Host University for Haifa, Israel
The University of Haifa, founded in 1963, is situated at the top of Mount Carmel on the southeast side of the city, bordering Carmel National Park. The campus was designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the architect of Brasília and the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Over 18,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs that include faculties of humanities, social science, education, social welfare, science, science education, and law. The top floor of the 30-story Eshkol Tower provides a panoramic view of northern Israel. The Hecht Museum, with important archaeology and art collections, is also located on campus.
The University of Haifa is very proud of its diversity; the campus is a mix of secular and religious Jewish native Israelis, new immigrants from around the world, and Israelis whose religious and ethnic backgrounds are Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Bedouin. The International School promotes the diverse religious and ethnic self-expression of all students and works to help them find their own unique connection to Israel. While the number of observant Jewish students at the University of Haifa is small, the campus is very comfortable for observant students. All campus dining facilities are kosher and in your apartment in the dorms you can observe kashrut and Shabbat. Two Orthodox synagogues are located within walking distance from campus and there is a Conservative synagogue and a Reform synagogue a short ride away from the University. All formal activities organized by the International School are both kashrut and Shabbat observant, allowing all students to participate. Haifa also has many churches and mosques, as well as the center for the Baha'i faith. The International School is happy to assist any student in finding a place of worship or a religious community.
