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Hadassah Bay<\/p>\n
For many new olim and international students, choosing where to study in Israel involves far more than academics. It is about finding a place that understands transition\u2014linguistic, cultural, personal\u2014and turns it into a strength rather than a hurdle. That is precisely the idea behind the International School at Ono Academic College, and already reshaping how English-speaking students integrate academically and professionally into Israeli higher education.<\/p>\n
Located at Ono\u2019s new state-of-the-art campus at the Savyon Junction in Kiryat Ono, just 22 minutes from Tel Aviv, the International School offers a hybrid academic model: studies begin in English, with gradual integration of Hebrew. The result is an environment that feels both international and distinctly Israeli, one that prepares students not only to study in Israel, but to build professional futures here.<\/p>\n
This thoughtful approach has helped cement Ono\u2019s reputation as a leader in higher education. The college is ranked by the Globes Brand Index as the most recommended academic college in Israel, an endorsement that reflects both academic excellence and strong graduate outcomes across disciplines.<\/p>\n
A National First<\/strong><\/p>\n Among the International School\u2019s diverse programs, one stands out for its impact and innovation: the Bachelor\u2019s degree in Occupational Therapy (B.O.T.). The department is headed by Dr. Naomi Ferziger, a veteran olah and SUNY-trained professional with over 35 years of experience in occupational therapy and academic leadership. Ono is currently the only institution in Israel offering an occupational therapy degree taught in English, specifically designed for new olim and international students. The program\u2019s second year opened in October 2025, marking a significant milestone in its rapid growth.<\/p>\n Occupational therapy is one of Israel\u2019s fastest-growing health professions, with increasing demand across hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community settings. Occupational therapists work with individuals across the lifespan, from infants with developmental challenges to adults recovering from injury or illness, helping them participate fully in daily life.<\/p>\n The International OT program combines rigorous academic training with extensive hands-on experience, aligned with Israeli professional standards. Students benefit from Ono\u2019s advanced simulation center, where they practice assessment and treatment techniques with trained actors in lifelike clinical scenarios. Clinical fieldwork begins early, ensuring graduates are well prepared for licensure and real-world practice within Israel\u2019s healthcare system. Individual Attention, Academically and Personally<\/strong><\/p>\n What truly distinguishes Ono\u2019s International School is its commitment to each individual student. Small class sizes, dedicated mentors, and close faculty engagement mean that students are supported not only academically but also personally. Whether navigating course material, professional placement, the broader challenges of aliyah, or personal issues, students are never left to manage alone.<\/p>\n The International School also offers a strong slate of additional undergraduate degrees designed to open doors in Israel\u2019s most in-demand professional fields. Students can pursue an LL.B. in Law<\/strong> or a B.A. in Business Administration<\/strong>, with specializations in Real Estate and Finance for p<\/strong>rograms that blend academic rigor with practical, career-oriented training. Alongside the undergraduate track, Ono also offers select graduate options in a range of fields, giving students room to continue advancing academically and professionally within the same supportive campus environment.<\/p>\n A Campus That Feels Like Home<\/strong><\/p>\n Ono\u2019s campus life is designed to foster belonging. Modern classrooms, comfortable study spaces, a free, fully equipped gym, recording studios, and nearby shopping and entertainment centers all contribute to a premium student experience. Affordable housing options and on-campus dormitories make daily life manageable and welcoming. International and Israeli Students Learning Side by Side<\/strong><\/p>\n At its core, Ono International School is built on a simple idea: academic success thrives where students feel seen, supported, and connected. By combining English-taught studies, gradual Hebrew integration, individualized attention, and a strong sense of community, Ono offers a true academic home in Israel that equips students with the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to succeed long after graduation. Prospective students can learn more about programs and upcoming information sessions at Ono International School\u2019s official website Link\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hadassah Bay For many new olim and international students, choosing where to study in Israel involves far more than academics. It is about finding a place that understands […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40,"featured_media":35345,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-35524","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categories_news-updates_news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ono.ac.il\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/35524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ono.ac.il\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ono.ac.il\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ono.ac.il\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ono.ac.il\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ono.ac.il\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nGraduates enter Israel\u2019s workforce with strong employment prospects and professional certification pathways already in place.<\/p>\n
\nFor religious students, Ono provides a supportive and inclusive framework, featuring a fully kosher cafeteria, daily minyanim on and near campus, regular Torah learning, communal Shabbat meals, and chag celebrations. Further enriching the experience is the Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus (JLIC), which offers Jewish learning, mentorship, and personal guidance. At the same time, the campus remains open and welcoming to students of all backgrounds, creating a respectful, pluralistic atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\nIn a country built on new beginnings, education remains one of the strongest engines of integration and advancement. By designing programs that recognize the realities of aliyah while maintaining high academic standards, Ono International School reflects a broader shift in Israeli higher education, viewing international talent not as an exception but as an integral part of its future.<\/p>\n