from American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers:

U.S. Institutions to Expand Study Abroad Programs in Israel

In an attempt to promote Israel as a study abroad destination, eight American universities received grants from Masa Israel Journey to start or expand educational programs in the country, reports the Chronicle of Higher Education.

According to the Institute of International Education, Israel is currently ranked 22nd out of the top 25 study abroad destinations for students from the United States. A total of 2,322 American students participated in study abroad in Israel in the 2007-08 school year, compared to over 30,000 students who studied in Great Britain.

The institutions receiving the $400,000 in Masa grants are Arizona State University, Barnard College, Case Western Reserve University, Michigan State University, the New Jersey state university system, the University of Florida, and the business schools of the University of Maryland and of Washington University in St. Louis.

[eJP addition] According to MASA Israel, this is one of their most important projects as it will build Israel’s capacity to be part of the “global university” trend and will improve Israel’s image as a destination among top U.S. universities.

The funds will be used for set-up costs of the new partnerships, including sending faculty/administrators to Israel, marketing and recruiting and curriculum development.