Omer Yerushalmi, Hebrew University MA student, Philosophy
Each spring, the Faculty of Humanities engages in bilateral graduate student exchange with esteemed North American and British universities, including Harvard University, Princeton University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Stanford University, University of California - Berkeley, University of Toronto, and University of Oxford. Rooted in disciplines such as religious studies, Jewish studies, Israel studies, Middle Eastern Studies, archaeology, history and more, this prestigious semester-long program offers exceptional students from Israel, Canada, the United States, and Europe the opportunity to traverse intellectual boundaries, enhancing their knowledge of the humanities and offering exposure to diverse academic perspectives. The result is a transformative experience of cultural and scholarly exchange. In this note, Hebrew University student Omer Yerushalmi shares his experiences and reflections on exchange at Yale University this past spring.
During the spring semester of 2023, I had the privilege of being a Hebrew University exchange student of philosophy at Yale University. The experience left an indelible mark on me, both academically and personally.
Yale was an obvious choice for me. The distinguished Philosophy Department was a strong draw, and as a second-year MA student aspiring toward a PhD, I wanted to immerse myself in the academic community of a top-tier institution, and gain valuable insights before applying to doctoral programs.
Yale’s Philosophy Department exceeded my greatest expectations! The faculty were not only approachable, but genuinely supportive of my progress as a foreign exchange student. I participated in three PhD seminars, each with approximately 10 participants, allowing me to authentically engage with some of the world’s leading philosophers. In addition, the department was a hub of intellectual activity, hosting a constant stream of visiting lecturers who added to the already invigorating academic environment. As an aspiring philosopher and academic, the exposure to so many remarkable intellectuals was incredible.
As for campus life, Yale’s campus grounds – its sprawling courtyards, neo-Gothic architecture, and majestic libraries – provided an inspiring backdrop for my intellectual pursuits. Yet, while academic life at Yale is incredibly rich, residing in New Haven admittedly presented its own set of challenges. The city’s ambience is not entirely uplifting, and meeting new people off-campus proved tough at times. Nevertheless, between classes and lectures, I managed to make the most of my free time by exploring local cafes and museums. And Yale’s proximity to New York city was a definite bonus, allowing me to get my ‘urban fix’ every other weekend.
Reflecting on my time at Yale, I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to have been part of its intellectual community, an experience that has not only expanded my horizons, but has influenced both my academic journey and my career path significantly.