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University of Haifa

A circular, white building with arches has a golden dome, surrounded by a city and a large body of water in the distance.

University of Wisconsin–Madison has suspended all university-sponsored student travel to Israel until further notice.

Israel, Haifa

The University of Haifa, the only university in northern Israel, was founded in 1963 under the joint auspices of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Haifa Municipality. The university is surrounded by the beautiful Carmel National Park. The university welcomes a diverse student body of more than 18,000 students in six faculties: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences and Science Education, Law, Social Welfare and Health Studies, and Education; and five schools: Business Administration, Social Work, History, Public Health, and Political Sciences.

Participants can choose a summer, semester, or year-long program. Students with a high level of Hebrew can directly enroll into the University; otherwise, the International School within the university offers classes in English along with Hebrew and Arabic language courses.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen language skills
  • Navigate new educational systems, as well as new learning and teaching styles
  • Observe Israeli perspectives on academic disciplines.
  • Deepen cross-cultural understanding through internships

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.5 GPA for summer language programs

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA for semester & academic year programs
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Hebrew and Arabic language, history, international studies, Jewish studies and social sciences.

Classroom Language

English, Arabic, Hebrew

Housing

Residence Hall

Program Duration

Academic Year*: Early August – Early June
Fall*: Early August – Early January
Spring*: Mid-January – Early June
Summer: Month long sessions in July and/or August

*includes required Ulpan

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 - [Suspended] 9/4/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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Program participants generally take classes at the University of Haifa within the International School. All courses at the International School at the University of Haifa are taught in English. UW students are required to take the intensive Hebrew Ulpan or Arabic language pre-session and are encouraged to take a Hebrew or Arabic language course during the semester. Arabic is only offered during the summer and not during the winter. If a student meets the prerequisites for a class taught in Hebrew in a different department, the student will be able to write course papers and exams in English.

Students will take classes with Israeli students from different backgrounds and other international students. Most courses offered through the International School are in the following disciplines: Political Science, History, Economics, Anthropology, Literature, Philosophy, Religion and Communications. Students take between twelve and eighteen credits per semester.

Students also have the option to complete an internship while in Haifa for credit. If interested, students need to apply for an internship and will work with the internship coordinator on possible placements. The internship will be for 3-4 credits depending on the number of contact hours completed. A list of possible placements can be viewed on Haifa's website.

Program Web Pages

University of Haifa International School

Foreign Courses

Semester Course Information Summer Course Information

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents