Florida Atlantic University Students May Take Gap Year In Israel, Remain On Track For Graduation.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Florida Atlantic University has struck a first-of-its-kind agreement letting students in Israel’s XP gap-year program transfer credit toward an FAU degree. The deal, highlighted in a statement to BocaNewsNow.com following an event that drew college counselors and leaders from South Florida’s private Jewish high schools, covers approved course equivalencies students complete during their gap year. Bar-Ilan University’s vice president for international affairs, Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, helped unveil the partnership. FAU also used the event to spotlight its deferred enrollment policy, which lets students lock in their spot before heading overseas.
FAU President Adam Hasner called the agreement a way of “meeting students where they are.” He said a year of study and connection to Israel is a foundational experience for many Jewish students, and that Florida Atlantic wanted a path that keeps them on track toward a degree while they pursue it. “Florida Atlantic is proud to create pathways that allow students to pursue that opportunity while remaining on track toward earning a high-value degree at our university,” Hasner said.
The timing lines up with a rebound in Israel gap-year programs. More than 3,000 students from around the world started programs this fall, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency — a pace that now matches enrollment levels seen before the Oct. 7 attacks. Tuval-Mashiach said Bar-Ilan is “delighted” to launch the partnership and wants to build it into student exchange, research collaboration and joint work in fields like engineering, health sciences and quantum science.
The agreement builds on an existing memorandum of understanding between the two universities and adds to FAU’s broader push to support Jewish students, which has included expanded religious accommodations and more kosher dining options on campus. “This partnership with Bar-Ilan University provides a seamless transition for students to stay on track toward their academic goals while strengthening ties between Florida Atlantic and the Jewish community,” said Maura Flaschner, FAU’s assistant vice president for admissions and student success.
