Summer: Rutgers- Israel Service Learning: Community Immersion, Social Action and Exploration 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.

Important information

Medical clearance and background check will be required for the internships.

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

Summer 2023

Program Costs

This is the billed amount that will appear on your Rutgers term bill during the term you study abroad.

	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

These are estimated expenses that are not part of your term bill. Students will need to pay for these expenses out-of-pocket.


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.

Scholarships

Rutgers Global–Study Abroad Scholarships

Available to all Rutgers students participating in a Rutgers Global–Study Abroad program. Applications can be found inside of your study abroad program application. For more information, please visit the Scholarship section of our website.

Faculty Leader

Rebecca Davis

Dr. Davis is a professor in the School of Social Work, and also directs the School's Office of Global Programs. Her focus on international social work began with a Fulbright to teach social practices in Romania, where she resided for a decade engaged in child welfare reform before serving as a consultant and project manager for various NGOs and social welfare organizations. In addition to her specialization in Central and Eastern Europe, her research in international and comparative social work and development takes her to countries in Africa and East Africa.