New study abroad program in Israel

While most UF students go to the International Center in the Hub to learn about study abroad programs, the UF Hillel staff has flown overseas to learn more about a new study abroad opportunity.The staff members departed Sunday for Israel to learn about the new joint studying abroad program for the fall semester with the University of Haifa.The staff includes the executive director, executive assistant, program director, Jewish student life coordinator and Israel fellow.They are spending eight days in Israel engaging in different aspects of the University of Haifa study abroad program.

University of Haifa recently coordinated with UF to develop a study abroad program for students. This program counts for direct UF credit hours and can be funded through Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid scholarships.MASA Israel enables thousands of students to spend a semester or year in Israel in any of their more than 160 programs through grants and will also fund an additional $1,000 to $4,000 for interested students.After this trip to Israel we will have experienced first-hand the unique experience of studying at the University of Haifa,UF Israel fellow Josh Kahn said.We will be able to promote the program to UF students with complete confidence because we have been there.MASA Israel has been a catalyst in the developing of new, exciting and quality programs that express the many different sides to Israel, Kahn said.

Susanne Hill, executive director of UF’s International Center, said she visited the University of Haifa in March and was very impressed with the student services, academics and extracurricular activities.Students will have the option of participating on weekend tours, trips and excursions, cultural evenings and lectures throughout the country, according to Hill.The UF in Haifa program is multidisciplinary and interactive opportunity that allows students to receive up to 15 credits. Students are expected to have a background in humanities and social sciences and to have completed at least one year of university study at the undergraduate level.Hill said she expects 10 students to participate in fall.