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 Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beer Sheva, Israel)
Program Highlights
- Participate in a truly unique study abroad program and become part of Israeli society for a semester
- All coursework is conducted in English; no previous knowledge of Hebrew is required
- Experience Beer Sheva, the capital of the Negev, where history meets modernity
- Enhance your experience by participating in an internship, volunteering, or having a friendship family
Overview
Take the road less traveled with a unique study abroad program at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). St. Norbert students participate in the Overseas Student Program (OSP), which is committed to immersion in Israeli culture. Students study the Hebrew language, are encouraged to participate in internships or volunteer service, live in dormitory apartments with Israeli students, and travel throughout Israel on organized trips.
BGU is located in Beer Sheva, Israel's fourth largest city. Situated in the Negev desert (and thus known as the 'capital of the Negev'), Beer Sheva offers a glimpse of the real Israel, untainted by the western influences felt in the cities in the center of the country. In the Old City, students can visit buildings from the Ottoman period, and in the newer sections, students can find local theaters, cafes, restaurants, and the shopping district.
Academics
Orientation
Upon arrival in Israel, students spend a general orientation weekend on a kibbutz outside of Beer Sheva getting to know each other and the OSP staff. Upon their return to Beer Sheva, students are taken on a campus tour and participate in a mandatory safety and security briefing.
The Hebrew language staff also holds an orientation for the Ulpan. All students are required to take the Ulpan,
which is an six-week intensive and immersive Hebrew class taken before
the beginning of the semester. The Ulpan incorporates a traditional
curriculum of reading, writing, and conversation, in addition to
cultural topics such as Israeli music, movies, and excursions.
Coursework
In addition to a mandatory Hebrew course, students enroll in four courses. Coursework is offered in the following fields of study: anthropology, arts and literature, ecology, global health, history, Jewish and Israeli studies, philosophy, political science, and religious studies.
Alternatively, students may choose from three specialized tracks of study:
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Justice
- Global Health
- Anthropology and Sociology of the Middle East
- Jewish and Israeli Studies
The OSP offers students a wide variety of extracurricular activities designed to enhance their academic experiences in Israel. For example, once per month the OSP organizes a trip that takes students to sties of interest throughout Israel. In addition, the BGU Student Association is committed to providing a wide range of programs and services that include cultural, academic, recreational, and community-oriented activities.
Accommodations
Students live in the BGU student dormitories, which are a quick two-minute walk to campus. St. Norbert students live with other BGU students, providing the opportunity to foster relationships with Israelis. The rooms are furnished with a bed, desk/table, bookshelf, wardrobe/closet, and a chair. The dormitory complex, referred to as Meonot Gimmel, features a mini-market, laundry facilities, 24-hour computer labs with Internet access, cafe/pub, and student lounges.
As there is no inclusive meal plan at BGU, many students find it convenient, as well as inexpensive, to cook their own meals in the dormitories. Grocery items can be purchased at the local outdoor market in Beer Sheva or in nearby shopping centers. Students can also dine at any of the on-campus cafeterias or nearby restaurants.
Additionally, students are encouraged to enjoy the experience of having an "adopted" family. The experience allows students to become more immersed in the culture, in addition to exploring issues that Israelis face today. During the arrival orientation in Israel, students should alert the staff that they would like an adopted family.
Calendar
- Fall 2010: (Ulpan: July 29 - September 2, 2010) September 12 - December 23, 2010
- Spring 2011: (Ulpan: January 6 - February 17, 2011) February 20 - June 19, 2011
A detailed calendar is also available.
Admissions
- 3.0 cumulative GPA is recommended, but students with a 2.8+ GPA are still encouraged to apply.
Disclaimer: Program information is subject to change.
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Fees
- SNC Tuition
- SNC Housing
- $400 Study Abroad Fee
Fees Include
- Tuition
- Housing
- SNC Study Abroad Health Insurance
- Mandatory Israeli Health Insurance
- On-Site Orientation
- Educational Excursions
Additional Expenses
- Application Fee ($55)
- Meals
- Airfare
Links
Contact
Jeremy Doughty
Study Abroad Advisor
T: 920.403.3433
F: 920.403.4083
E:
jeremy.doughty@snc.edu
Contact Jeremy
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