The CSU Northridge Education building. Photo: Harshlight.

Following a decade-long lull in many cooperative programs between Israeli universities and the California State University, a new window of opportunity, opened by Haifa University, now exists for students who want to study abroad.

Haifa University rector Prof. David Faraggi said, “This decision confirms the prestige and attractiveness of Haifa University in every respect connected to programs for foreign students.”

In June 2011, in Faraggi’s section of the university’s Report of the President and the Rector, he wrote, “Having the University of Haifa ‘go international’ is an excellent way to upgrade the university and turn it from a peripheral institution on the Israeli higher education scene to a forward-looking institution of international renown.”

The report said that to expand its reach, the university would begin offering foreign students degrees, including non-degree programs in English, and sending more Israeli students abroad. The university hopes to expand its international school to 1,200 students a year over the next five years, opening about 20 international Master’s degree programs that would integrate 500 foreign students a year, among them 100 doctoral students, and also sending about 200 Israelis abroad.