Policies and Procedures
You’re in! This Pre-Departure Page is your “one stop shop” for all the program-related information you will need to prepare for your program.
Check this page regularly! Information will be updated throughout the semester.
To stay on track, use the self-check at the end of each phase.
Your main point of contact is your Program Manager. You can find additional contacts such as on-site staff in the contact section.
Get to know the place you’ll be calling home for the next semester – including cultural customs, academic differences and daily life – in the “In-Country Guide”.
———– START PHASE ONE ———–
Important Mental Health Information: DUE Within 2 Weeks of Admission
The University of Haifa takes mental health very seriously, and we want all of our students to be healthy and prepared for their semester in Israel. If you have disclosed having, or having had professional counseling, the University of Haifa will want a note from your counselor. If you are no longer in contact with your previous counselor, you will need to schedule at least 2 appointments with Student Health Services – Behavioral Medicine very early on in the pre-departure process.
If you are not a BU student, you should connect with your university’s health services.
If this applies, to you, please contact your Program Manager for more information about supporting documentation.
Supplemental Forms for BU Study Abroad: Due OCT 20
Forms to Download and Submit to BU Study Abroad (at the address below)
- Release Form
- Before signing the release form, students should visit travel.state.gov and review the information and advice on Israel.
- Special Risks Notice
Boston University Study Abroad
888 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Fax: 617-353-5402
Email: abroad@bu.edu
Scholarships (Optional)
- You will also find that there are several scholarships to study in Israel available through Boston University and outside organizations. Some are need-based, but many are merit-based or awarded on other criteria. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these excellent funding opportunities! More information can be found on the BU Study Abroad website as well as the International School website.
Complete the Phase 1 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phase 1? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Disclosed Important Health Information – Within 2 Weeks of Admission
- Submitted Supplemental Forms to BU Study Abroad – OCT 20
———– END PHASE ONE ———–
———– START PHASE TWO ———–
Review Flight and Arrival Information and Book Your Flight: Deadline Nov 1
Flight Information
Each semester, we work with Advantage Travel to offer an optional recommended flight, round-trip to Shanghai. Students are not required to take the recommended flight; however, all students are required to submit a round-trip itinerary for our records. Keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
WHY SHOULD I BOOK A SPOT ON THE RECOMMENDED FLIGHT?
Each semester, we work with Advantage Travel to offer an optional flight, round-trip from the East Coast to Tel-Aviv. Although airfare is not included in the cost of the program, all travel booked through Advantage Travel will be monitored by the travel agency on the day of departure, and they will be able to assist with any schedule changes, delays, or missed connections. The flight also sometimes allows you to travel with other students from the program.
HOW DO I RESERVE A SEAT ON THE GROUP FLIGHT?
Specific booking instructions and detailed group flight itineraries will be emailed directly to students.
WHAT IF I NEED TO BOOK A CONNECTING FLIGHT TO THE DEPARTURE CITY?
If you will be traveling from elsewhere prior to the group flight, Advantage Travel can also assist you with reserving a flight to the departure city.
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE GROUP FLIGHT?
While BU Study Abroad provides all students with comprehensive international health insurance, travel insurance for your flights is different. You can elect to purchase travel insurance directly through Advantage Travel when booking with them, for an additional fee.
WHAT IF I WANT TO ARRANGE MY OWN TRAVEL?
We encourage you to hold off on booking flights until we send out detailed flight information for your program. We recommend that you make your flight reservation on the University-organized flight.
However, if you prefer to travel independently from the group, you are welcome to do so. Advantage Travel can assist you with reservations from a different airport or on different dates, or you can make a reservation completely on your own. You must arrive by TBA for the regular study abroad semester and depart on TBA. Housing will not be provided before or after these dates, and late arrivals/early departures are not permitted.
Once you have confirmed your independent travel, you must submit the independent flight form in phase 2.
Arrival Information
All students will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to the residence at the University of Haifa.
University of Haifa Application: Due NOV 15
Following the instructions below, all students must complete the online application for the University of Haifa by November 15. Once the online application is complete and you send all requested documents to Haifa, your application will be reviewed by Haifa within about two weeks. Please note that all students are required to submit medical forms signed by a doctor, vouching for the participant’s health and ability to participate in the study abroad program, along with additional supplemental application materials. Unless applying to an honors program (which requires a second letter of recommendation), you do not need to send a faculty recommendation or transcript, as we will send these two items on your behalf. Once accepted by the University of Haifa, you will first receive an email with an official letter to use when applying for your student visa. Remember that your provisional admission to the BU Study Abroad program is pending your acceptance by the University of Haifa.
To complete the application, go to www.uhaifa.org, and click on the red “Apply Now” button.
Step 1: Instructions
- Disregard the instructions regarding registering recommenders; you are not required to register recommenders.
- Disregard the payment instructions; your application fee will be waived and you will not pay tuition directly to the University of Haifa.
Step 2: Application Form
- Fill in your personal details on the application form.
- Housing note: You should select “single room” for housing. This will ensure that you will be placed in the newer Talia dormitories.
- Part H will ask you if you would like to waive your right of access to your recommendation. You are not required to submit letters of recommendation, so you can simply choose either answer to this question and it will be disregarded.
- Applying to an Honors Program or the Internship Program is optional. However, if you decide to apply for one of the Honors Programs, you will need two recommendations from professors in related fields (language professors are not acceptable as professors in related fields) and should have a 3.2 GPA or higher.
Step 3: Documents/Essays
- You can use the answers you submitted for your BU Study Abroad application as a basis for the personal statement, so that you do not have to start from scratch.
Step 4: Supplemental Forms
- Of the supplemental forms, you are only required to submit the Terms and Conditions Contract, Photographs, Health Insurance Form, Medical Forms, and Internship Application Form (if applicable).
Step 5: Recommendations
- Do not register recommenders; you are not required to submit letters of recommendation.
Step 6: Application Inspector
- Fill in any missing information as instructed.
Step 7: Payment
- You can select either “Bank Transfer” or “Cash or Check.” REMEMBER: your application fee is waived, so do not send any money to the University of Haifa.
Step 8: Submit Application
- You will receive an automatically generated email from the University of Haifa explaining what comes next… Good luck!
Step 9: Send Supplemental Materials to: infoint@univ.haifa.ac.il
- Be sure to email the Terms and Conditions Contract, Photographs, Health Insurance Form, Medical Forms and Internship Application Form (if applicable) to Haifa as soon as you complete the online application.
**Please make a copy of all forms submitted for your records.
SEND AN OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT TO:
Admissions Office, International School
University of Haifa, Haifa, 31905, Israel
Fax: 011-972-4-8240391
**Please make a copy of all forms submitted for your records.
Independent Flight Form: JULY 1
All students that choose to book an independent flight are required to submit travel plans to BU Study Abroad. Once you have confirmed your independent travel, you must submit the independent flight form by July 1st.
Please keep in mind that late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
BU International Travel Registry: All study abroad students will be registered for the BU International Travel Registry. This tool provides information on your program site and sends travel alerts for your location throughout the semester. You will each receive a pre-departure email with more information.
Pre-Departure Meeting: DEC 7
PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING
A required pre-departure meeting for all students will take place in-person on Saturday, April 6th. Participation details, including the schedule and location, will be emailed by your Program Manager. This orientation will include important information to prepare you for your semester abroad and will also give you time and space to meet the other students studying in your program. Students who are not in the Boston area will be able to join via Zoom. A Zoom link will be shared via email prior to the pre-departure meeting to those who do not attend BU.
All students are required to participate. This meeting is intended to give you an overview of daily life, culture, health and safety, and academics on your program. You will also have the opportunity to ask your Program Manager any questions about what to expect as you prepare for your time abroad.
For those students that are unable to make the specified time, please email your Program Manager.
Please also note that this meeting is intended for participants of the program only. Due to FERPA (Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act), parents/guardians are not permitted to attend this session. We do, however, encourage you to share relevant information about the program with your parents, as we understand that they may be curious about what to expect from your experience abroad.
Visa Application: Due DEC 1
Note: This information has been prepared by Boston University Study Abroad based on the most recent information provided by the relevant immigration agency (E.G. consulate, embassy, etc.). It is each student’s responsibility to compile and apply for their visa based on their specific citizenship. Visas are granted by foreign governments only, Boston University does not play a role in visa issuance, nor can we influence immigration policy. While we do our best to keep instructions as up-to-date as possible, visa requirements are subject to change without our knowledge. Ultimately obtaining a visa in a timely manner, and related costs incurred, are a student’s responsibility. Failure to acquire a visa will preclude participation in the program.
A/2 STUDENT VISA INSTRUCTIONS
ALLOW A MINIMUM OF FOUR WEEKS
It is required that all students participating in the Haifa Israeli and Middle Eastern Studies Program secure a student visa (A/2) before arriving in Israel. Once the University of Haifa has reviewed and accepted your online application and supplemental forms, you will receive an official acceptance letter as an attachment, which you will need in order to obtain your student visa.
Students should first determine the correct consulate for their state’s jurisdiction by consulting the website for the Embassy of Israel to the United States in Washington, DC. Boston University students can apply at the Boston consulate while on campus or through the appropriate consulate for their home address.
Specific requirements for the Israeli A/2 student visa can be found on the website for the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under “Visas.” Usually you would need to go in person to the closest consulate to arrange for the visa. Please do not forget to take your official acceptance letter with you.
Each consulate seems to require different documentation, but here is a checklist of what we recommend that you bring with you to your appointment:
- Completed and signed visa application
- Letter of Acceptance from the University of Haifa
- Proof of funds to support semester (bank statement from last 3 months). Your Program Manager will provide you with a letter saying that your tuition and airfare is paid. You also need to provide proof of funds for daily life:
- 3 month statement for your savings or checking accounts, and/or your credit line
- If a parent will be supporting you, you can provide their last 3 bank statements and a statement from them/their bank saying that they will support you while abroad
- Two passport photos (5×5 cm)
- Passport valid for at least 1 year from date of entry
- Round-trip airline tickets
- $46 fee in cash, credit or money order (NOT a personal check)
- Copy of re-entry visa or green card (for non-US citizens)
Non-US citizens should confirm with their local Israeli consulate any additional requirements. Students who are Israeli citizens or descendants of Israeli citizens should also contact the consulate as soon as possible as additional passport requirements may apply.
Request Academic Accommodations & Additional Support
If you have a mental health, emotional, learning, or physical disability that would require reasonable accommodations in order to complete the requirements of the program, you must obtain approval from the BU Disability and Access Services office (DAS), even if you've worked with their office previously. To initiate the approval request process, contact DAS at access@bu.edu or by phone at 617-353-3658. Please note that certain accommodations that you receive on your home campus may not be available at your program site, so the earlier that you are in contact with their office for advising, the better. The process for arranging accommodations may take several weeks. Please note that we are unable to accommodate emotional support animals in our international programs.
If you are currently consulting with a mental health professional, you must seek their counsel about the advisability of your participation in a study abroad program, especially as related to your adjustment to new cultural, academic, and housing environments and the availability of therapeutic or medical support while you are away from your home campus. If you have questions about the support available at your program destination, please contact your Program Manager.
Complete the Phase 2 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1 and 2? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with your Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Disclosed Important Health Information – ASAP
- Submitted Supplemental Forms to BU Study Abroad – OCT 20
(From Phase 2)
- Submitted your application to the University of Haifa – NOV 15
- Attended your pre-departure meeting – DEC 7
- Submitted the independent flight form: DEC 1
- Applied for your visa: DEC 1
- Made any necessary doctors appointments and located your nearest travel clinic for immunizations.
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
———– END PHASE TWO ———–
———– START PHASE THREE ———–
Billing: Deadline Early Dec. for BU and mid-Jan. for Non-BU
BU Students:
The Spring 2025 payment deadline will be early December. You will use the StudentLink “Money Matters” tab to view and pay your bill, as usual. Any questions regarding your bill or making payments should be directed to BU Student Accounting Services at studenta@bu.edu.
Non-BU Students:
'Being You' Abroad: Personal Identity and Cultural Perceptions
IDENTITIES ABROAD
As you prepare for your study abroad experience, you’ll want to consider aspects of your identity and how these may be perceived and treated in the culture you’ll be spending time in. You may encounter varying and even opposing perceptions of your identity, which could include your gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, ethnicity, and possibly several others. Although some of this will be covered in your on-site orientation, we encourage you to do some research into social norms, cultural mores, and local practices before your program begins. We want you to participate as much as possible in the host culture and should be prepared for the experience, which can be both personally challenging and rewarding.
Explore our resources for understanding how your experience may be impacted by your identity(ies).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Voting Abroad
VOTING ABROAD
Don’t use studying abroad as an excuse not to vote, there are many resources that make it easy. Plan ahead and make your voice heard.
Boston University is partnered with TurboVote – an online platform that makes sure you know when elections are happening and have the information you need to vote. Once you sign up, you can get registered to vote, apply for your absentee ballot, and receive election reminders through the site. Get started with TurboVote now!
Here are some other great resources that make it easy for you to vote while your abroad:
- Overseas Vote Foundation
- Vote From Abroad
- Department of State – official absentee voting information
- Voter Registration Deadlines by State
If you are not registered to vote yet make sure you check your local state deadlines to register online. Registering to vote online is quick and easy!
Communication With Home
Most students who study abroad find that they are in less regular communication with their friends and family back in the US (or their home country). You’ll have a new routine, friends, commute, and a new time difference to account for. Because you’ll want to share your experiences with your loved ones, we recommend you consider the following before departure:
- If you currently speak to your parents everyday, for example, you may want to try and schedule a call every few days while you’re abroad. Some students make plans where they schedule a call every Tuesday and Thursday, or once a week on Sundays – whatever works for you! Remember that the best plan is one you can stick to.
- If you’re going to be traveling, let your family know how long you’ll be gone for, and where you’re going so they don’t worry if they don’t hear from you for many days. It’s also important that they know where you are for emergency communication purposes.
- You should download some of the free communication apps prior to departure, and help those with whom you’ll want to communicate to download them as well. Test them out together, so everyone knows how to use them. Examples are: Zoom, Facetime, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, LINE, etc.
- You may experience some differences locally; for example, wi-fi at your residence can be spotty, fewer public wi-fi spots, etc.
Mobile Phones & Internet Access
Mobile Phones
•You are required to have a local number for emergencies and ease of use.
•Local Pay-as-you-go plans are the easiest and most economical. You can either get a whole new cheap phone, or just a new SIMcard.
•Keep your current smartphone on “airplane mode” and use apps on Wi-Fi when it’s available.
•US-based international mobile phone plans are more expensive and often don’t work. Skip them.
Internet Access
You will have internet access in your dorms, though the speed may be much slower than you are used to!
Packing List and Tips
What to Bring?
| Recommended Items and Clothing | Miscellaneous |
| A few sweaters | a small sewing kit |
| a fleece | swiss army knife (do not pack in carry-on |
| a jacket or coat | extra locks for your luggage |
| a sunhat, sunblock, and lip balm | school supplies – can be purchased at the university |
| lightweight, wash and wear clothing, including short sleeve shirts (such as T-Shirts) and shorts |
mosquito repellent |
| two or three pairs of long pants | a water bottle |
| one or two nice outfits for more formal occasions | a flashlight |
| modest clothing for holy sites | a small knapsack |
| rain gear | shoes for wearing in water |
| a pair of study walking shoes (the kind with thick ruber soles), tevas or water shoes |
hiking boots |
| a bathing suit (there will be ample opportunity for swimming) |
hat for hiking trips |
| bath towel | camera and film or memory card |
| a travel guide to Israel (the lonely planet and let’s go guides are generally very reliable) |
Withdrawals: Deadline FEB 17
Have You Changed Your Mind?
If you are considering withdrawing from your Study Abroad program, please thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds.
Please keep in mind that at any time after your admission to the program there may be non-recoverable costs associated with withdrawing from the program.
Examples of non-recoverable costs for which you may be financially responsible may include, but are not limited to, charges related to housing, flights, academics, internships, or program-related activities.
It is important to note that the pre-semester option starts on February and the semester starts on February 19, and is more than 12 weeks long. The last day to notify our office in writing of your withdrawal prior to being responsible for a portion of the program fee is February 17 . Please contact your Program Manager and abroad@bu.edu if you decide to withdraw or have additional questions
Complete the Phase 3 Self Check
Have you completed everything in Phases 1, 2 and 3? Here is a self-check to make sure you’re on the right track. Make sure you’re keeping track of any upcoming deadlines and budgeting enough time to complete them on-time. If you missed a deadline, be sure to check in with you Program Manager and complete that task right away.
You should have completed:
(From Phase 1)
- Confirmed your participation via your BU Study Abroad Application and filled out the accompanying online forms.
- Disclosed Important Health Information – ASAP
- Submitted Supplemental Forms to BU Study Abroad – OCT 20
(From Phase 2)
- Submitted your application to the University of Haifa – NOV 15
- Attended your pre-departure meeting – DEC 7
- Submitted the independent flight form: DEC 1
- Applied for your visa: DEC 1
- Made any necessary doctors appointments and located your nearest travel clinic for immunizations.
- Made a plan for any medications, prescriptions or healthcare needs abroad
- Contacted BU Disability Services to plan for academic accommodations and other support services (if necessary)
(From Phase 3)
- Settled your Boston University Student Account – Billing Deadline DEC
- Called your bank and credit card companies to let them know you’ll be studying abroad.
- Decided what your plan is for a mobile phone number abroad.
- Made a reasonable communication plan with your family and friends
- Reviewed your packing list and purchased any essentials
- Read your “In-Country Guide”
———– END PHASE THREE ———–
———– START CONTACT ———–
Program Contacts
As you prepare for and embark on your study abroad experience, you will be in contact with various staff members from BU Study Abroad, both in Boston and abroad. To avoid missing important information, please add “@bu.edu” to your address book. Please keep all emails in a folder for your reference as you prepare for your semester abroad. Here are the names and email addresses of some people who will be in touch with you this semester, and/or whom you may want to contact with questions.
Boston
Megan DeBolt – Program Manager – for any program-specific or pre-departure questions
Haifa
You will also hear directly from the University of Haifa International School office. For questions specific to their online application or supplemental forms, you can email them at infoint@univ.haifa.ac.il. They have a full administrative staff that is friendly and able to assist
———– END CONTACT ———–
———– START CALENDAR ———–
The dates for Spring 2024 Haifa Israeli & Middle Eastern Studies Program are:
- Spring Semester: February 23 – June 5
Tentative Academic Calendar
University of Haifa International School – Calendar
Neither late arrivals nor early departures are permitted. We urge students to not make any weekend or mid-semester break travel plans until they arrive on site and receive the finalized course and program schedule. During the semester, students must fulfill strict attendance requirements and will be very busy with classes, program activities, and assignments. If family and friends plan to visit, please schedule trips to take place before the start of on-site orientation, during a scheduled program break, or after the semester ends. The first and last weeks of the program are critical to students’ success and require your full attention. By timing visits to coincide with scheduled program breaks, you can meet attendance requirements and take full advantage of your study abroad experience.
———– END CALENDAR ———–
———– START GUIDE ———–
[— In-Country Guide —]
1. Get To Know Israel
History, Geography and Politics
After Israel became a nation-state in 1948, Haifa became the country’s primary industrial center and Mediterranean port. It has always remained somewhat at a distance from the ancient religious and ethnic strife of the rest of Israel. Haifa appears more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; it is
smaller than Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with a more concentrated and secular sense of community. The tiers of the city rising up the side of Mount Carmel in northern Israel naturally separate Haifa’s many functions as an industrial port, a center of learning, and a place of residence. Its many
religious groups—Baha’is, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze—share the streets of markets and high rises with comparatively little tension.
In Haifa, program participants have the unique opportunity to learn Hebrew in one of the few societies where it is still spoken daily. Students also have the opportunity to study Arabic. They can also explore fully the various cultures of modern Israeli society in the city of 280,000, including the
coexisting Arab-Israeli neighborhoods of the city and the diverse student community at the University of Haifa.
Here are some useful sites for reading about the history, geography, and politics:
Local news, readings and culture
You should familiarize yourself with local news – such as Haifa news from the Jerusalem Post , and the Times of Israel.
2. Daily Life
Food & Dining
There is a cafeteria on campus where students can purchase food at a reasonable cost. It is important to note that lunch is the largest meal in Israel, and so the cafeteria is closed at dinner-time.
Most students prepare their meals in their rooms. You will receive more information during the on-site orientation about grocery-shopping.
Housing
BU Students stay in the Talia dormitories. The dormitories are located on campus and there is a security guard at the entrance 24 hours a day. The Talia dorms have 6-person suites with a shared kitchen(ette!) and common space. Each student has a single room AND personal bathroom. (Note that students must flip the boiler switch 30 minutes before taking a shower in order to get hot water!). Students have the rare opportunity to live in these suites that they usually share with local students (Jewish-Israeli, Arabi-Israeli, Druze, etc. – very diverse).
All bedrooms are furnished with a bed, desk and chair, bookshelf, and a closet for each student. Students are provided with bedding (one pillow, one pillowcase, two sheets, and one blanket) but must supply their own towels, cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. But while kitchen equipment is not provided by the university, local students may have the basics and be willing to share. Note that the kitchen does not have a full oven with burners, rather, just a hot plate with two burners as is typical in Israel.
Laundry rooms with washers and dryers, a TV room, computer rooms, and a grocery store are available in the dormitories. One room in each suite is a “secure” room, with heavy steel door and walls for security.
Dress
The most important thing to remember when packing clothes is that whatever you pack will probably be more than you will need. Since we hope you will bring as little as possible, you will do best to bring clothes that mix and match layer well. The one thing many travelers to Israel fail to realize is how chilly and rainy Israel can be during the winter and that even summer evenings can be cool enough to warrant a sweater. In addition, most Israeli homes (including the dormitories where you will be living) are not centrally heated.
A few guidelines should be kept in mind when packing. Remember that whatever you pack, you will have to carry yourself; so pack lightly! You will need clothes suitable for both the hot climate and for visiting religious sites. Most religious sites are not open to anyone dressed “immodestly.” Men and women must cover their legs, shoulders, necklines, and arms down to the elbow. In synagogues and most other Jewish holy sites, all heads must be covered.
Helpful Language Tips, Phrases and Greetings
Greetings
- Hello – Shalom
- Good morning – Boker tov
- Good afternoon – Achar tzahara’im tovim
- Good evening – Erev tov
- Good night – Laila tov
- Goodbye – Lehitraot
Transport & Getting Around
- Taxi – Monit
- Train – Rakevet
- Bus – Otobus
- Airport – Nemal hate-ufa
- Where is? – Eyfo?Other useful conversational
3. Student Life
Facilities
University Bookstore
Located on the ground floor of the main building, the newly renovated bookshop is where you can buy textbooks and school supplies.
Gym Access
For a fee (approximately $80), you may register for a membership to the campus gym, giving you access to the tennis courts, weight room, squash courts, and more.
Student Government Association (Agudat HaStudentim)
The Student Government Association, Agudat HaStudentim, sponsors many cultural, academic, and social campus activities. You are encouraged to take advantage of the activities it sponsors.
Textbooks
You will be able to purchase textbooks upon arrival.
Field Trips and Program Activities
Excursions
The University of Haifa International School provides a complete program of social and cultural activities to enable students to explore and understand Israel as much as possible. Each semester or summer session begins with a tour around Haifa, enabling the student to become familiar with the city. Then, throughout the student’s stay in Haifa, there will be the opportunity to participate in trips throughout Israel, from the green and lush north to the dry and arid south. Included are
two overnight trips per semester.
Past excursions have included overnight camping trips to the Galilee, the Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and the Negev. Academic tours (trips mandatory for a specific class) take place on Sundays when there are no classes, so that students who are not in the class may join the tour as well. Students have found these day trips very enriching and provide excellent insight into Israeli society, culture and history.
On top of the trips and tours, social and cultural activities such as concerts by Israeli performers, lectures about Israeli society and holiday celebrations are routinely offered. Weekly activities include Sunday Night at the Movies, Tarbut Yom Gimmel (Cultural Tuesday) and on Wednesday nights there is a Salsa Party open to students from the entire university. There are always various workshops, lectures,
conferences and events which take place on campus which are open to students from the International School.
Cultural Immersion
Students can take even further advantage of the opportunity to become part of Israeli society in two different ways. Firstly there are several volunteer opportunities both on and off campus and secondly on holidays and the Sabbath students may request to join a local family for a festive meal, which has been proven to be rewarding for both the student and the families involved.
Social Activities Coordinators (Madrichim)
The International School employs full-time Madrichim who build and implement the social activities program. The Madrichim live on campus, and it is their responsibility to assist you in immersing yourself in campus life as much as possible. All social activities planned by the International School are included in the tuition fee, so we encourage you to take advantage of them all. Activities planned by outside providers, but advertised for you through the university may have a charge.
4. Money Matters
Banking and Currency
Israeli currency is based on the new shekel (NIS) with one new shekel equal to 100 agorot. Coins are issued in denominations of 10 and 50 agorot, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 new shekels. Notes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 new shekels. Start familiarizing yourself now with the currency (both notes and coins) and the exchange rate. You can get information on exchange rates from websites like www.xe.com.
Banking
Cashing or depositing a dollar check in Israel is a lengthy and expensive procedure. Given the ready availability of ATMs and acceptance of credit card, withdrawing money from ATMs and using a credit cards as a backup works well. Thereis a bank on campus that accepts international ATM cards. If
you do plan to open a bank in Israel, inquire with your US bank as to who its foreign correspondents are and ask for a letter of introduction. Bank HaPoalim has a branch on campus, which is convenient.
Expect more limited banking hours than you may be accustomed to in the US. Generally, banks in Haifa are open Sunday-Thursday.
Tipping
Tipping in Israel is discretionary but expected, similar to most of the Western world. Waiters and bartenders are generally paid a low salary with the majority of their earnings coming from tips. Tipping taxi drivers, on the other hand is not usually expected.
Read more about tipping in Israel here.
Israel On a Budget
- Make Use of Local Markets
- Take advantage of Hostels during travel
- Eat Falafel and Hummus
- Use Public Transportation to your advantage
5. Traveling
Local Transportation
There is a local bus system, which many people use. It is important to note that most public transportation in Israel shuts down on the weekends. However, since Haifa is such a mixed city, the buses will still run here on the weekends.
Personal Travel
There are many ways to travel within Israel, cars, buses, trains, Arkia (Israel’s domestic airline), and taxis. The most common way is to travel by bus. For example, Jerusalem is about 2 hours. There are two main bus companies: Dan, which operates in Tel Aviv, and Egged, which operates everywhere else. As a student you are entitled to a discount on the buses and trains but you have to show an official student’s card. Schedules and routes are subject to change. A shared taxi service, or “sherut”, is also offered in the Haifa area. Sheruts follow the popular buslines with a bus number displayed in their windows. These are generally cheaper, and faster than buses. Tel Aviv and the airport are best reached by train.
Travel Outside of Israel
When independent travel takes you outside of Haifa, you should always consult with the International School Office at the University of Haifa and www.travel.state.gov to find out if there are any specific issues you should be aware of at your destination.
The International Student Travel Agency (ISSTA) can be very helpful. They have an office on campus, as well as on 28 Nordau Street in Hadar.
6. Staying Healthy
What To Do If You Get Sick
If you get sick and need to go to the hospital, you will be accompanied by a Madrichim (resident assistants). They will help to make sure that you are seen in a timely manner and that there are not language/cultural misunderstandings.
The on-site staff can help you to arrange a doctor’s appointment, as needed.
Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
There are a great deal of outdoor activities that many students take advantage of, particularly hiking. Since you will have a full kitchen and close access to groceries, you will also be able to maintain a healthy diet.
7. Staying Safe
Local Embassy
US Consular Agent in Haifa
Phone: 04-853-1470
U.S. Embassy Israel
71 HaYarkon Street
Tel Aviv 6343229, Israel
Phone: 03-519-7575
Keeping Yourself Safe In Israel
The university has a very thorough emergency action plan, which will be explained in greater detail during the on-site orientation.
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Academic Policies for Students Directly Enrolling in Courses at a Foreign University
As a student who will be directly enrolled in one or more courses at a foreign university, you are subject to a set of specific policies that apply to your classes, credits, and grades on this program. You are expected to be familiar with these policies before going abroad. Please read the academic policies below and make sure you understand them fully. You may download a copy of these policies here. Contact your Program Manager if you have any questions.
ACADEMIC POLICIES FOR STUDENTS DIRECTLY ENROLLING IN COURSES AT A FOREIGN UNIVERSITY
You will be enrolled in a course or courses at a university whose policies, teaching methods, and grading systems will differ from Boston University’s. Please read the policies outlined below very carefully and refer to your program-specific informational materials, which may include additional policies that modify or supplement the below.
- Full-time status. You are required to maintain full-time student status, equivalent to 12 or more BU credits per semester, while abroad. You may need to take more than 12 credits at your host university in order to earn the equivalent of 12 BU credits. Some foreign universities require that you take more than 12 BU credits in order to meet their requirements for full-time status.
- BU degree progress. You are responsible for verifying with your department in advance how the classes you take abroad will apply towards your major or minor degree requirements. An Academic Worksheet is available to you for this purpose.
- Auditing classes. You are not permitted to audit classes while studying abroad.
- Registering for final exams. Some universities abroad require students to register in advance for their final exams. It is your responsibility to know whether you need to register for your final exam, and to do so by the deadline. At some universities abroad, failure to register for or take a final exam results in a failing grade for that course. Although some universities abroad allow their matriculated students more than one opportunity to sit for final exams, BU Study Abroad program participants will sit the final exam only once.
- Grading Conversion and Credit Transfer. It is a student’s responsibility to understand the grading system and grade conversion scale for their host university courses. Some courses offered abroad may carry fewer than four credits.
- Grades and transcripts. Boston University cannot edit, modify or changein any way the final grades that are issued by your host institution and indicated on your host university transcript. Any questions regarding your grades should be directed to your host university faculty. All grades assigned to you by the host institution will be recorded on your BU transcript and all grades earned abroad will be factored into your GPA. You cannot opt to omit courses taken abroad and/or grades earned abroad from your BU transcript.
- Pass/Fail. No credit will be given to courses taken Pass/Fail.
- Withdrawals. If you withdraw from one of your classes abroad and a ‘W’ appears on your host university transcript, that ‘W’ will also appear on your BU transcript. However, a grade of ‘W’ will not be recorded on your transcript retroactively and post-program.
- Incompletes and Failing Grades. No grades of ‘Incomplete’ will be given; all coursework must be completed with your host institution, including the completion of all final exams before the end date of your program. You will also receive an ‘F’ on your BU transcript for any class that is ‘Incomplete’ on your host institution transcript. A failing grade earned in a class taken abroad will appear on your transcript as an ‘F’ and will count towards your GPA. In keeping with BU academic policy, you will not earn academic credit for incomplete or failed courses even though the grades appear on your transcript and impact your GPA.
Boston University Study Abroad reserves the right to rescind admission to or continuation in any program if an applicant’s academic or disciplinary record is not satisfactory. Boston University students placed on expulsion, academic suspension, or residence separation are not eligible to participate for the duration of the sanction. Deferred separation status will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Non-Boston University students are expected to verify their eligibility to study abroad with their home institution. In addition, your Boston University student account must be in good standing. University policy requires the withholding of educational services, including participation in a BU Study Abroad program from any student whose financial obligations to the university are due and/or unpaid. In completing your online pre-departure forms, there are a number of terms and conditions that you have agreed to by your electronic signature. In addition, some policies are stated on our website and linked below. We suggest that you review the following with your family, parent/guardian or other interested party: All students should thoroughly review the Boston University Study Abroad Policy on Refunds. This policy applies to all students and should be thoughtfully read when considering a withdrawal from a program. If you have questions, please contact our office. All students should review the Boston University Study Abroad Privacy Notice.The Fine Print: Policies and Procedures
Academic, Disciplinary and Financial Standing
Students’ Responsibilities While Abroad
Policy on Refunds
Privacy Notice
