When Tel Aviv University starts the fall 2012 semester, it will offer English-language undergraduate programs for the first time, with international bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and the liberal arts.
The two degree programs — a B.A. in liberal arts and a B.S. in in electrical and electronics engineering — will be taught entirely in English, and are specifically tailored for international students.
Tel Aviv University has 11 existing international master’s programs taught in English.
“The faculty of humanities has always offered our students a broad and colorful range of courses,” says Milette Shamir, head of the new liberal arts program.
“Now, with more individuals from around the world joining our student body, the experience of studying here will be all the more rewarding. Such international programs play an active role in the globalization of the university.”
The bachelor’s in liberal arts offers students traditional tracks including philosophy and literature, as well as courses on Middle East and Jewish history and digital culture and communications, a benefit of a country with a rich ancient history and modern “startup nation” status.
As part of the TAU program, electrical engineering students will be eligible to study abroad at the National University of Singapore. Professor Anthony Weiss, the head of the program, says the international experience “enables students to create a worldwide rather than local network. Our graduates will have an internationally recognized degree and international connections. It’s an amazing launching pad.”
Weiss says the burgeoning high-tech industry makes Israel an ideal setting to study electrical engineering. Third-year students will be offered internship placements in startups and international companies, such as Eurotech Communications, and will be offered classes in entrepreneurship and intellectual property.
“We will give our students what they need to make the best of their experience in Israel, and succeed in the classroom and beyond,” Weiss says.
Information on the new programs can be found at www.international.tau.ac.il.