The Council for Higher Education has approved the new reform regarding conversion of academic educational programs from Hebrew to English and to run them in parallel to each other as bilingual education. Academic institutions will adopt a study method to ensure students gain English skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speech.
The CHE has updated its decisions regarding conversion of academic educational programs from Hebrew to English and to run them in parallel to each other.
The updated decisions include, inter alia, the following emphases:
Academic institutions will be able to convert existing degree programs (bachelor’s or master’s) from Hebrew to English. These institutions will submit an application to convert the program to the CHE, while the Hebrew language programs will continue to operate as usual.
Institutions that have the autonomy to open master’s degree study programs will be able to convert degree programs (bachelor’s or master’s) as well as to open joint study programs together with institutions overseas without requiring the CHE’s approval.
English language study programs will be taught alongside Hebrew language programs and shall be identical in academic level and scope to Hebrew language study programs.
The CHE emphasizes the centrality of the Hebrew language in Israel as the national language and the need to maintain Hebrew language courses of study that are currently offered at institutions of higher education. The multiyear plan to reinforce internationalism in higher education is intended to increase the competitive level of Israeli academia by accepting outstanding students from abroad and strengthening the international reputation of Israeli institutions.
This push complements the CHE’s Study in Israel program and will enable academic institutions to open English taught programs which integrate students from around the world.
CHE Deputy Chair, Professor Ido Perlman said, “The increase in the number of international students depends, inter alia, on the existence of English language study programs and the absence of a sufficient number of such programs today; the ability to absorb international students (and international staff) is limited. The updated decision permits institutions to expand their offering of English language programs and joint programs with institutions abroad with greater ease and will encourage them to do so while maintaining academic standards.”
