Summer Course
The Arava Institute offers a four-credit interdisciplinary summer course that serves as an introduction for students to the unique aspects of the desert environment and its natural resources, and provides an understanding of the environmental challenges that are connected to human settlement in the Southern Arava, from a trans-boundary perspective.
The summer course, Israel and the Environment: Development Challenges in the Southern Arava is offered every June and designed for overseas college students and graduates. The four week course takes an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development, natural history and the environment in southern Israel.
The course is divided into two main sections: Natural History of the Desert, and Development Challenges in a Desert Environment. In the first half, students will study elements of the local environment, gaining an understanding of geomorphology and hydrology; and ecology, biodiversity and ornithology of the Arava Desert and Gulf of Aqaba. The second half will focus on human interaction with the environment, examining human settlement in the Arava, sustainable development in arid environments, water management in the Middle East, sustainable agriculture, issues of society and environment, desertification and environmental justice.
The curriculum includes several field trips, as well as short sessions on related topics such as religion and the environment, politics of nature conservation, and environmental art in the desert. The course is accredited through Ben-Gurion University and is conducted in English.
The summer course, Israel and the Environment: Development Challenges in the Southern Arava is offered every June and designed for overseas college students and graduates. The four week course takes an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development, natural history and the environment in southern Israel.
The course is divided into two main sections: Natural History of the Desert, and Development Challenges in a Desert Environment. In the first half, students will study elements of the local environment, gaining an understanding of geomorphology and hydrology; and ecology, biodiversity and ornithology of the Arava Desert and Gulf of Aqaba. The second half will focus on human interaction with the environment, examining human settlement in the Arava, sustainable development in arid environments, water management in the Middle East, sustainable agriculture, issues of society and environment, desertification and environmental justice.
The curriculum includes several field trips, as well as short sessions on related topics such as religion and the environment, politics of nature conservation, and environmental art in the desert. The course is accredited through Ben-Gurion University and is conducted in English.
How to Apply
The application procedure for admittance to the Summer Course includes the following components:
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES)
Kibbutz Ketura
D.N. Hevel Eilot 88840
Israel
Telephone: 972-8-635-6618
Fax: 972-8-635-6634
Email: info@arava.org
Application deadlines:
- The AIES basic application form completed in full.
- 500-word English essay explaining why you are applying to the AIES summer course.
- The AIES medical form completed and signed from your physician
- One academic reference from a faculty member with whom you have studied in the last year. The academic reference may use our academic reference form or a format of his or her choosing, and must mail the reference directly to the Arava Institute.
- One personal reference from a person familiar with you (excluding relatives). The personal reference may use our personal reference form or a format of his or her choosing, and must mail the reference directly to the Arava Institute.
- An official transcript from the university at which you most recently studied.
- USD $50 non-refundable application fee
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES)
Kibbutz Ketura
D.N. Hevel Eilot 88840
Israel
Telephone: 972-8-635-6618
Fax: 972-8-635-6634
Email: info@arava.org
Application deadlines:
- AIES Summer Course uses a rolling admissions policy, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
- Final deadline for all application materials is April 15.
2009 Summer Course information
Summer Course dates: June 28 to July 24, 2009
Tution: USD $3,000
Tution: USD $3,000
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