This program will continue to be offered in the summer after the transition to semesters.

This month long program based in Tel Aviv offers students the opportunity to experience the culture and politics of Israel in a myriad of ways -- through the study of novels and short stories written by Israeli authors during the contemporary period, through the study of the current and historical political climates in the region, and through academically-based excursions around the country. 
Students will explore the intersection of fiction, politics, and place, gaining a strong understanding of current and historical issues faced by Israel.
This program includes several weekend trips taking in Jerusalem; the northern region of Israel, exploring vineyards, the Kinneret area, and kibbutz life; and the southern region, focusing on desert life, Masada, and more. 

Program dates
June 18 – July 19, 2012

Courses and credits
Successful completion of the program will earn 8 OHIO undergraduate credits.
Take
ENG 200 Introduction to Literature with an emphasis on the Middle East (4 cr)
and a choice of one of these:
INST 369E Politics, Religion, and Terror in the Middle East
HIST 334A Zionism and Modern Israel

Eligibility
This program is open to OHIO undergraduate students of all majors who are interested in the politics and culture of Israel. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher is required. All potential participants will be interviewed by the Program Director. 
Students on judicial probation at the start of the study abroad program will not be allowed to participate; there is an appeal process for those with B-level violations. Click here to read the entire judicial policy.

Application deadline

Accommodation
Participants will live in student dormitories located within walking distance of the Tel Aviv University campus. The dorms are divided into suites of one or two bedrooms, and each suite has its own kitchenette and bathroom.

Costs

Additional Information on Israel
To learn more about this study abroad destination, please visit the CIA World Factbook. 

Health and safety
Ohio University Office of Education Abroad suggests you follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control for healthy travel to your destination: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.
Refer to the State Department site for information related to safety and security at this destination: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.

Requesting accommodation for disabilities
If you plan to participate in an Ohio University-sponsored study abroad program and wish to request accommodation, you should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to schedule an appointment to complete an Education Abroad Disability Accommodation Request Form. We recommend you do this as early as possible to allow sufficient time to determine what accommodations may be made for this program. 

Entry and exit requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States.  If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year, apply for your passport now: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Some countries also require a visa to legally enter and reside in the country. Entry and exit requirements for this country can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html. 
US citizens will need a visa or other special documents to enter the country for the length of this  program You may need to show sufficient funds to support yourself while in-country.  Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program.  Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.
Information for NON-US citizens can be found here. 

For more information contact:
Danielle Leshaw
Program Coordinator
leshaw@ohio.edu

Laurence Tuccori
Office of Education Abroad
Walter International Education Center
Tel: 740.593-4583.