Developing Leaders through Innovative Education

About the Olive Tree Initiative

The olive tree, having deep roots and needing little water to survive, has long symbolized peace and reconciliation. It connotes wisdom, growth, and resilience. Embracing this symbolism, the OLIVE TREE INITIATIVE empowers students in their scholarship and leadership by investing in and supporting a diverse community of engaged young people eager to make a difference globally.

The Olive Tree Initiative began in the Spring of 2007 at UC Irvine as a grassroots student and faculty initiative. The group ventured into the Middle East in 2008 with their inaugural trip to Israel and the West Bank. Since then, the group has expanded nationally and internationally; developing its academic foundation and becoming one of the world's premier training ground for international conflict analysis and resolution.

OTI's involvement includes the student body of active campuses and the local community. We pride ourselves on educating the next generation of leaders: many of our alumni have continued their OTI experience into graduate school and professional careers to become leaders in their respective disciplines.

We actively balance our itineraries to engage with speakers from a variety of political, religious, and philosophical perspectives in order to gain a holistic understanding of the regions studied. We also make our policies and processes as transparent as possible. Frequently asked questions are addressed in our FAQ, and you can always contact us directly if your questions or concerns are not answered in the resources provided here.

Our organization would not be possible without the support of the faculty and staff of active OTI universities and our partners across the world. Thank you.