Near Eastern and Judaic Studies
The Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (NEJS) bears a proud tradition of scholarly excellence in the fields that it embraces: the study of the Jewish people, including their history, religion, literature and place in civilization; the history, languages and culture of the Bible and ancient Near East; and Arabic and Islamic Civilizations. Studying abroad is the perfect way to complement your NEJS curriculum.
Sample of Approved Programs with NEJS Coursework
-
Jewish Studies in Prague (CET) - Prague, Czech Republic
- Israeli and Middle East Studies at Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Jerusalem, Israel
-
Peace and Conflict Program at the University of Haifa - Haifa, Israel
Visit the Brandeis Approved Programs List to review a comprehensive list of programs that offer NEJS coursework. There you can filter options to search for unique program traits like internships or research. Additional programs might have acceptable coursework, but this list shows the primary locations where NEJS courses may be available.
NEJS Study Abroad Liaison
To assist students with their academic choices abroad and to help answer any questions about receiving major/minor credit while abroad, each academic department and program has assigned a faculty member to serve as the Study Abroad Liaison. As every department has different policies regarding credit from abroad, the Study Abroad Liaison can assist you with guidance on major/minor credit. Find the Study Abroad Liaison for NEJS here.Receiving Credit in NEJS
Students wishing to receive credit in NEJS for coursework done off-campus during the academic year should discuss these plans with the Study Abroad Liaison. All students as part of their application process for either a summer or semester term abroad will be required to have a course proposal reviewed by the department if they wish to receive credit in that major/minor. For the semester, this is an initial conversation and students should continue to discuss plans with the department as they have more course information (syllabi, etc.). For the summer, courses are pre-approved. Upon return, semester students should complete the Petition to Request Substitution for a Requirement form for final and formal review.
Scholarships
The George and Gertrude Gerzon Endowed Scholarship for Eastern European Holocaust Studies was established to support students that have completed course work offered by the Brandeis University Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Program, and who will be studying in Eastern Europe. Preference will be given to those who will be studying in Poland, or a program that includes course work or projects related to Holocaust Studies in Eastern Europe.
The Ruth Gollan Prize in Hebrew for $900 will be awarded to student(s) pursuing a program of study in Israel in Hebrew language and/or literature. The deadline is typically in April.
The MASA Grants provide $1000 for Jewish undergraduates studying in Israel. Applications must be sent to MASA at least two months before the start of your program.
Boren Scholarships, The National Security Education Program (NSEP) provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to add an important international and language component to their educations. We focus on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study that are critical to U.S. national security, broadly defined, and underrepresented in study abroad. The deadline is typically in December.