Summer: Rutgers- Israel Service Learning: Community Immersion, Social Action and Exploration of Diversity
The Program
The application deadline has been extended to March 15!
Learn about social services in Israel, from the establishment of the country to the present in the contexts of diversity.
Students will experience the rich multicultural history of Israel's Ethiopian, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze, and Bedouin communities. The service learning aspect includes direct practice with individuals, families, groups and communities in a local Ethiopian neighborhood.
Program Location

Israel
Rishon LeZion
Rishon LeZion is the fourth largest city in Israel and is located along the coast. The beach is about 10 minutes away from the center of the city. Rishon LeZion is host to museums, festivals, beautiful parks and walkways.
Academics
The application deadline has been extended to March 15!
To view a preliminary program's 2022 syllabus, please click here. Please note this syllabus is subject to change.
This program is uniquely positioned to offer students an immersive, short-term-4 week, in-country service learning opportunity providing direct services to individuals,families, groups, organizations, and communities in addition to pre-departure and post-integration learning experiences.
This program will count as a:
- 3-credit, semester-long, Field Practicum I or III for Graduate Social Work students
- 6-credit, semester –long, Field Practicum I for Undergraduate Social Work students
- 3-credit General Elective Course, as determined by Study Abroad and other University Departments
Students will complete a guided internship with daily, weekday field internship activities at a community-based organization. Some of the vulnerable groups served in selected host agencies include children and adults with special needs, adults with mental illness, at-risk youth, immigrants and older adults.
Students will develop an understanding of the context of the work and needs of the Ethiopian community in terms of the origins of the community, life in Ethiopia, decision to immigrate, evolution of family roles, integration and absorption process in Israeli society, challenges and successes, grassroots organizing and much more.
Excursions
Students will engage in reflective seminars and team –building activities with Israeli social workers, local speakers, Ethiopian community leaders, religious leaders, older adults and youth.
Cultural excursions to Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem are planned in order to have an immersive experience living abroad.
Housing and Meals
Students will be housed in two fully furnished apartments in the Ramat Eliyahu neighborhood. Apartments will be equipped with A/C and wifi. Please note that this is dorm-style living. Rooms are double-occupancy (shared between two students) and facilities are shared.
Some meals are provided.
Financial Information
Program Costs
NJ Resident | non-NJ Resident | |
---|---|---|
SW Undergrad (6 credits) | $4,540 | $5,170 |
non SW Undergrad (3 credits) | $4,320 | $4,630 |
Graduate (3 credits) | $4,520 | $4,810 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• Housing
• Some Meals
• Excursions
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare | $1,200 |
Meals | $500 |
Background report | $60 |
Books and Classroom Materials | $25 |
Local Transportation | $25 |
Personal Expenses | $200 |
Total | $2,010.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.