The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) is the premier academic program and research institute in the Middle East, preparing young leaders from around the world to cooperatively solve the region's transboundary environmental challenges. The Arava Institute's academic programs are accredited by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Located on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava Valley near Eilat, the Institute offers the only program for students of all nationalities, including Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians, to study and live together in a unique desert environment.
Our students emerge from the program as friends, allies, colleagues and partners-working together to achieve the Arava Institute's vision of a sustainable and peaceful Middle East.
Students maintain a rigorous course load in environmental studies including environmental policy, ecology, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and water management. Students participate in the Peacebuilding and Environmental Leadership Seminar (PELS) where they engage in dialogue focused on understanding current political, social and cultural issues, exploring dual narratives, and learning intercultural communication skills. Field studies and outdoor expeditions across the region compliment the curriculum.
