Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Unique study opportunities

• Take area studies courses that focus on various aspects of Israel, Jerusalem, or the Middle East.
• Participate in internship or independent study opportunities.

Language

Hebrew Language Study: Optional

Hebrew Language Study

During the Pre-Semester Program, you can take Practical Hebrew for beginners.

During the academic term, you can take Intensive Modern Hebrew or Practical Hebrew (beginner, intermediate, advanced). 

Arabic Language Study Options

During the Fall Pre-Semester Program, you can take Foundations of Modern Standard Arabic for beginners.

During the academic term, you can take Modern Standard Arabic (beginner, intermediate, advanced). 

Courses in English

All courses at Rothberg International School are taught in English with the exception of the Hebrew and Arabic language courses. There are a limited number of English-taught courses available to undergraduate exchange students at the main Hebrew University. 

Courses and Credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: Five to six courses for a total of 24-30 quarter/16-20 semester UC units 
  • Pre-Semester Program: One course for 4.5-7.5 quarter/3-5 semester UC units
  • Semester: Four to five courses for a total of 19.5-22.5 quarter/13-15 semester UC units
• You may take up to one-third (33%) of your total unit load per semester for pass/no pass

Current Program Courses

Pre-Semester Program

The program begins with a Pre-Semester Program, "Encountering Jerusalem." You will select one course from the following options:

• Practical Hebrew for beginners is worth 6 quarter/4 semester UC units
• Foundations of Modern Standard Arabic is worth 7.5 quarter/5 semester UC units (offered during fall only)
• Courses on various aspects of Jerusalem are worth 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units

Fall and Spring Term Courses

The program curriculum depends on your interests and academic goals. Course offerings discuss topics in ancient history, anthropology, archaeology, geography, Hebrew language and literature, history, international relations, legal studies, Middle East studies, philosophy, political science, religious studies, and sociology. Course options include:

• Courses for international students taught in English at Rothberg International School (broad selection) are typically worth 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units each
• Hebrew University courses taught in English (limited selection) are typically worth 3 quarter/2 semester UC units each
• Hebrew or Arabic language courses
  • Practical Hebrew courses are typically worth 6 quarter/4 semester UC units each
  • Intensive Hebrew courses are typically worth 9-10.5 quarter/6-7 semester UC units each
  • Modern Standard Arabic courses are typically worth 18 quarter/12 semester UC units each

Rothberg International School Course Numbers and UC Division Level

• 1000 and 2000 level courses may be considered lower division by UCEAP
• 3000 and 4000 level courses are usually considered upper division by UCEAP

Course Exclusions

Most courses at the main Hebrew University are not available to UCEAP students. Courses taught at Hebrew University end later in the semester than courses taught at Rothberg International School, and therefore do not align with the UCEAP program dates. Additionally, the departments of Dental Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, and Medicine are not available to UCEAP students. The on-site Rothberg academic advisor can assist you in identifying any available English-taught courses at the main Hebrew University that fall within the Rothberg and UCEAP program dates.

UCEAP students may not enroll in the Special Interest Programs at Rothberg International School.  

Catalogs and Resources

• Rothberg International School (RIS) Courses: Browse an extensive catalog of courses for international students by semester.
• Hebrew University courses taught in English: Search by year and Faculty.
• Hebrew language courses​: Look up language levels, course outcomes, and syllabi.
• Arabic language courses: Learn more about studying Arabic through Rothberg International School.
• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Professors at Rothberg International School are experts in their fields and provide a special Israeli and Middle Eastern experience by offering unique perspectives on the subjects they teach. Most of the classes involve extensive discussions, and the average class size of 20 students encourages close interaction between students and professors. Professors also provide flexible office hours to foster regular contact with students.

The curriculum of the Rothberg International School has varying degrees of difficulty and a range of subjects intended to appeal to a wide spectrum of students from many institutions. Students who succeed on this program are highly independent and responsible, and they thoroughly prepare required readings and assignments for each class.

Upon arrival, you’ll be assigned an academic advisor who provides academic and general support. Courses are taught in English, and you will be in class with students from the US and other international students.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the fall semester are typically available in April and grades for the spring semester are typically available in September.

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.