Although peace talks between Israel and Palestine are on hold, Ohio University will host the first faculty-led study abroad program to Israel for one month this summer.
Students will have the chance to live in the dormitories and be within walking distance of Tel Aviv.
We are excited to bring this opportunity to Ohio University and introduce them to Israel
said Rabbi Danielle Leshaw, executive director of Hillel at OU. There's a collaboration ... the coming together of classroom location and experience (through this trip).
Necessary safety precautions will be taken for the students as they stay at Tel Aviv University dorms.
Are there safety issues? Certainly Leshaw said, adding that while the students are adults, they will be chaperoned and accounted for at all times.
Students are warned to stay away from demonstrations, avoid traveling to the Gaza Strip and be prepared for the confiscation of items upon entering the country, according the U.S. Department of State.
Because of safety concerns
we are mandating that nobody goes to the West Bank or Gaza Strip while we are there
Leshaw said. If (a student does)
they will be sent home.
Students will receive 8 credit hours for an English class and either a history or international studies class while in Israel. The English class is mandatory and will focus on literature from the Middle East.
It may sound obvious
but all of the classes taught there are taught in English
said Kevin Haworth, an English professor and coordinator of the trip. The city is very English friendly
and that's one of the reasons we chose Tel Aviv ... the language is not a barrier.
The trip will take place next summer from the middle of June to the middle of July, costing an in-state student roughly $7,500 total, said Leshaw, who is also a program coordinator. Out-of-state students will pay costs similar to those they pay at OU.
Students will figure out their own airfare
she said. The cost (we give) is with an estimated $1
200 airfare
