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Brandeis-Middlebury BGU Immersion Program Takes Off

Brandeis-Middlebury BGU Immersion Program Takes Off

December 18, 2012

Israel Studies, Culture & Jewish Thought, Press Releases, Social Sciences & Humanities

The first participants in the Brandeis University-Middlebury College Hebrew immersion study abroad program have had a great experience speaking rak ivrit – only Hebrew – at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Like with all Middlebury language programs, the students take a pledge to speak only in the language they are studying – both in and out of class.

brandeis-middlebury-students-260“We get all the reactions. Some laugh at us. Some help us. People ask why we speak to each other in Hebrew between ourselves when no one is around,” says Hannah Stork, a junior at Middlebury College.

“One of our classes uses Israeli films and television as a sociological prism. I really like our courses. We learn a lot of words that are connected to what we are studying but are also practical,” says Heather Stoloff from Brandeis University.

Speaking only Hebrew helped the students delve into Israeli society, and Beer-Sheva is especially welcoming.

“It’s a perfect place to learn the language and the culture without the falseness of tourism. The people aren’t used to dealing with foreigners,” says Hannah.

View of video of Hannah speaking in Hebrew (and English) about her authentic Israel experience at BGU >>

See full story on BGU’s website >>

ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY

By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.

About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.

We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.

BGU at a glance:  

20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.

 

For all press inquiries, please contact:

James Fattal, J Cubed Communications

516.289.1496

[email protected]