Of the 225,000 American students who studied abroad in 2007, only 1,981 went to Israel, according to the Institute of International Education Network.  Though this number is 22.5% more than the previous year, it still places Israel outside of the top twenty most popular study abroad destinations. 

In large part, Israel’s low number of international students is a result of the small amount of its most likely recruits--Jewish students.  Of the approximately 20,000 American Jews who study abroad each year, less than 10% choose Israel. But, with Birthright’s success in drawing Jewish young adults to Israel, the growth of study abroad in general, and MASA's recruitment efforts on college campuses, Israel’s popularity as a study abroad destination should rise. 

MASA is investing in enhanced marketing initiatives on college campuses and in the development of new study abroad programs in Israel to be offered directly by US universities. NYU is scheduled to open “NYU in Tel Aviv” in 2009 and MASA is encouraging other universities to follow suit. Several MASA-initiated programs are in development, including:

Harvard University                                                                                                           
For the past two summers, Harvard University began offering summer courses at Hebrew University, which include, “Sects and Parties in Ancient Judaism” and “Zionism and the Emergence of Modern Israel in Historical Perspective.”  These summer courses will lead to semester and year-long Harvard courses in Israel in 2009.

Rutgers University                                                                                                          
The Rutgers University School of Social Work is developing a program with Ben-Gurion University that combines academic studies with practical training in disaster response for undergraduate and graduate students. A winter 2008 short-term trip was well-attended and will be repeated next year. Social Work students from other universities are eligible to participate. This partnership will evolve into long-term study programs in Israel offered by Rutgers.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign                                                                      
In spring 2008, MASA hosted a delegation from the University of Illinois led by the university's Associate Provost for International Affairs, Dr. William Brustein, on a week-long fact-finding mission to explore setting-up both short-term and long-term study abroad opportunities in Israel.  Ranking among the top ten schools sending students abroad each year, Dr. Brustein said that study abroad programs in Israel will help facilitate the university’s goal of doubling the number of students who study abroad over the next five years.  Dr. Brustein touted the trip’s success, “We came away with a great appreciation for the richness of Israeli society and confidence that our faculty will be able to develop superb learning experiences for our students.”  Short-term study abroad programs will begin to be offered in 2009 including courses in conflict resolution, political science, and religion.

University of Florida                                                                                                          
In summer 2008, MASA hosted a delegation of faculty from the University of Florida led by Professor Jack Kugelmass, Director of Jewish Studies.  This delegation will explore setting up a University of Florida Center in Israel.

University of Maryland                                                                                                  
Also in summer 2008, MASA hosted a delegation of faculty from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. According to Gilad Chen, Associate Professor of Management and Organization, Israel is an attractive study abroad option for the school as a result of globalization, Israel’s active field of entrepreneurship, and the Smith School of Business’ large Jewish population.  The delegation visited all of Israel's business and management programs and will now begin developing options for business study abroad opportunities for Smith School students in Israel.

In 2008-2009, MASA will continue to explore new university partnerships and will invest significantly in building the capacity for larger numbers of students to choose Israel as their study abroad destination. “Israel offers something for everyone,” says Rubel.  “In Jerusalem, students can delve into ancient history.  In the Negev and Arava, they can study ecology.  In Tel Aviv, they can enjoy the Mediterranean Sea and the night life. With the creation of more English-language study abroad options, students should flock to Israel.” 

For more information on Study Abroad in Israel initiatives, please contact MASA’s North American office at 212-339-6077 or write to einaf@masaisrael.org.