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PREDEPARTURE ESSENTIALSFOR STUDENTSPROGRAMS IN ISRAELOUR SERVICESFAQsCONTACT
Summer 2016
ISRAEL
Predeparture Essentials #1


 

Welcome to the first of two Israel Essentials emails for students who have applied to our summer study abroad program in Israel.   

 

We send these emails to all current applicants, including those who have not yet been accepted. You'll receive an email with a student acceptance agreement when you've been accepted in to the program. 
Welcome from our Resident Director in Jerusalem

Shalom! I am happy to welcome you to IFSA-Butler's programs in Israel! Hebrew University is one of the Middle East's most prestigious universities, and it's located on Mount Scopus in the ancient and enigmatic city of Jerusalem. Few other places can compare to this program location for an amazing study abroad experience.

 

I am proud to boast that the IFSA-Butler program in Jerusalem is really one of a kind. Participants gain invaluable knowledge, insights, and experiences while immersing themselves in the culture and daily life of this exciting city. I am here to help you get the most out of your study abroad experience, excel in your classes, learn about the history and political reality of Israel, and integrate into the cultural life of Jerusalem.  

 

Studying in this wonderful city will be one of the most profound experiences of your life; one that you will carry with you always. Welcome to Israel!

Sincerely,

 

Monica Wasserbach 
Resident Director, IFSA-Butler Israel
Flight Reservations
Students are responsible for booking and purchasing their round trip ticket to Tel Aviv, where the IFSA-Butler program starts.

Students who arrive at Ben Gurion International airport on June 14 (Arabic Immersion Track students) or on July 3 (Summer Electives Track students) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. will be met at the airport and transported to the Student Village at Hebrew University for registration.

All students must submit their flight arrangements to IFSA-Butler no later than May 15. Students who do not inform IFSA-Butler of their flight plans will be responsible for arranging their own transportation to Hebrew University

It is mandatory that all students participate in the IFSA-Butler orientation, which begins on the program start date. Orientation takes place in Tel Aviv as part of a weekend activity.
Passport

If you already have a passport, make sure it's valid for at least six months after you plan to return from Israel. If you don't have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible. See Preparing to Study Abroad for the passport application process. Or, go to www.travel.state.gov to get the latest information about obtaining a passport.

Visa  
Summer program students who hold a U.S. passport may enter Israel and receive a tourist visa, which is valid for three months. This is the only visa students with a U.S. passport will need.

If you are considering changing your plans to continue studying in Israel for the semester after the completion of the summer program, please contact your IFSA-Butler program advisor. You will need a different visa, and visa status cannot be changed from within Israel. 
 
If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact the Israel Embassy in Washington, D.C., to find out if your visa procedures will be different.
Financial Reminders
  • Your fees are due May 15 unless your home college has a direct billing agreement with IFSA-Butler. Contact your campus study abroad office if you're unsure whether your home college has a direct billing arrangement.
  • If you're planning to use financial aid to pay any portion of the IFSA-Butler bill, have your financial aid office send a letter to us detailing the amount of aid you'll be receiving and the disbursal date.
What Should I Be Doing?
  • Apply for your passport if you don't have one already.
  • Make your flight reservations.
  • Complete the Travel Plans form on the student portal no later than May 15 so that we know how you're getting to Israel.