 |
 |
 |
| |
It's not a semester or a year off -- it's a semester or a year ON! |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Why are universities like Harvard and Yale recommending a year of study abroad?
...Some elite colleges, including Harvard and Yale, are delighted by these deferments. "We see it happening and recommending it more and more," said Steve Boyle, a counselor at William H. Hall High School in West Hartford. Most gap year students arrive at college mature, experienced in the "real world" and ready to learn, said college admissions officers, guidance counselors and educational consultants. For almost 30 years, Harvard has been recommending a "gap year" in its admission letter. At Yale, "We just think it's a great idea," said Margit Dahl, director of Yale's undergraduate admissions, noting 20 to 40 Yale students defer admission annually.
Abigail Sullivan Moore, New York Times, February 29, 2004
Advantages of a semester or a year abroad
Today, more and more universities and institutions of higher learning are encouraging their prospective students to "take a semester or a year on" before they begin their university-level studies. Whether it's a gap year (freshman year abroad), semester or year program, they have come to recognize the value of world experience in the development of a successful, well-rounded graduate. In fact, the number of college and university students studying abroad for credit has increased by 129% in about a decade and by 53% in just the past five years.
Advantages of a semester or a year abroad...in Israel
Israel has long provided opportunities for students to deepen their knowledge of Jewish texts and traditions, but did you also know that Israel’s colleges and universities offer some of the world’s best study-abroad programs? Israel offers a large variety of programs to meet all kinds of goals and interests. And many offer college credit that is accepted at major universities in North America and throughout the world. All this in an environment where Jewish students can explore their Jewish heritage and identity and where they can make connections that will last a lifetime.
Career-minded students have discovered that Israel is a place to find real life experience in their chosen field before they enter the work force or go on to graduate school. In today’s competitive job market and in the race to be accepted into graduate schools, the unique experience that MASA-affiliated volunteer, educational and internship programs offer, can make the difference.
**All MASA-affiliated long-term programs are held to the highest professional standards and follow the guidelines set by the Jewish Agency.**
For a related article from the Harvard Admissions website about the importance of taking a year off after high school, click here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|