Amid concerns of antisemitism on North American campuses, Bar-Ilan University’s International School representative, Marketing Director Neta Moallem, visited Jewish high schools in New York and New Jersey.  While there, she engaged with administrators, students, and parents, generating interest in studying in Israel. Moallem participated in college fairs at these schools, showcasing the unique educational opportunities at Bar-Ilan University and emphasizing the university’s commitment to creating a welcoming community for Jewish students and their families. Many students expressed a desire to study in Israel, seeking a supportive environment. Bar-Ilan University’s reputation for academic excellence makes it an appealing destination for students...

When Master’s student Hadas Kurmesh Belisha became the first woman in the University’s history to be elected chair of the Student Union, she determined that her primary goal would be creating a sense of community. At first, that meant reaching out to audiences that are traditionally less involved, such as English-speaking olim (immigrants) and other students from abroad. (“Ours was undoubtedly the largest Chinese New Year celebration in the Jewish state,” said Kurmesh Belisha.) She also appointed the union’s first coordinator for Arab-speaking students and began planning the first-ever Accessibility Day event to raise awareness of disabled members of the...

The 2024 Annual Conference and Expo, organized by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, was held in New Orleans, Louisiana in May. NAFSA is the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange. The conference brought together professionals from around the world to learn, network, and connect with peers and experts in global education. It provided a platform for discussions on various topics, including research initiatives, online faculty exchange, and student ability. Representatives from Bar-Ilan University’s International School, Marketing Director Neta Moallem and Global Engagement Head of North America Shira Gafni, attended the conference. They had the opportunity to meet with...

Since the devastating events of October 7, Bar-Ilan University's International School has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting international students affected by the trauma and aftermath of these attacks. Under the guidance of its Academic Head, Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, a renowned clinical trauma psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychology, the International School has played a vital role in providing specialized care to international students navigating trauma and PTSD in a foreign setting. In response to the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war, the Departments of Psychology and Social Work have implemented a comprehensive support system to...

In a remarkable display of international cooperation and academic exchange, Bar-Ilan University recently welcomed an impressive roster of ambassadors and dignitaries from various nations. These momentous occasions, which took place throughout February and March 2024, provided an invaluable platform for exploring the multifaceted motivations that drive these diplomatic representatives. By promoting cultural exchange, nurturing diplomatic relations, and opening doors for potential academic collaborations, these visits exemplify the unwavering support these countries and organizations extend to Israeli academia, even in the face of adversity. The presence of esteemed guests from Singapore, Germany, Brazil, Taiwan, and Italy underscores the pivotal role that...

At Bar-Ilan University's International School, fostering a vibrant and engaging community for international students is a top priority. Despite the current circumstances and challenges facing Israel and its people, the International School team understands the importance of moving forward and re-establishing some type of relative normality. Recognizing the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, the International School arranges an array of social activities throughout the year and, over the past two months, has hosted a diverse range of activities that cater to the interests and passions of the international student community. These included celebrating Chinese New Year, the...

PhD candidate, Abdel-Aziz Abdrahamane Yassine, hails from Chad in Central Africa. Although Abdel isn’t new to Israel as he spent three years at the University of Haifa, he is new to Bar-Ilan University having joined the Department of Geography and Environment in BIU’s Faculty of Social Sciences during the 2023-2024 academic year. His PhD studies will focus on the field of environment planning and sustainability. The 34-year-old speaks three languages – English, French, and Arabic – and is learning Hebrew. He has a BSc in Geology from Adam Barka University in Chad, an MSc in Hydrogeology and GIS (Geographic Information...

BIU’s International School welcomed 800 new and returning international students and researchers for the 2023-2024 academic year on December 31, a delay of three months due to the Hamas-Israel war. The university held a New Year’s Eve party to welcome everyone and bring in the New Year. While some of BIU’s existing international students and researchers had remained in Israel over the three months, most of them returned with the new students at the start of the new first semester. BIU held its Orientation Day event on Zoom this year as large in-person gatherings were not possible at the time....

Bar-Ilan University is launching six new degree options for international and olim (immigrant) students. These include five undergraduate degrees (four for English speakers and one for Russian speakers) and one graduate degree. The new undergraduate programs have been created for non-Hebrew-speaking students whose aim is to study in Hebrew eventually, whether they are international students who are in Israel only for their studies or olim students who have already made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) or are planning it. There are four new degrees available for English speakers including a BSc in Computer Science; a BSc in Engineering; a BSc in...

Message from Prof. Moshe Lewenstein, BIU's Deputy President, and Ofer Dahan, Executive Director, BIU's International School Israel’s soul has shifted. Six degrees of separation is the idea that all people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. Israel is a small country and therefore, it is more relevant to talk about “four degrees of separation.” However, since the tragic terror events took place on October 7, we have discovered that the true number is closer to “one degree.” Everyone knows someone who has been affected in one way or another. L-R: Prof. Moshe Lewenstein and Ofer Dahan...