New Beginnings at Tel Aviv University

While the academic year at Israeli universities officially kicks off on November 3, the Lowy International School at Tel Aviv University has already launched the new season of learning with several course offerings, including the MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and the International Parasol LLM, alongside an intensive Hebrew Ulpan and a Study Abroad Fall semester. 

The Lowy International School buzzed with excitement as over 50 students joined the orientation session held at the Green House, with several more students expected to arrive in Israel in the coming days. For many students, this is not just an educational opportunity but a pivotal step in their professional and personal lives.

New Frontiers: Tech Law and Global Legal Education

Jo Mwine, who traveled to Israel from Nairobi, is originally from Uganda, but has spent the last four years working in Kenya. He first heard about Tel Aviv University’s LLM program from a colleague, who had completed the program three years ago and spoke highly of it.

“Personally, I felt like it was going to be a big boost to my career.”—Jo Mwine, Parasol LLM

As Mwine explains, “East Africa is just now picking up on tech law, so I feel like I'll be at the forefront of the profession once I complete the program.”

Studying in Israel is another big draw for him:

“From what I've seen, Israel is an amazing place. I like the culture, and I want to learn more about it.”

Soft Landing for New Olim

This year, the Lowy International School has launched three new academic integration tracks in cooperation with the Israeli Student Authority. These tracks help new Olim make a smooth transition to studying in Israel. During the first year, or sometimes two, all the courses are taught either in English or French alongside an intensive Hebrew course. The studies are subsidized by the Ministry of Absorption and eligible students receive a housing allowance. 

Interactive Israeli trivia quiz during the orientation session

Abigail Lussato, who came from Paris, is one of the French-speaking students starting their undergraduate studies in the Programme de Licence en Sciences Sociales, Politiques et Économiques (Undergraduate Program in Social, Political, and Economic Sciences). The first step for these students is focusing on advancing their Hebrew knowledge during the September Ulpan. 

In November, program-specific courses will start, in various Social Sciences majors, ranging from Communication and Economics to Anthropology and Labor Studies. Hebrew classes will also be part of the first-year curriculum.

For Lussato, her journey to Tel Aviv is deeply personal. Planning to make Aliyah, she found the new French program to align perfectly with her goals.

“There’s a lot of antisemitism in France at the moment, and it’s complicated. I think Israel was the best idea for me. My little brother came here too, to go to a French school. Tel Aviv is great, and I love Israel.”—Abigail Lussato, the French-language BA academic integration track

In addition to the French integration track, the Lowy International School now offers two English-language options for new Olim: a BA in Management and Liberal Arts and an MA in TESOL. Students in these tracks have also begun their year with Hebrew Ulpan.

Launching Teaching Careers

MA in TESOL, a three-semester program spanning one year, traditionally opens its academic year in September. The program attracts students interested in becoming professional educators capable of working in diverse teaching contexts globally.

TESOL class of 2024

Baraa Mreh, who completed her BA in English and Economics in Haifa, is excited to start her journey at TAU. She will be pursuing an MA in TESOL and has clear ambitions for her future.

“I wanted to pursue an MA, either in teaching or creative writing. When I contacted the TESOL people, they were all very nice and responsive, so I chose this program and I hope to excel in it.”—Baraa Mreh, a TESOL student 

One of Mreh’s goals is to teach in higher education, so a one-year graduate program is the perfect gateway to that. 

As the excitement builds at the Lowy International School, the remainder of the international programs, both graduate and undergraduate, are set to begin in November, with a comprehensive orientation week scheduled for October 27-31. 

You still have time to join TAU's dynamic student community: applications for several graduate programs are open!

Explore our degree navigator to discover a program that matches your interests and submit your application online.