2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TEL AVIV,
ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC
AND INNOVATIVE LOCATIONS
IN THE WORLD.
3. Nomo Khumalo, Class of 2010
Home Country: South Africa
Before Sofaer: University of the Witwatersrand, Commerce major
African Bank Investments, Special Project Manager
After Sofaer: Management Associate at Henry Schein Europe
“Given the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, I thought that Israel
could offer a better value proposition for an MBA student than any place I
could think of. It was the best decision I ever made.”
4. THE SOFAER INTERNATIONAL MBA
Located in Tel Aviv, the cultural and economic heart of Israel, the Sofaer International MBA is an intensive one-year program
designed for driven and diverse students looking for an out-of-the-box international MBA experience.
The Sofaer iMBA academic curriculum combines core courses with a wide-range of elective course options, many of which have
their material drawn directly from Israel’s unique environment of innovation. The flexible structure enables students to tailor their
year of study to their interest, or enjoy the academic diversity of a general MBA program.
In addition to the rigorous academic schedule are group projects, consulting work, international case competitions and profes-
sionally orientated networking and skill-building sessions, characterizing the high-powered Sofaer year.
Experienced together, these elements provide our students with the relevant knowledge and exposure they need. Students finish
ready to take their next professional step with confidence and able to succeed in today’s faced-paced global business environment.
5.
6. A DYnamic clasSroom
Despitehavingapopulationofjustoversevenmillion,Israelisapowerfulplayerin
theglobaleconomy.ApartfromNorthAmerica,Israelhasmorecompanieslisted
on NASDAQ than any other country. Per-capita, Israel produces more start-up
companies than China, India, Canada, Japan and the UK and has attracted
twice as much venture-capital investment as the United States and thirty times
more than Europe.
At the heart of Israel’s economy is the city of Tel Aviv-Yaffo - a thriving metropolis
located on the shores of the Mediterranean. Recognized as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site for its Bauhaus architecture, Tel Aviv epitomizes the youthful and
creativespiritofIsrael.Urbanprofessionals,start-upentrepreneurs,actors,artists,
international business travelers, and students mingle together in the city’s
museums, night-life hot spots, five-star restaurants, fashion boutiques and
beautiful beaches.
7. “While working at a global management consulting firm I became inter-
ested in entrepreneurship and co-founded an alternative energy company.
Through this process I realized that my passion truly lies in forging new
ventures. While looking at different MBA programs I quickly realized Israel
was the perfect location for someone with my interests. This country fosters
a culture of entrepreneurship unlike any other – and the structure of the
Sofaer iMBA program captures this spirit and energy.”
Marty Pollak, Class of 2011
Home country: USA
Before Sofaer: Finance major at the University of Maryland;
management consulting, Deloitte Consulting LLP
8. TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
Since its founding in 1956, Tel Aviv University now boasts over
25,000 students, 105 departments, 27 schools, 9 faculties,
and more than 132 research centers and institutes. The
University has extensive research contacts with leading
academic and scientific institutions abroad, including over 150
cooperation agreements with universities in North and South
America, Europe and the Far East.
9. The Recanati School of Business
The Leon Recanati Graduate School of Business Administration at Tel Aviv
University is the top business school in Israel and the only Israeli academic
institution to be awarded the international accreditation of the Association
to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In addition to the Sofaer
International MBA, Recanati offers more than 10 programs of study and has
been preparing its students for leading roles in various sectors of the Israeli
and international economy for over 40 years.
10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Sofaer Advantage at Recanati
Building on Recanati’s reputation for excellence as Israel’s #1 business school, the Sofaer academic program combines a rigorous
core curriculum with a wide range of elective course offerings. Our flexible structure enables students to assemble a professionally-
focused course of study and prepare themselves for the ever-changing business world.
Running parallel to our academic studies is the Professional Development Curriculum, a series of workshops, site visits, guest lecturers,
and networking events. This curriculum helps our students identify their career goals while equipping them with the skills and contacts
needed to take their next professional step with confidence.
11. Amitava Mittra, Class of 2010
Home country: India
Before Sofaer: Engineering major at Pune University;
Major in the Indian Army
After Sofaer: Country Head (Operations) in B.G Ilanit
“I came to Sofaer from India after working in the Indian
Army for six years specializing both as a combatant and
a technical specialist. The force driving me to pursue an
MBA was my desire to develop India’s Homeland security
industry. The contacts I established in Israel combined
with the knowledge gained from my studies have made my
dreams become reality. I am now responsible for building
an Israeli Defense Technology company’s operations in
India.”
12. International Class Trip
Included in the Sofaer academic curriculum is a course focusing on all aspects of
business in a particular country. For the classes of 2010 and 2011 the course is
“Conducting Business in China.” Culminating with a business-orientated tour to
select cities in China, this course provides students with first-hand exposure to the
economic reality of the country.
13. International EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Sofaer students can apply to study abroad during their third
semester. The Recanati School of Business maintains exchange
relationships with over 60 universities around the world, providing
the opportunity for accepted students to finish their degree at one
of several well known international institutions. Some examples
of past placements include:
The Recanati School of Business also accepts international ex-
change students for a semester or year of study.
For further information please contact Exchange Director Sha-
ron Shaked: shakeds@tauex.tau.ac.il
• University of Chicago
• Northwestern University
• Bocconi University
• ESADE
• National University of Singapore
• IE Business School
• Peking University
• University of Melbourne
14. Who studies at Sofaer?
The Sofaer iMBA is designed for driven students
who are looking to be challenged both aca-
demically and creatively. Desiring the competitive
advantage that will set them apart, Sofaer
students are dedicated individuals who will be the
next key players in the international business arena.
Our students have excelled in their professional
careers and come to Sofaer looking for a
different MBA experience. Academic excellence,
professional depth, broad life experience, and
innovative creativity are distinguishing factors of
successful Sofaer iMBA candidates.
We view diversity as a fundamental asset to the
program, and our students are as diverse profes-
sionally as they are geographically. Additionally,
we strive to maintain a 50/50 ratio of women and
men. Most Sofaer students begin their MBA studies
after 4 years of work experience. Many speak more
than one language and have lived and/or worked
in more than one country.
“My decision to pursue an International MBA stemmed from my desire to
strengthen my management abilities in the non-profit sector. The Sofaer
International MBA degree equipped me with the skills necessary to manage
complex issues in today’s business environment. The global outlook of an
international MBA program helped me cater my skills to the needs of organi-
zations that are spreading their wings internationally. Sofaer helped me to
develop fresh ideas, leadership skills and a new approach to problem solving.”
“As an immunologist, I conducted research on how immunity develops
against infectious pathogens and how this knowledge might be exploited to
generate better vaccines. To combine my interest in the biomedical sciences
with a desire to be actively involved in the biotechnology start-up culture, I
decided to enroll in the Sofaer iMBA in the innovative environment of Israel.”
Shirlee Harel, Class of 2010
Home country: Canada/Israel
Before Sofaer: Masters in Education, York University
After Sofaer: Director of PR and International Relations,
Save a Child’s Heart
Brian Abel, Class of 2011
Home country: South Africa
Before Sofaer: PhD in Infectious Disease Immunology at
the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETHZ); project
management at the Centre for Proteomic and Genomic
Research (CPGR) & Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The
South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)
16. Learn more about Sofaer at imba.tau.ac.il
The Sofaer iMBA Program | The Recanati School of Business Administration
Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 69978
General inquiries: imba@post.tau.ac.il | Phone: +972 3 640 6320