Thrive Program
Studying abroad in Israel enables students to completely immerse themselves in the rich and vibrant culture of Israel. Thrive's programming provides a fine balance to allow students to see all facets of Israel and begin to ask the right questions, yet at the same time experience Israel in their own way.
Thrive is an immersive Israel experience that will allow motivated students to gain an in-depth and sophisticated appreciation of Israel. Through mature discussions and exhilarating experiences, students will understand the excitement of the land of Israel, as well as the challenges that face the entire Jewish community.
Check out some of our exclusive programming...more below!
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Rothberg International School
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is ranked among the world’s leading universities. It ranks in the Top 25 schools outside the US, and it’s the #1 university in Israel. Numerous faculty and alumni have been awarded national and international prizes, including the Nobel Prize.
Study abroad students learn at the Rothberg International School (RIS), which annually attracts over 2,000 students from 80 countries who want to learn in English in Israel. RIS is the largest academic institution in Israel for students from abroad.
ULPAN
Every study abroad student participates in an initial three week, intensive Hebrew course called Ulpan. The highly professional and experienced staff will help you learn practical Hebrew that will enable you to speak and interact with Israelis wherever you go.
Thrive offers you an opportunity to truly immerse yourself and understand Israeli culture. We are an exhilarating, academic program that synthesizes out-of-the-classroom adventures with meaningful life experiences. Accomplish your study abroad goals while gaining a behind-the-scenes, extraordinary look at different facets of Israeli society.
Thrive’s exclusive VIP access will take you to the intimate round-table of top CEOs, politicians, and the Israeli Chief Rabbis. Visit a Kabbalah artist’s home, a Holocaust survivor’s kibbutz, and an IDF soldier’s base. Meet your people and see your country like never before.
Your learning and discovery will go above and beyond the classroom; immerse yourself in all aspects of Israeli life and culture and gain a full, deep, authentic Israel experience. Our immersive, impactful program will help you discover your role within your rich Jewish heritage.
Most importantly, we want to help you create your own personal Israel experience. We will assist you with all of your study abroad goals so that after your five-month journey, you leave satisfied, fulfilled, and inspired.
Thrive
**Semester schedule is subject to change
United Jerusalem
Discover Jerusalem's unique multiculturalism.
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Examine the diverse Christian, Druze, Hareidi, and Palestinian populations and the challenges within
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Take a tour in the Old City and visit the homes of an Armenian family, a Jewish family, and a Muslim family.
Photos: check out our exclusive Old City tour!
Meeting the CEO of WIX
Start-Up Nation
Learn about persistence, innovation, and entrepreneurship
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Test some of the coolest and most exciting Israeli gadgets yet.
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Meet CEOs of Wix , Glide, Waze, eBay, and other top Israeli companies
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Discuss the secrets of success and the outlook on the Israeli economy
Blogs: check out our student blog: business and political tour!
Weekend Retreats
Glassblower in Tzfat
“Experience the IDF”
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Hands-on weekend in Gadna, the IDF’s familiarization program that simulates boot-camp training
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Meet soldiers from various sectors of Israeli society over an exciting Shabbat
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Participate in stimulating discussions about the army and its influence on Jewish views, nationalistic beliefs, politics, and more
"Across Israel"
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Explore distinct aspects of Israeli society and history in cities of YOUR CHOICE
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Zichron Yaacov, Ra’ana, Givaat Shmuel, Herzilya, Netanya, Caesaria and more…
"Spiritual Tzfat"
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Explore the ancient, mystical, and ever-vibrant Kabbalah culture
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Learn about the influential Kabbalah thinkers in the home of the movement
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Watch glass-blowers, potters, professors, artists and falafel vendors infuse the Kabbalah culture into their professions.
"Kibbutz Pioneers"
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The past, present, and future of the kibbutz movement come alive
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Appreciate how the socialistic Kibbutz movement helped build Israel
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Milk goats, make cheese, volunteer in a barn, and experience life as a Kibbutznik
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Discover the challenges facing this fading idealism as the younger generation struggles to both preserve and perpetuate this altered movement while pushing for its privatization
IDF Weekend Retreat
Israeli Visionaries
Nobel Prize laureate Professor Aumann
Ask pressing questions about the future of Israel and the Jewish continuity with visionaries and notable Israeli personalities
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Nobel Prize Laureate Professor Robert Aumann
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Israel’s chief rabbis
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World-renowned film directors, legal figures, artists, and more
Photos: meeting the Israeli Chief Rabbi
Blog: check out our student blog: Israeli Chief Rabbi
Israel Politics 101
Gain an in-depth understanding of Israel’s many different political
parties and the nuances within.
Meet with...
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Knesset members from various parties (both left and right wing)
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Political journalists
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Human rights activists
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Natan Sharansky and Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat
Photos: check out our political tour event!
Meeting with Natan Sharansky
Jewish Challenges and Continuity
"Thrive infuses meaning into everything that you see in Israel and it will provide you with opportunities that you wouldn't be able to get on your own."
-Elana Moscoe (Queens University, 2015)
Examine the main challenges facing the Jewish world:
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Apathy
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Anti-Semitism
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Zionism
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Discuss topics from Jewish lifecycle events and holidays
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Debate daily Jewish values
