The academic year is divided into two semesters and a summer session. The first semester begins in October and ends in January-February, and the second semester ends in June. Exact start and end dates vary from year to year.
The summer session (July - September) is primarily devoted to work on the Thesis/Master Paper (including field work if necessary). Course exams are held in January-February and July; the oral defense of the thesis, or presentation of the master paper take place in September, prior to graduation.
Professional site-visits, social outings, cultural events, and lectures on current affairs and the history of the region take place throughout the year. Students join in the celebration of local religious festivals. Informal home visits facilitate contact with faculty members and other Israelis.
Comfortable on-campus housing is provided for scholarship students in apartments shared with other students in the program. Non-scholarship students can rent in these apartments (based on availability). Apartments can also be rented in close proximity to campus.
