Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the program?
A: The upcoming ISBA program will take place June 18-August 3, 2023.
Q. How much do I need to know about business or Israel?
A. You don’t need previous business course work or knowledge of Israel to participate.
Q. Are there religious or ethnic background requirements?
A. No, ISBA is nondenominational and open to students of all faiths and beliefs.
Q. How is the academy structured?
A. ISBA has a modular format that combines classroom learning with experiential-learning opportunities.
Q. What does ISBA cost?
A. See the Fees and Logistics page.
Q. Are scholarships available?
A. Some scholarships may be available for students with financial need. Contact isba@olin.wustl.edu for more information.
Q. When is the application deadline?
A. Applications are due February 1, 2023, however, applications submitted by December 15 will be reviewed for early acceptance and given priority section preference.
Q. What about health, safety, and security issues?
A. Staff members are on hand at all times if you need assistance with anything. While you’re abroad, you’ll be enrolled in GeoBlue health insurance as well as International SOS health insurance. We also recommend that you enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). On the first day of orientation, emergency procedures are reviewed, and you receive a wallet-size card with a list of emergency phone numbers.
Q. What transportation is available?
A. Transportation is provided for students to the classroom on class days. Private buses will also take you to off-campus sites.
Q. Are there any required textbooks/course materials?
A. Students are expected to have read Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle prior to the program start date. Otherwise, class materials (generally articles and readings) will be provided.
Q. How many students will be accepted?
A. We anticipate accepting 80 students for the upcoming ISBA program.
Q. How much time are students in class?
A. Students will spend approximately three days a week at Reichman University. Some of that time will be spent in a lecture class and some spent for group projects and individual work.
Q. What companies/historical sites/museums do students get to visit?
A. This changes year to year but you can expect to visit Masada and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem, and a number of museums in Tel Aviv.
Q. What might a typical day in the life of an ISBA student look like?
A.
8:30 a.m. – Wake up
9:00 a.m. – Gather at meeting point for bus pick up
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Class at Reichman University in Herzliya
1:00-2:00 pm. – Lunch at Reichman University
2:00-4:00 p.m. – Coursework with assigned group
4:30 p.m. – return to Tel Aviv by bus
4:30-6:00 p.m. – Gym, Laundry, free time
6:00-8:00 p.m. – Dinner with ISBA friends
8:00-11:00 pm. – Relaxing and experiencing the Tel Aviv night life
Q. What does a typical weekend look like?
A. Weekends across the six weeks of the program will be split fairly evenly between planned excursions and free weekends.
