Question about Ben Gurion / Columbia Program

[TexasGuy41]

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Based on the recent discussion of the pros/cons of the BGU program, I had a question about it. Are the students in the program overtly religious? I'm very interested in it after I complete my MPH next year, but I'm a bit concerned that many of the students will be religious. I could be completely off-base in my assumption, so please correct me if I'm wrong. I'm a non-practicing Catholic - and though I find other religious fascinating, I'm more interested in the International Health component of the program - rather than the fact that it happens to be in a historically religious area. Maybe Beer Sheva isn't even that important of a religious place - again, I have no idea. I'd love to study with other people that share my passion for international health/travel/languages, but I'd be very wary of fitting in with a group that was intensely religious - regardless of their particular faith. Any advice anyone might have would be great! Thanks and good luck to everyone.

 

[ocean11]

Hi texas guy NO the people at Ben GUrion are secular for the most part. Most Israelies are! you won't have any problem with religion there, especially in the Negev... Jerusalem Univ is also pretty secular, although I'm sure you'll find more religious people there.... anyhow I heard there are some amazing parties at Ben Gurion... I'm applying there now (I used to live in the area 10 yrs ago it's great!)

 

[secretwave101]

Whatup Texas?

I'm in the program and I can confirm that Ocean11 is spot-on. Yes, there are very religious people in Israel. And yes, there is the occasional highly religious student in our program. But the vast majority of students are here for the reasons you mentioned.

Plus, there's quite a mix of religions in the classes - highly committed or otherwise. There are a few Palestinians, some Catholic some Muslim. Then there's quite a few evangelical protestant Christians and a some Catholics (mostly of the Roman variety). The diversity demands a remarkable amount of tolerance. You see it in the program, and regardless of what the news says, you see it in Israel all the time too.

You won't be hindered if you want to party and be a pagan, but you won't be hindered much if you want to be Orthodox whatever, either.

 

[irene_s01]

texas, maybe i am wrong, but i don;t think that u should be basing career decisions based on who will attend school with u! I think you should look into other important things, as what future implications this step will have, whether it will be worth it or not.... u should not be basing it on whether others are religious or not! moreover, u should not go on a publicly viewed website and discriminate aganist a school whose students u "think" are important.
I think that is a very unethical move. Quite frankly, i dont think it is any of ur business, if others worship or not,, as long as it does not affect ur well being, then it is a not a concern.
As for fitting in, i think if there is a will there's a way. If u wanted to have a good time, u will...