About the Faculty Training Program (FTP)
SIGNAL’s FTP is held at the Ben-Gurion University’s Research Institute for the Study of Israel and Zionism located at the Sde Boker Campus. The program is headed by Prof. Paula Kabalo, a leading Israel Studies professor. Throughout their semester in Israel, the SIGNAL-selected Chinese faculty members partake in customized training courses that empower them to return to China and teach Israeli Studies.
In addition to on-campus learning, members of SIGNAL’s FTP are invited to participate in Ben-Gurion University-hosted field trips, allowing them to experience the diverse Israeli landscape first-hand.
At the end of the semester, the Chinese faculty members have developed a thorough understanding of the complexities within Israeli society and are therefore able to bring a more holistic picture of Israel to their students back in China. Our FTP has a multiplier effect and will impact future generations to come.
Alumni Testimonials
Cui Caizhou - Henan University
I had the honor to be part of the 2019 SIGNAL Faculty Training Program. During the program among other activities I had the opportunity to visit Yad Vashem, it was a great benefit to my career as a researcher and educator. Meeting with survivors of the Holocaust, and listening to their stories was a unique experience. The combination of academic training and interactions with the Israeli people gave me a new understanding of Israel.
Baiyue - Northwest University
After a twelve-hour flight, I finally arrived at my destination, Israel, to a mysterious land in front of my eyes. Ben Gurion University where we stayed is located in the hinterland of the Negev Desert, near Beersheba, Israel's 7th largest city. My current research topic is in the field of German history, so I selected courses about traditional Jewish historians. We also had a chance to visit many places around the country, the most impressive place was the ancient city of Jerusalem.
Wang Chengfei - Northeast Normal University
Thanks, SIGNAL for helping me to come to Israel to study and research. I am fascinated by all the contrasts I found here. After this semester I am even more intrigued to keep learning about Israel.