Though October 7th has presented one of the most fragile and challenging times for the state of Israel and the Jewish population globally, the University of Haifa stands as a pillar of academic and cultural resilience. Situated in a prime location on top of beautiful Mount Carmel, with enchanting views of the Mediterranean Sea, the university continues to welcome students from 90 countries worldwide to a once-in-a-lifetime multicultural learning experience in Israel, in the beating heart of Haifa –where cultures and religions coexist peacefully in an unmatched sense of community.
Hybrid Learning and Recognition of US Credits
UHaifa International’s graduate school offers twenty English-taught Master’s programs in versatile content worlds, including Business, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Marine Sciences, Prehistoric, Underwater & Coastal Archaeology and more. “Most of our Master’s programs can be completed in just one year, and combine theory with hands-on experience and practical must-have tools to succeed in the 21st century workplace” says Prof. Adar Ben-Eliyahu, UHaifa International’s Academic Head. MBA focusing on Sustainability or Technology, International Relations, Peace & Conflict Management, Archeology, Maritime Civilizations, Marine Biology, National Security, Public Health, Political Science, and Holocaust Studies are only part of UHaifa International’s offered programs.
“We realize that these times require agile adjustments,” says Prof. Ben-Eliyahu. “That is why we’ve constructed two important solutions to help students complete their studies successfully. At first we immediately incorporated hybrid learning modes in our study programs, so that students can attend classes from wherever they are. Next, following the current environment in many US campuses, we decided to recognize up to 10 credits for US Master’s students who wish to complete their degree in Israel with a stronger sense of community and belonging.”
Exploring Israel, Feeling safe and secure
UHaifa International’s diverse mindset can be sensed from the first steps of the student’s journey. “Choosing to study abroad is a bold step which demands a strong personally-tailored support system, especially in a year such as this, so we do everything in our power to allow them to feel part of a safe and secure community”, states Michal-Morgenstern-Laor, UHaifa International’s Executive Director. “From Orientation through Shabbat dinner to holiday events and trips around our beautiful city and country, our social activities on and off campus are designed to explore the local vibe and strengthen their sense of home away from home. Though this year was unlike any other, we made a point of bringing students together for shared activities and events as much as possible”
“Coming to UHaifa following October 7th gave me an incredible sense of community and belonging”, says Joshua Buchalter, an international Master’s student specializing in Diplomacy, who has recently made Aliya from South Africa. “Despite the uncertain times, the Uhaifa team showed their true colors and resilience, ensuring that our studies still continued with very little delay, with necessary flexibility to accommodate for any unexpected challenges”
Buchalter speaks about the significance of UHaifa’s diverse student body. “Being at UHaifa, a true reflection of Israel with students from all backgrounds and religions has actually made me feel especially safe and welcome on campus, and thankful for experiencing one of the most unique environments in the region”.
“UHaifa’s field trip to Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the Nova Festival Site was an important experience for me” shares Buchalter. As a Diplomacy student engaged in Israeli politics, seeing all that has happened firsthand has made me further understand the extent of the threat that Israel is facing. I’m so appreciative for this opportunity”.
“My Jewish identity has never been so critical to my sense of belonging as it is today”, says Alyssa Eisenstein from Chicago, Illinois, a Peace and Conflict Management Master’s student at UHaifa International. “Since coming to the University of Haifa, I feel strengthened by boundless acts of kindness and service. I’m grateful to be a part of UHaifa’s community and Am Yisrael during these trying times.”
“Even though moving here during a war was challenging, I could not possibly imagine a more important time or place to study Peace and Conflict Management. Our program uses a unique model that is training us to be the next generation of conflict specialists in an evolving field that will be extraordinarily important in the years to come. I feel grateful to be a part of this program, and hope that more people see the value of this work and support its expansion,” says Eisenstein.”
Diverse Students, Cultures and Scholarships
The first in Israel to align with the global Sustainable development goals (SDG’s), The University of Haifa is committed to its equal opportunity policy. “Our personalized student-journey provides administrative and financial support so that every student can fulfill his or her dream of completing their Masters, regardless of their socio-economic status”, says Morgenstern-Laor. This includes not only merit-based and need-based scholarships for eligible students, but also unique D.E.I Scholarships – offering up to $3000 to students with a proven track record of promoting social impact in the fields of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Part of walking the talk of diversity and equal opportunities means growing a community of stakeholders who share our values in both mind and in action. We created the D.E.I scholarships to attract eligible students who are literally in sync with our mission”, explains Morgenstern-Laor.
While Haifa is considered Israel’s most diverse city, UHaifa International’s students coming from all over the world fit in naturally both on campus and in the city’s eclectic blend of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze and Bahai residents. “I wanted to study in a diverse, multicultural environment, and found what I was looking for at UHaifa International”, says Nanette Anyomi from Ghana, a Masters student in the International Relations program who is currently working on her thesis. “The campus is a microcosm of the world. I’ve been lucky to have roommates from the US, Greece, Australia and India, make friends from all across the globe and experience a city where all cultures and religions live together in harmony”.
“This is my second year here, and although the situation is different than last year, UHaifa organized events on campus so that we can be part of everything going on”, says Anyomi. “After October 7th, UHaifa held a joint event with Nova Festival survivors, some of who lost their friends and loved ones. The stories they shared impacted me on all levels and gave me a profound understanding of what it means to be an Israeli.”
Diverse Geography and Academics
Haifa’s geographical combination of mountain, ocean and urban views reflect another aspect of its diversity. “The opportunity to live on top of Mount Carmel, study underwater and coastal archaeology and access the Mediterranean Sea as my natural lab was exactly what I was looking for”, says Karsyn Johnson, a master’s student in Maritime Civilizations from Oklahoma, USA. “The location is perfect, with chill settings on and off campus, quick access to the ocean, and a cable car to breeze downtown”.
Similar to Johnson’s choice to study Maritime Civilizations, UHaifa International offers other diverse Masters programs which are unique on local and global levels, such as the master’s program in Holocaust studies. “I always wanted to study in Israel,” says Uriel Peizer, a graduate student in Holocaust Studies from both Argentina and the USA. “I chose the University of Haifa because it is one of the few schools in the world that could offer me a Master’s degree in this amazing field, combined with relevant hands-on internships and work experience at globally renowned institutions such as Yad Vashem and others”, he says.
The program also offers opportunities to meet and connect with Holocaust survivors and hear their testimonies. “I was fortunate to meet a 93 year-old Holocaust survivor on campus. If it wasn’t for this program, I wouldn’t have had this unique experience,” he adds.
