Description

This unique program to the Middle East focuses on sustainability and peace. The community building aspect of our programs is an integral piece of building a sustainable and peaceful future. We explore transformation of self, community, and world. The inner journeys of students in building community are integral to realizations about peace building on a broader scale in the world.

Visiting various parts of Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan, students will explore the historical, political, cultural, and religious backdrop to the Arab-Israeli conflict as well as the present peace efforts in the region. They will also delve into the subject of sustainability and peace both generically and specifically to the areas we are studying, with various hands-on opportunities to contribute both through research projects and volunteer activities to some of the peace and sustainability organizations they will visit. They will consider the integral relationship of sustainability and peace. And they will learn about the work being done through sustainability initiatives across borders and the peace being forged in the process. In addition, the program will include touring with guides in various areas including northern Israel; points of religious, cultural, and environmental interest; snorkeling in the Red Sea; touring and camel rides at sites such as Petra in Jordan; Jerusalem; Bethlehem; Tel Aviv; and other places of significance to the subject of the abroad.

Highlights

What will you do?
* Learn about the possibilities of peace and sustainability in the Middle East.
* Visit fascinating historic and scenic areas of Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.
* Gain an understanding and a first-hand appreciation of the religious, historical, political, and cultural background of the region and the conflict.
* Volunteer with peace and/or sustainability organizations, including some cross border cooperative sustainability initiatives.
* Take a leadership role in peace/sustainability once you return home.
* Receive 15 college credits while integrating classroom knowledge with real-life applications.
* Make a difference and be changed in the process.
* Ride camels, snorkel in the Red Sea, and experience the richness of Middle East culture.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

13,900

Program Fees Include:

Tuition for 15 semester hours of credit (i.e. five 3 credit courses), food, lodging, course materials, in-country travel, field trips and excursions, etc.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 12

Scholarships are Available

Students can use their federal and state financial aid toward the costs of this program and in some cases "institutional aid" can be applied toward the cost of the program.

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL)'s Mission Statement

The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL) offers study abroad programs in Iceland, a three country program in the Middle East (Israel, Palestinian Territories, and Jordan), a three-country program in Central America (Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica), and a new East Africa program in Tanzania and Kenya. CELL believes that problems can be solved through the application of critical inquiry, imagination, ingenuity, and individual and community commitment. CELL further believes that true education should spur an inner transformation that impels life-changing action. Our programs are interdisciplinary, designed to fit any major or program of study, and designed for students who want to learn about sustainability while making a difference in the world.

Year Founded

2000