700
International Airfare *
$1,350
Local Transportation
$400
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Overall GPA 3.0
- Junior standing or above
- Honors Program in Psychology: Overall GPA 3.2 plus at least two courses beyond the introductory level in Psychology (200 level or above). An additional essay and other application materials may also be required.
- Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies: Overall GPA 3.2 plus at least two courses beyond the introductory level (200 level or above) in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Middle East Studies, or Law. An additional essay and other application materials may also be required.
Recommended Credit
Recommended Credit
Intensive Hebrew courses include 100 contact hours for a recommended 6 semester / 9 quarter hours. Intensive Modern Standard Arabic courses include 80 contact hours for a recommended 6 semester / 9 quarter hours. University of Haifa elective course credit recommendations vary, but most courses have 39-45 contact hours for a recommended 3 semester / 4.5 quarter hours.
Total recommended credit for the program is 15-16 semester / 22.5-24 quarter hours.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Students participating in the general program enroll in one language course plus three elective courses.
Students who are accepted into the Honors Psychology program enroll in the required International Perspectives on Psychology Seminar course, Mentored Independent Research course, either Hebrew or Arabic language, plus one additional Psychology elective course.
Students who are accepted into the Honors Peace and Conflict Studies program enroll in the required Honors Seminar course, either Hebrew or Arabic language, and two elective courses offered through the Peace and Conflict Studies program. One of these electives may be an Internship.
About the City
About The City
Haifa is Israel's third largest city with 300,000 residents, and is an ideal urban setting for an inspiring academic experience. Located on the beautiful Mount Carmel and near the Mediterranean Sea, Haifa is marked by exciting multiculturalism. Modern Haifa is known for Proposal for New Study Center, its blossoming high-tech industry; however, Haifa has also always been an active port city for international commerce.
Haifa has a national reputation for its ethnic and religious diversity. It is the world center of the Baha'i Faith—its shrine, administrative center, and world-renowned gardens are prominent features of the city’s landscape. The Christian and Muslim communities of Haifa, and the neighboring Druze villages of Usifiya and Daliat-el-Carmel, are important components of the city's social and cultural development. Along with Jewish communities from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, North and South America, Ethiopia, and India, they have combined to create a modern Mediterranean city that is truly special.
Life in the city of Haifa offers its inhabitants and visitors alike a mosaic of enthralling cultural events including concerts, theater, museums, clubs, cafes, and beaches of the Mediterranean coastline. The Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem are all within easy reach.
Meet The Staff
Meet The Staff
Resident Director
The CIEE Resident Director oversees the CIEE Study Center and lives in Haifa full-time. S/He coordinates and leads all CIEE program activities, including the on-site orientation, excursions and field trips, and other co-curricular activities. The Resident Director is available to provide 24/7 support to the CIEE students and works with CIEE staff in the U.S. to develop, evaluate, and coordinate program operations and all emergency contingency plans.
Read More
Where You'll Study
Where You'll Study
Founded in 1963, the University of Haifa has quickly become one of Israel's leading universities, hosting six different faculties and over 50 cutting-edge research centers. The University community, consisting of 18,000 students, is a pluralistic and amicable blend of Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze, and Bedouin students who reflect the diverse ethnic and religious cultures of Israel.
Being an interdisciplinary division, the International School offers numerous opportunities for students from around the world. Faculty from all departments teaches the courses offered in English. These courses are also open to Israeli students currently enrolled at the University of Haifa.
Housing & Meals
Housing & Meals
Housing is included in the study abroad program fee. Students live in student residence halls on the University of Haifa campus. They either have a single room in a suite with shared kitchen facilities or share double rooms with a local roommate in a suite with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Students have convenient access to computer rooms with internet access, laundry rooms, a grocery store, and student lounges. Although the university does not offer a meal plan, students may eat their meals in campus cafeterias or cook simple meals in their residence hall kitchens.
Orientations
Orientations
You'll begin your study abroad experience in Haifa even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.
The program begins with a one-week mandatory orientation held in Haifa. Sessions are devoted to health, safety, and security, the academic program, local cultural considerations, local logistics, gender issues, and cultural adjustment strategies. The CIEE orientation is held off-site at either an educational center or a kibbutz in order for you to become familiar with various societal issues and challenges facing the people of Israel today. You will also participate in the University of Haifa international student orientation. This includes university-specific safety and security sessions, a library session, Haifa and local city tours, an intercultural communication workshop, and Hebrew and Arabic language placement exams.
Ongoing support is provided by CIEE staff on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
Internet
Internet
You are encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Wireless internet is not available in individual rooms of the student dormintories; however, access is available from a variety of locations on campus. In addition, there are computer rooms in the dormitories and throughout the university campus for your use. In order to print, you will need to purchase a print card at the library.
Culture
Culture
Cultural Activities
CIEE organizes in various local field trips, excursions, and cultural activities designed to help you gain a better understanding of Israel’s past and present. The University of Haifa coordinates special lectures on various aspects of life in Israel, including politics, security, culture, and religion. CIEE and the University of Haifa also arrange various on-campus and local activities designed to expose you to local Israeli cultural events and celebrations. You will have access to sports facilities, student clubs, and weekly concerts on campus. Haifa is a cosmopolitan city with an interesting mixture of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, and Baha’is living in harmony. You can relax and explore the city, local beaches, and Carmel National Forest.
Local conditions dictate which field trips and excursions are offered each semester, and are subject to change. All group excursions around Israel will be carefully reviewed in consultation with local security experts including the Israeli Police and Defense Forces.
CIEE will add additional program excursions and activities to supplement the activities offered by the University of Haifa International School. The CIEE program is designed to introduce you to a variety of perspectives and and will strive to offer a balanced view of the issues impacting the country and region today.
Community Engagement
The study abroad program is designed to provide you with complete integration into campus and local culture. You'll share rooms with Israeli and international roommates and are encouraged to participate in various student clubs on campus. CIEE and the University of Haifa help coordinate a variety of volunteer activities each semester. These activities will help you develop close relationships with Israelis and learn more about the social problems affecting local people today. If you are interested in a more rigorous community engagement project you may enroll in a for-credit Internship course as part of the regular academic program.
Academics
Academics
The CIEE Haifa International Studies, Psychology, and Peace and Conflict Studies program is designed for current undergraduate students from different academic backgrounds who would like to study abroad in Israel and develop their Hebrew or Arabic skills. The program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum which enables students to choose courses from different fields and disciplines, primarily within humanities and social sciences in addition to learning Hebrew and/or Arabic language. The specialized Psychology and Peace and Conflict Studies Honors Programs offer unique opportunities for serious students to combine focused coursework in these areas with practical research and internship projects. Students who do not want to apply for these special Honors programs may choose to combine intensive language courses with elective courses in a variety of subjects. All courses are taught by faculty from the various departments at the University of Haifa and include subjects such as anthropology and sociology, business and economics, communications, political science and international relations, Israel and Middle East studies, religious and Jewish studies, literature and history, psychology, peace & conflict studies, and law.
Psychology Honors Program
This program requires additional application materials designed to select a small cohort of students with a background in Psychology, and a clear focus that will allow them to work together with faculty and students on a variety of research projects. The program requires students to enroll in a core seminar that covers a broad range of research questions in psychology, as applied to Israel and the Middle East. In addition, each student is required to participate in a research project with a University of Haifa faculty member. This mentored research project is arranged prior to the start of the semester. The University adheres carefully to IRB standards and policies, and students are required to complete an on-line training course in research ethics prior to engaging in any projects that involve human or animal subject research. In addition to these two required courses, students take one additional psychology elective and either intensive Hebrew or Arabic.
Peace and Conflict Studies Honors Program
This interdisciplinary program requires additional application materials designed to select a small cohort of students who demonstrate a clear motivation to participate in this highly specialized and interactive program. The program focuses on cultural, economic, educational historical, political, psychological, religious, and social aspects of conflict resolution and peace efforts, and examines issues from Intra-State (Israel), regional, and international perspectives. The program requires participants to enroll in a core seminar that offers a multifaceted look at these perspectives. In addition, students take either intensive Hebrew or Arabic and two additional courses related to Peace and Conflict Studies. A for-credit internship is offered as an elective course and allows students to intern with local NGOs and other organizations that are working with a variety of projects and issues, including topics associated with politics, education, religion, and environmental studies. The for-credit internship is a work-study option for students relating to their academic interest. Students complete 10 hours a week of field experience and submit weekly reports to their advisor. At the end of the term, they must write an academic paper addressing one of the issues they dealt with during their internship.
Academic Culture
At the University of Haifa, CIEE study abroad students enroll in International School courses alongside Israeli and other international students. Students typically enroll in a total of 15 or 16 semester credits. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, and several weekends each semester are used for CIEE and University of Haifa excursions and activities.
Language Environment
Students are expected to invest a serious amount of time in rigorous language study and use their language skills in everyday life with Israeli students as well as at on- and off-campus activities. The area studies courses are taught in English, but students are encouraged to use their Hebrew and/or Arabic in their interactions with peers and faculty on the University of Haifa campus and during conversations with locals in Haifa.
Nature of Classes
Students enroll in University of Haifa International School courses with CIEE, international, and Israeli students. Students with advanced Hebrew skills may, with permission, enroll in regular University of Haifa courses.
Grading System
Final grades (A-F with pluses and minuses, based on the scale of 100) are assigned based on class participation, papers, and mid-term and final exams. Class attendance is mandatory in all classes. The Peace and Conflict Studies Internship course requires 10 hours of field work per week, weekly written reports, and a final internship paper. Students in the Honors Psychology program typically participate in mentored-research activities for upwards of 15 hours a week.
Language of Instruction
English
Hebrew
Arabic
Faculty
All courses are taught by University of Haifa faculty.
Course Description
Course Description
All Courses
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
Courses
Hebrew and Arabic Courses
Hebrew
Hebrew-Beginners
Hebrew-Lower Intermediate
Hebrew-Upper Intermediate
Hebrew-Lower Advanced
Hebrew-Advanced
Hebrew-Upper Advanced
Arabic
Modern Standard Arabic–Elementary 1
Modern Standard Arabic–Elementary 2
Modern Standard Arabic–Intermediate 1
Modern Standard Arabic–Intermediate 2
Spoken Arabic–Elementary 1
Area Studies Elective Courses
Contemporary Israel: History and Society
Arab-Israeli Relations
Arms Control in the Nuclear Realm
Terrorism and Responses
Socio-Economic, Political, Ethnic, and Religious Conflicts in Israel and the Search for Common Ground
The Economics of the Middle East
Game Theory and International Security
Leadership in Organizations
Jewish Ethnic Groups in Israel
Topics in the Social History of Israel
Women in Israel
Contemporary Israeli Literature
Literature of the Shoah
Israeli Contemporary Film and Literature: Recurring Conflicts
Writing Israel
Jewish Art in the Twentieth Century
Intergroup Relations: Psychology of Conflict and Reconciliation
Psychological Processes Underlying Conflict and Reconciliation
Drugs, Society, and Behavior
Positive Psychology: An Introduction
Introduction to Rabbinic Literature I: Talmud and Jewish Law
Introduction to Rabbinic Literature II: Jewish Society in Tractate Sanhedrin
Biblical Theology I: The Journey of the Soul in Biblical Stories
Biblical Theology II: The Concept of Redemptive History in the Bible
Educating for Jewish Identity
Two Approaches to Jewish Philosophy: Halevi and Maimondides
Media, Politics, and Public Opinion
Media in War and Crisis
Internship
The study abroad Internship course includes directed work-study experiences related to various academic areas. Sample placements include various social services-related organizations, Arab-Jewish Center, Center for Battered Women, government social work agencies, public and special education facilities, health services, archaeological explorations, local museums, and Galilee Research Center. This course includes 10 hours of internship work per week, weekly field reports, and meetings with a faculty advisor and on-site supervisor. Recommended 4 semester / 6 quarter hours.
Honors Peace and Conflict Studies Courses
Peace and Conflict Honors Seminar I: The Dynamics of Conflict (fall)
Peace and Conflict Honors Seminar II: Regional Conflicts (spring)
International Perspectives on Psychological Sciences (IPPS) Honors Program Courses
Psychology Honors Seminar
Students are matched with University of Haifa for a mentored independent research project.
Students are involved in all aspects of the research process and are required to produce a
final report at the end of the semester. Students may also be involved in production of a
journal article or publication. Recent research projects have involved the following topics:
- Motivation-cognition links
- Intergroup conflicts and their resolution
- Stress in social conflicts
- Societal beliefs and ideologies
- Neurobiology of brain disorders
- Emotional amodulation of memory
- Genetic models of schizophrenia and resilience
- Animal models of depression, stress, and anxiety
Additional University Departments
British and American Literature
Creative Art
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