Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

My name is Sean Carano. I am a Captain in the United States Marine Corps and a second-year student at the Rothberg School pursuing my M.A. in Israel Society and Politics (ISP). In 2009, while serving in Afghanistan, I received notification that I would be moving to Israel to study at the Hebrew University as an Olmsted Scholar. The purpose of the Olmsted Scholar Program is 'to provide outstanding young military leaders an unsurpassed opportunity to achieve fluency in a foreign language, pursue graduate study at an overseas university, and acquire an in depth understanding of foreign cultures, thereby further equipping them to serve in positions of greater responsibility as senior leaders in the United States Armed Forces.' Each year the Olmsted Foundation selects approximately twenty junior officers from all four branches of the U.S. military to participate in the Olmsted Scholar Program. Since 1960, five hundred forty five (545) officers have studied at one hundred seventy eight (178) different universities in fifty nine (59) countries and thirty seven (37) languages.

What I enjoy most about the ISP program at the Rothberg School is the flexibility it affords me to tailor my courses to my personal and professional interests. In addition to the required coursework, I have taken elective courses focusing on Israeli Defense Policy and Arms Control, as well as a tutorial on Israels nuclear policy. I have also taken courses in the University (taught in Hebrew) on Contemporary American Jewry, Institutions of Democracy, Regional Security and the 1948 War of Independence. As long as you work hard and know what you want, your degree program at the Rothberg School is what you make of it!

For more information on the Olmsted Scholar Program please see their website.

The Israeli Politics and Society M.A. program at Rothberg International School was my first exposure to Hebrew and political studies. I can now confirm that the Hebrew classes at RIS are by far the best in Israel. The teachers are kind and clearly dedicated to effective instruction. I also could not imagine a better place to study Israeli politics and society. Not only did I live one street away from the Prime Minister's residence, but all of the top academic thinkers in the field are RIS professors. If I wanted to know anything related to Israeli politics and/or society, the most knowledgeable experts on the subject were always at my finger tips and willing to work with me.

I was fortunate to complete my degree under the auspices of the Anna Sobol Levy Fellowship. This program focuses on increasing American understanding of the Israeli Defense Forces and Israels unique security situation. We traveled all around Israel visiting bases and battle sights, as well as meeting IDF soldiers and commanders. We also met Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Strategic Affairs, Moshe 'Bogi' Ya'alon. Bogi was remarkably candid with us, making the experience particularly memorable and enlightening.

And of course living in Jerusalem is wonderful in its own right. The city is full of sites of religious, historical and political importance and i surrounded by some of the most beautiful natural landscapes I have ever seen. (Not to mention the interesting people and delicious food!) In short, I had an excellent experience gaining an M.A. in Israeli politics and society at Rothberg International School and could not be happier with everything I learned both inside and outside of the classroom.

Dai miei due anni di studi alla Hebrew University ho ricevuto molto più di ciò che avrei mai potuto immaginare. In primis ho avuto l'opportunità di entrare in contatto con alcuni dei più noti studiosi di temi legati al Vicino Oriente: lo spessore e l'approccio critico delle loro analisi mi ha confermato il motivo per il quale la Hebrew University è riconosciuta per essere una delle migliori università al mondo. Questa esperienza mi ha inoltre permesso di apprendere lingue e di far maturare idee che si stanno rivelando essenziali per la carriera accademica che sto attualmente percorrendo.

Per quale motivo ho scelto il programma ISP? Perchè ritenevo, e continuo a ritenere, che indipendentemente dalle opinioni che ognuno di noi ha sui problemi che affliggono il Vicino Oriente, una comprensione di ampio respiro delle possibili soluzioni non possa prescindere da una profonda conoscenza di Israele e della lingua ebraica. Quando iniziai il mio Master non avevo altro che nozioni di base legate all'ebraico. La gran parte delle lezioni che ho seguito nel secondo anno di studi erano in ebraico. Ciò significa che la combinazione tra un ambiente deccellenza come quello della Hebrew University e limpegno e la volontà che esso stimola può fare la differenza.

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My two years of studies at the Hebrew University gave me much more than I could ever have expected. First, it offered me the opportunity to enter in contact with some of the most well-known scholars focused on Middle Eastern issues: their critical analyses about every aspect of Israeli Society in particular and the region of the Near East in general confirmed me why the Hebrew University is a widely recognized leading university in the world. Moreover, it gave me the chance to learn languages and to get inspired by ideas that are essential for the academic career that I am currently pursuing.

Why did I choose the ISP program? Because I thought, and I still think, that whatever opinion each of us could have about the problematic issues that affect the Near East, a concrete understanding of the possible solutions cannot avoid a deep knowledge of Israel and a good command of the Hebrew language. When I started my MA program I had just a basic knowledge of Hebrew. Most of the lessons that I attended in the second year of studies were in Hebrew. This means that the combination of a unique environment such as the Hebrew University and a strong commitment can make the difference.

It is such a privilege and honor to share my affection and experience with potential students from all over the world. As I am approaching the completion of my graduate studies at the Rothberg International School, I would like to share my meaningful experience that I had during my studies.

There are many reasons why more than 2000 students, from over 65 countries around globe study at the Rothberg International School annually. As an Asian student, I was a little bit worried about prejudice and difficulties of adjusting to a different culture and language. However, it turned out to be a silly feeling. All members of the Rothberg International School are devoted to the pursuit of academic achievement regardless of race, gender, religion and nationality. I studied with Jewish students, Muslim students, and Christian students in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We had discussions and we assisted, hung out and partied together. If you like diversity, the Rothberg International School is the place you want to study.

The distinguished faculty not only satisfied my intellectual needs but also they exhibited fine human characteristics. They assist me patiently until I reach a certain academic standard, guide me towards advanced academic achievement, and encourage me to develop my intellectual potential. The administrative staff understands what it is like studying in a different country as a foreign student and makes the maximum effort to provide the best environment for foreign students. They are flexible enough to make things fit for each foreign student even though each student has their own unique requests and problems. They are not irritated by recurring questions and requests. You don't need to hesitate or feel embarrassed about asking for assistance, whether assistance with academic things or personal things.

On top of this, it is Jerusalem that makes me most excited. Jerusalem is the mother city of the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem stimulates me to think about what religion should be like and how can I contribute to make the world better place for people to live together. It was such a growing and maturing experience for me. I highly recommend you to explore the once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Rothberg International School.

Ser estudiante en la Escuela Internacional Rothberg ha sido la mejor experiencia de mi vida. No creo que hubiera podido elegir un sitio mejor para estudiar un Máster en estudios Islámicos y de Oriente Medio. Despues de terminar mi B.A. en Periodismo llego el momento de especializarme y la verdad es que el programa que ofrece Rothberg ha cumplido todas mis expectativas. Para empezar, lo que mas me atrajo fue el gran abanico de posibilidades que existe a la hora de elegir asignaturas. En todo momento he podido elegir lo que más me interesaba para mi especializacion pero tambien he tenido la oportunidad de cursar asignaturas que me han proporcionado un conocimiento bastante profundo sobre la realidad de Oriente Medio. Que no se me olvide mencionar la calidad de todo el profesorado de Rothberg, sin excepcion. Estudiar en Rothberg significa estudiar dia a dia con los mejores profesores sobre los temas que tratamos. Otro aspecto que a mi me parecio clave fue el hecho de que en Rothberg se aprende Hebreo y Árabe. Para mi esto fue decisivo ya que al vivir en Jerusalen, eso significa que vas a utilizar los dos idiomas constantemente. Sinceramente, no creo que exista otro lugar en el mundo donde se de esta realidad. Estudiar en Israel me ha dado la oportunidad de vivir en Oriente Medio mientras me especializo en el tema y ademas, experimentar a diario la mezcla cultural, religiosa y social de Jerusalen en primera persona.

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Being a student at Rothberg International School has been the best experience of my life. I do not think that I could have chosen a better place to study a Masters degree on Middle Eastern studies.

After finishing my B.A. in Journalism I thought about taking my career a step further and specialize in the field. The program offered by Rothberg fulfilled all my expectations. First of all, the very wide range of courses to choose from that allowed me to specialize on the subjects that I was more interested in but at the same time I could choose courses that gave me a very in depth perspective on middle eastern studies.

Also, and very important, the quality of the teachers, without exception I have to say, studying at Rothberg means studying with the very best professors on the subjects of our discussions. I need to highlight the fact that a lot of importance and efforts are made so that we students of the program learn both Hebrew and Arabic. And this made all the difference to me when it came to choose where to study. And not only this, but because we live in Jerusalem, it means that you will get to currently use both languages.

I do not think there is any other place in the world that offers this possibility. Studying in Israel allowed me to be in the Middle East while I was studying everything about it, and experience first handed the amazing cultural, religious and social mix of Jerusalem's everyday life.

In completing two years of studies at Rothberg, and taking courses in Bible, Archaeology, ancient languages, Modern Hebrew, and many others, I have realized that the Rothberg experience is much more than a two-year MA degree - Rothberg is a threshold through which international students enter into the world and scholarship of Israel, both during the two years at Rothberg and more so after they complete this program and continue into their future years.

From Rothberg I went on to Harvard University to pursue a PhD in Hebrew Bible. Though I am no longer physically in Israel, my interaction with my Rothberg professors has continued on a number of levels. On the one hand, because they are masters in their fields, my current Harvard professors continually refer me to the works of my former Rothberg professors as I carry out research in my studies. (With this, I must note that Rothberg has one of the best Ulpan programs in the world because it equips the student to do research in academic Hebrew.) On the other hand, I continue to be in touch with my Rothberg professors on a personal level, exchanging research ideas and discussing opportunities to do such research in Israel. My adviser himself travels to Israel on a yearly basis for research purposes, and has encouraged me to do so as well during the summers.

On a very practical level, Rothberg has advanced my academic studies in three areas: since I've returned from Israel, I read the Bible only in Hebrew; as I noted above, Israeli scholarship in Hebrew is now an accessible treasure trove for my research; and my interaction with my Israeli friends and professors, whether by email, phone, or Skype, is done only in Hebrew. The Rothberg program truly offers an excellent curriculum that provides a student with full access into the world and scholarship of Israel.

It has been my dream to come to Jerusalem since 2005, when I started to learn Tanach (Bible) philosophy. I can still remember my excitement to be accepted in the MA program in 'Community Leadership and Philanthropy' at the Rothberg International School at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and finally arriving to Jerusalem in 2008. The breathtaking beauty and the holiness of the city amazed me from the beginning.

I have to admit that it was a rather difficult transitional phrase in my life. I had a background in philosophy and religion, and I found it a challenge to begin my studies in another field. However, it turned out to be a wonderful program and experience. It allowed me to transform from a scholar of the abstract into someone studying concrete realities.

All my classmates had prior work experience in the non-profit sector and this affected my time at Rothberg. For one thing, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to learn from them. Secondly, it inspired me and pushed me to catch up. The academic atmosphere is just great. The professors are willing to assist you and have given me much encouragement. My classmates are competitive, but very helpful. Even the administrative offices are always there for all kinds difficulties students may face.

My studies at Rothberg have been an unforgettable time in my life. The program of study was very condensed; however it made my time busy and meaningful. The Rothberg International School is a place for growth and the development of knowledge, intellectual abilities and capability.

Living in Jerusalem while studying at the Rothberg International School was a most horizon-broadening experience. As an Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies MA candidate, I found the seminars to be highly complementary of one another across the spectrum of topics, from language to arts and modern history. Sometimes, even on a daily basis, I had the opportunity to analyze a specific aspect of the region from several different angles.

In addition, Jerusalem is a place where the learning process is hardly restricted to the classroom. Informal education enjoys a symbiotic, even instinctive relationship with that which is taught at the University in such an environment. Particularly, it reinforces ones study of Arabic and Hebrew for which Rothberg International School has peerless language instruction. Furthermore, geographic proximity affords students the chance to explore Israel as well as nearby countries of the region.

I had the opportunity to study at a university in the United States and chose to attend Rothberg International School because there is simply no substitute for being on the ground overseas in the region of interest. Following my two years of studies, I can say with confidence that this was a sound decision. Still, I cannot understand how others study such a complex, misunderstood region at a distance when real understanding may only be derived from matching real world experience with solid academic instruction. The Rothberg International School is the place to do this.

People always ask me why I chose to study in Israel and the answer is simple. The Hebrew University has an enduring academic history that is unparalleled with other international institutions. It offers an ideal environment for the pursuit of academic excellence, and it is a place where the old meets the new in perfect harmony. It has a well-established rigorous academic reputation that is respected worldwide. When it comes to studying the Bible, what better place to learn than the place where it all began?.

As a Bible student, the whole country is my classroom and the Hebrew University is the only place where that is possible. You not only learn about what happened centuries ago, but actually see, touch and feel the pulse of the topic at hand, whether through visiting archeological sites or visiting places where history has been written and continues to be written. The opportunities are unmatched.In addition to a spectrum of academic programs, they have a dedicated and outstanding faculty that is passionate about what they do. My Biblical Hebrew professor once told the class: 'I am not here just to teach you Biblical Hebrew so you can interpret the Bible. I want you to feel what the language is doing [nuances, the underlying tones and mood].' Language is dynamic and, as it changes, it loses its meaning of the day. He equips us with skills and tools that afford us a deep understanding of what was meant beyond the surface reading of scripture. This is one of many examples of the high standard of teaching for which the Hebrew University is known.

I know I made the right choice not only for my academic advancement but for my future. I am enriched academically and culturally. Hebrew University is the place for anyone looking for academic challenge in the Bible and academic excellence!