The Paths to Peace program brings sixteen students (8 per semester) of different faiths and backgrounds from Israel and Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) to study together for one semester at New York University, located in the center of New York City. The program is dedicated to training future leaders, endowing them with the skills and experience to advance reconciliation and coexistence for future generations.
The academic objective of Paths to Peace is to focus on the historical, political, cultural, and religious relationships between Israelis and Palestinians. All students in the program will be required to take at least two mandatory courses, together with NYU students, on Israel and on Palestine or the Middle East. They will also participate in two weekly workshops to be held on two separate days and to be conducted by experienced Palestinian and Israeli facilitators. Workshop participants will engage in an in-depth process of exploration, observation and analysis of the conflict and will have the opportunity to gain important insights into their identities as well as the dynamics of groups in conflict.
Students will be allowed to select up to two additional courses based on their own academic interests. These courses may be selected from all of the University's undergraduate schools and institutes (except for the Stern School of Business and the Tisch School of the Arts).
Program participants will attend off-campus excursions, such as visits to the UN Headquarters, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, and a weekend in Washington, DC. Each student is expected and required to participate fully in the program and to attend all classes and activities comprising the program. In the event that the University determines, in its sole discretion, that a student has failed to meet the required standard of participation, the student will be subject to immediate dismissal from the program and will be required to return to his/her country of origin.
An application form is here. Applicants must be between 18-24 years of age as of September 1, 2012, currently enrolled in undergraduate studies at a recognized university or college, have English language competence demonstrated by performance on the TOEFL or personal interview, and be in good academic standing. Successful applicants will be required to arrive on time at the beginning of the program and return home at the end of their semester at NYU. Fall semester begins late August and ends late December and Spring semester begins mid-January and ends mid-May.
Successful applicants will receive a scholarship to cover tuition, room and board, health insurance, books, travel, and a small living stipend for the academic semester.
The application deadline for participation in either the Fall 2012 or Spring 2013 semester is FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012.
For additional information, email: paths.to.peace@nyu.edu