Learning is important in Israel, but so is living. Joyous, passionate living. And if you come home for college to Israel, you’re also coming home to… Israel.
From hanging out on the white sand beaches of Herzliya on a break from class at Reichman University, to hiking the forested mountains of Carmel in the evenings after class is over at University of Haifa, to exploring the restaurants and night clubs of Tel Aviv when you probably should be studying, you won’t find a better backdrop for learning and living than Israel. There are museums and theaters and culture of all kinds to enjoy. And of course, there is history. Nobody comes to Israel without being changed by walking on cobblestones and hills that the Jewish people have walked upon for centuries.
On campus, whichever you choose, you’ll find friendship, fellowship and faith – however you choose to express it! From sports to clubs to activities of every kind, college in Israel is filled with opportunity. And the friends you make in college here will last your whole life, wherever you go.
Israeli universities are melting pots, drawing students from all over the world. Even though you will likely encounter students from all races and religions, there’s one thing you won’t find on Israeli campuses that has become commonplace on campuses in the United States: antisemitism.
Coming from America, given the special relationship between the States and Israel, is less of a culture shock than you might expect. Every university has special support for international students, to help you fit in, and thrive. You’ll find that lots of your fellow students not only speak English, but like the same bands you do, watch the same movies you watch, and in many cases, have even visited the US. College is an amazing time in your life, and it should be fulfilling in every way. Intellectually. Emotionally. Spiritually. If you have the chance to study in Israel, why would you want to go to school anywhere else?
As to whether your child will fall in love with Israel and never want to come home? You know the answer to that. Of course they will fall in love with Israel. Wouldn’t you? But they will always want to come back to you. They may just discover that they have another home now, too, here in Israel. And really, would that be so bad?
Pick up a welcome brochure when you arrive, meet new people at a Welcome BBQ or Shabbaton, and find your place quickly.
Daily Torah classes, including for credit as part of the university’s Jewish studies curriculum.
Join the daily minyan, attend a weekly Lunch-and-Learn on campus, or one of the many social events held weekly.
Enjoy a coffee with a JLIC staff member to discuss personal issues or schedule a time to learn one-on one.
Make new friends from the U.S.,Canada, Europe, South Africa, South America, Australia, and Israel.
Enjoy a Shabbat meal at the home of your JLIC directors, dance at a festive Yom Ha’atzmaut or Purim celebration, light candles with the local elderly on Chanukah, and celebrate each chag with your new community.
We’ve picked schools to recommend that have excellent degree programs for English speakers.
Israeli institutions of higher education are some of the most renowned schools in the world. In some cases, they are category leaders. Our graduates have no problems getting into grad schools in the United States, and they are among some of the most desirable employees to hire in technology, finance, biotech, engineering, medicine, law and many other fields.
Now, when it comes to safety, your children will be as safe as we can possibly manage. The world has gotten scarier, and we are living with horror. And not just in Israel. Are your children safe on campuses in the United States? One thing we can guarantee if your child comes to Israel for college: they will NOT encounter the antisemitism, hatred and violence that they would have to endure in the US.
We’ve learned that American students are welcomed with open arms by their fellow students.
We’ve been helping American students who don’t speak Hebrew come to college in Israel for quite a while, now, and we’ve learned a few things.
Tuitions at Israeli colleges and universities are often more affordable than those in the US, and that’s before taking scholarship opportunities into account.