University of Haifa Undergraduate and Graduate Courses: Haifa, Israel- USAC
Location
Israel: Haifa
Description
The Haifa program is ideal for students interested in living and studying in a country at the nexus of world history and current events; you can enroll for a semester or full year. Prior to the spring semester there is an intensive early start session for Hebrew. The University of Haifa is the most pluralistic institution of higher education in Israel, committed to an atmosphere of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect, while offering first-rate academic courses, immersion with the local population, and a rich selection of social and cultural activities. Both Hebrew and Arabic language study are available at all levels of proficiency, as well as coursework in English in a variety of disciplines, including Communications, Contemporary Israeli and Middle East Studies, Economics and Management, History, Literature, Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, and Sociology.
Highlights
Haifa is a beautiful city, set on the Mediterranean Sea on the slope of Mount Carmel. Israel's foremost port city, it plays a major role in the nation's economy and is a center for high tech research and industry. Its 17 kilometers of beaches host excellent surfing and sailing conditions and nature trails, bicycle paths, wildlife reserves, and Carmel National Park beckon for outdoor enthusiasts. The city's historical and cultural riches include museums, film and music festivals, an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, theatre, and numerous cinemas, discos, restaurants, and pubs. It provides easy access to other parts of Israel, with Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Ben-Gurion Airport all less than two hours away.
In addition to Haifa's vibrant Jewish community, its cultural and religious mosaic includes many churches and mosques. Haifa is also host to the center for the Bahai faith and to Israel's only Ahmadi Muslim community. The Ahmadiyya is an Indian sect of Islam, founded in the late nineteenth century, which promotes peace among nations and opposes religious coercion. Their large mosque houses a prayer hall and a first-floor exhibit of their history and significant contributions. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bahai World Centre is an expansive complex of gardens centered around the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab. Other sights in Haifa include Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, home to a cave considered by Christian tradition to be the grave of the Prophet Elijah, the nineteenth-century German colony, Paris Square, Carmel National Forest, Ein Hod artist's colony, the Haifa Theatre and numerous museums.
Israel is and has been at the nexus of world history and current events. It is the Jewish Promised Land, where Jesus was born, and where Mohammed ascended to heaven. Located where east meets west, it has always been a much-desired region of economic, cultural, and religious importance; ancient trade routes, centuries conquering armies and civilizations, and modern geopolitics all have exerted influence on and been influenced by the region. The modern State of Israel was created in 1948.
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