UW in Jerusalem: Current Courses

UWYO 4000: Olive Tree Initiative: Middle East

3 credits

The Olive Tree Initiative is an award winning student-centered experiential learning initiative that seeks to provide knowledge about the conflict in the Middle East beyond what is available through second-hand information and mainstream media by having students travel to the area to experience and see things first hand.

The cornerstone of the OTI student experience is group travel and on-the-ground exposure to the people, politics and realities of the Middle East. OTI has developed a robust model of Experiential Education that combines an intensive study-abroad trip with extensive pre-trip education. As a result of the OTI experience, students return to campus more educated, more nuanced in their thinking, and empowered with skills to inspire others through education and action. OTI's trips are unique in that they allow students to actively engage with politicians, community leaders and leading academic experts from all sides of a regional conflict. In addition, students hear from and discuss the perspectives of various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), religious leaders, and victims of the conflict, in order to acquire a comprehensive view of the often difficult reality experienced by people living in the region. Crossing physical and psychological borders daily, students are constantly confronted with diverging impressions, narratives and perspectives. Each night the group gathers to discuss, debate and reflect on the day's experiences. They gain a holistic understanding of the conflict regions and return home to share their experiences with their communities.

This class is open to all interested students.

Cost: Approx. $6000 (Program fee is paid directly to the Olive Tree Initiative and includes airfare [New York – Amman; Jerusalem – New York], all in-country transportation, all excursions, all accommodations, all meals. Does not include $140 study abroad fee.)

Students interested in participating in this class should visit the Olive Tree Program page and contact Nevin Aiken (naiken@uwyo.edu) directly for more information and to apply.  Program payments will be made directly to the Olive Tree Initiative.