New study abroad program will send students to Israel

LAWRENCE — For its inaugural study abroad trip to Israel, the University of Kansas School of Business is teaming up with the Middle East country’s oldest university, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. The two-week-long program, focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and technology, is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any academic area at KU.

Applications can be found online and are due Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Students will spend the first week of the program attending academic seminars from Technion faculty about entrepreneurship and why, when it comes to successful startups, Israel is second only to Silicon Valley.

“Israel is well-known for its contributions to the entrepreneurship field,” said Suzanne Scales, assistant director of the Institute for International Business. “Students will gain an understanding of innovation in a country that is rich in history and culture.”

During the second week of the program, students will visit a few of the rapidly growing businesses that call Israel home. On the rough itinerary is a visit to Grow Fish Anywhere, a start-up that Inc.com says is “quietly changing the world.” In addition to startup companies, the students will visit important locations throughout the country, learning about their historical and technological importance.

This is the first time in more than 10 years that KU will offer a study abroad program to Israel. Wally Meyer, director of entrepreneurship programs, said the knowledge students will gain during their time in the small country can be applied to any challenge they may face.

“Developing an entrepreneurial mindset, the ability to solve problems in any discipline with innovation and creativity, is immensely helpful, regardless of the area of academic pursuit,” Meyer said. “This is an extraordinarily unique learning experience which will broaden students’ horizons and capacity for personal growth.”

Students who participate in the program will earn credit hours in either entrepreneurship or international business. For students earning the Certificate of Entrepreneurship, the study abroad trip can serve as the certificate’s capstone course.

“The program will provide students with the opportunity to explore innovative solutions to technical and commercial challenges faced by new ventures and startup companies,” said Justine Hamilton, program coordinator for the Office of Study Abroad.

More information is available online.