FAQs for Israel Summer Business Academy

Q: When is the program?
A: The upcoming ISBA program is tentatively scheduled to take place from June 17 to August 2, 2024. Applications are currently on hold. Interested students are able to express their interest by filling out this short survey, and the ISBA staff will reach out if and when applications for 2024 are opened.

Q. How much do I need to know about business or Israel?
A. You don’t need previous business coursework 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, 2024.

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. All students will be provided transportation options to classrooms on days when class is held. 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. The next ISBA program anticipates accepting up to 75-80 students.

Q. How much time are students in class?
A. Students will spend approximately three days a week in class. 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?
8:30 a.m. – Wake up
9:00 a.m. – Leave for class
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Class at Mindspace in Tel Aviv
1:00-2:00 pm. – Lunch at a restaurant around Mindspace
2:00-4:00 p.m. – Coursework with assigned group
4:30 p.m. – Return to apartment
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.