Discover the best higher ed programs for Jewish Students worldwide. Compare them by history classes, Hebrew language studies, Jewish philosophy, and more.

3 Higher Ed Programs for Jewish Students

As a Jewish student, there are several things you may want to consider when looking for higher education programs. While a high-quality academic experience is a must, institutions that offer a sense of community and connection to Jewish identity can greatly improve your college experience. 

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of three higher education programs for Jewish students around the world. They are designed to cater to the needs and interests of Jewish students. Whether you want to learn Jewish history outside of the class or get intensive Hebrew language studies, we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to find out more! 

What careers are open to those who specialize in Jewish Studies?

Graduates of Hebrew and Jewish studies programs can choose from a wide variety of fulfilling professions. From lawyer and legal aid worker to journalist and an essay writer at essay writing services, Jewish studies majors have many career paths. Graduates of Judaic programs can also work as professors, teaching Hebrew and Jewish studies in schools and universities.

Some other career opportunities include professions such as:

• Attorney

• Business consultant

• Diplomat

• Copywriter

• Human resources specialist

• Historian

• Linguist

• Project manager

• Marketing specialist

• Sales consultant

• Software engineer

• Editor

• Interpreter

• Therapist

It’s possible that some of these job paths will need further education or extra courses before you can begin working in the industry. For example, to work as a writer at essay writing websites, you need to take additional writing courses. Yet, the diverse skill set acquired through studying Jewish studies can also be applied in other fields.

Top 3 international opportunities for Jewish students

Let’s take a look at the best Jewish studies abroad programs that will help Jewish students deepen their knowledge and see the world. 

1. CET Jewish Studies Program

First on the list is the CET Jewish Studies Program in Prague, Czech Republic. CET Prague is an undergraduate study abroad program that runs for one semester in the fall and spring semesters. Judaic students, as a rule, learn everything from textbooks and lectures. Yet, this program offers outdoor learning, with classes that use the city as a living classroom.

Located in the heart of Europe, Prague offers a rich historical and cultural setting for Jewish students to explore. Those interested in learning more about the Holocaust can visit memorials dedicated to the victims while in Prague. Additionally, they can conduct research at the Jewish Museum, as well as talk to local Jews. 

When participating in the CET Prague program, all students are required to complete one core course — Modern History of the Jews in East Central Europe. There are also several elective courses for you to choose from. These include Intermediate and Advanced Hebrew, Jewish Life in Contemporary Europe, Jews and Anti-Semitism in a Multi-Ethnic Society, and Memory of the Holocaust in Central Europe. You can also participate in internships at local Jewish organizations. 

2. Paideia –The European Institute for Jewish Studies

Second on the list of the best programs for Judaic Studies is Paideia’s one-year program. Paideia is a European institute for Jewish studies in Sweden that aims to revive Jewish culture in Europe and support cross-cultural dialogue. Paideia’s one-year program of Jewish studies is the most intense program of this type in Europe today.

The Paideia itself is a pluralistic and non-denominational institution. Thus, it enrolls both Jewish and non-Jewish students for Judaic studies each year. The students of this institution represent more than 15 European countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. However, you can also see students from Israel and the United States at Paideia.

The curriculum of the Paideia’s one-year program includes readings ranging from classical bible texts to modern Jewish philosophy. You can also visit modern Hebrew classes and history lectures. On top of that, they propose a study trip to Israel. 

While you can’t obtain a degree on the Paideia’s one-year program, they offer a joint program for its graduates. It allows students who successfully completed the program to continue their studies at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg in Germany. In the end, you can get a Master of Arts degree in Jewish Civilizations.

3. Jewish Studies Program at Cornell University

Our third program is for those who want to get Jewish studies major in the US. Jewish studies program at Cornell University allows students to learn in-depth Jewish culture, history, and texts from ancient Israel, late antique Mesopotamia, medieval Iberia, the Shoah, Modern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.

In this program, Jewish studies majors will have access to a wide variety of classes that explore the many facets of Jewish identity. From cultural, ethnic, and racial to geographic and linguistic. As part of the Jewish studies, students will have the opportunity to critically analyze Jewish cultures, histories, literatures, media, thought, and religion. 

Students are required to successfully complete 10 different classes in order to get their degree. Courses in archaeology, film, gender studies, history, law, literature, philosophy, politics, and religion are all open to students majoring in Jewish studies.

Bottom line

Whether to learn in your home country or take your Jewish studies abroad, is your choice. Either way, you can gain a deep understanding and appreciation for your Jewish heritage while also learning about Jewish history and culture.