University of Haifa in Israel

Fall – 20 weeks (mid-October to late December)
Spring – 20 weeks (late February to early June)
Summer – 4 weeks (early to late June)
Academic Year

Spring Semester 2010 closed

Sponsored by the College of Arts & Letters

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Imagine walking out the door of your dorm room and into the Carmel National Forest, Israel's largest park.  Imagine watching the sunrise over the hills of the Galilee and the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.  These can be realities if you spend a summer, semester, or year in the International School at the University of Haifa.  Founded in 1962, University of Haifa hosts six different faculties (humanities, social sciences, law, social welfare and health sciences, science and science education, and education) and a graduate school of business. Courses in the International School are taught in English by faculty from various departments.

Being the only liberal arts university in the north of Israel, the University of Haifa has a diverse student body, with a mixture of Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Druze, a combination of new immigrants with native Israelis, and a blend of secular and religious students. Over 16,000 students study at the University of Haifa, and over 400 foreign students study at the International School each year. 

In the University of Haifa International School, focus is placed on three main components of the study abroad experience: strong academics; full integration into Israeli society; and being part of the community. More so than other Israeli universities, University of Haifa is known for the manner in which the university encourages students, while providing the necessary support system, to explore Israeli life and culture in all its diverse forms and shapes, particularly with the large and fairly well integrated Arab community.

The international students at the University of Haifa comprise approximately 50% North American students and 50% students from other parts of the world, mainly Europe and the Far East. (Most university programs in Israel have a majority of North American students.)

Where does it take place?

Haifa is Israel's foremost port city for international commerce and the center of Israeli high tech industries. Two of the most distinguishing features of this dynamic city are its physical beauty and its cosmopolitan population of 400,000 Jews, Christians, Moslems, Druze, and Bahá'ís living in harmony. Haifa provides a wonderful environment for almost any kind of recreational and cultural activity. Many international students enjoy the recreational activities connected to the sea and the Galilee. The city of Haifa organizes cultural events at the seashore, and students also enjoy the many tours and day trips to the historical, religious and recreational sites in the north.

Less of an obvious tourist attraction, Haifa provides an opportunity for students to easily blend in and use Hebrew and/or Arabic language skills when interacting with the local population. Reflecting and supporting this tradition, the University of Haifa is a multicultural institution where students can view and experience peaceful coexistence in action.

Compared to some of the other locations in Israel, Haifa and University of Haifa are more relaxed and secular, provide opportunities in the city and by the beaches, and allow for full Israeli immersion.

Each semester or summer session begins with a tour around Haifa, enabling students to become familiar with the city. Then, throughout the semester/year, there are opportunities to participate in trips throughout Israel. Past excursions have included overnight camping trips to the Galilee, the Golan Heights, Jerusalem, and the Negev, and day trips to the Old City of Acco, the ancient ruins of Caesaria, nearby Druze villages, and the archaeological dig at Beit Guvrin. In addition to leaving campus to explore Israel, experts lecture on topics such as Israeli culture, the current political situation, and Israel's economic difficulties. The International School organizes celebrations for the beginning and end of each semester or summer session and the many Israeli holidays, as well as holidays from students’ native countries.

What can I study?

Students may take any courses offered to foreign students at University of Haifa including courses in the fields of Contemporary Israel, Middle East Studies, Religious and Jewish Studies, communications, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Law, Literature, History, International Relations, Economics, Philosophy, and Hebrew and Arabic languages.  Hebrew Ulpan is not required but is encouraged. Students fluent in Hebrew may take courses from the regular studies curriculum. The summer offerings include Hebrew, Arabic and a unique three-week study tour.
               
There are two honors programs in the fields of Peace and Conflict Studies and Psychology:

1. The Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on cultural, economic, educational, historical, political, psychological, religious, and social aspects of conflict resolution and peace efforts. The program brings together European, North American, and Israeli students in order to use Israel as a laboratory for examining issues relating to regional and geo-political conflict and the pursuit of peace. The aim of the Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies is to provide students with critical and analytical skills through an intense study of peace and conflict with an emphasis on the Middle East and the developments in the region. The program consists of an Honors Seminar, Hebrew and Arabic language studies, and elective courses offered in the International School. In addition, students will be able to do an internship with a relevant off-campus institution or organization in Haifa or join a research project at one of the research centers at the University of Haifa such as the Jewish-Arab Center, the National Security Studies Center, the Center for Research on Peace Education, or the Center for Multiculturalism and Educational Research. 
2. The Honors Program in Psychology consists of a Psychology Honors Seminar, psychology courses, and an individualized directed-research project. The program is open to foreign students majoring in psychology, as well as psychology majors at the University of Haifa.  Participation in the seminar is mandatory for Honors Program students, while the additional classes and individualized project are optional. In the Psychology Honors seminar students read papers that cover a broad range of research questions in psychology as applied to the special context of Israel.  Examples include child rearing on the kibbutz, intergenerational transmission of the Holocaust trauma, and adjustment of adolescents to the military.

Instructional models are similar to those at MSU, allowing for lectures, tutorials, laboratories, and occasional field excursions.  Most classes meet twice a week, Sunday-Thursday, two hours per session and grant 3 credits.  The semester is generally comprised of 28 sessions per course and students take 12-18 credits per semester.  An academic hour in Israel is 45 minutes of classroom instruction.  Specialized offerings are available, including Honors Seminars, for qualified students.

A unique offering at University of Haifa is the internship program. Increasingly, MSU students are seeking more advanced level experiences and alternatives to the academic classroom experience abroad.  The Internship Program features directed work-study experiences related to the academic or vocational interests of the student. A member of the International School faculty along with on-site supervisors coordinates the program.   Only students who are enrolled as full time students in the International School are eligible for the Internship Program. Students are expected to work 15 hours per week at their internship.  Throughout the semester their supervisor may provide them with reading materials to support their work.  In addition, students will need to complete weekly internship reports to be submitted to the Internship Coordinator in the International School.  At the end of the semester, students will write a large paper addressing an issue they dealt with at their internship.  The internship is worth four academic credits and is documented on the transcript.

Internships are mostly focused in the areas of social services, health services, high tech and education.  Examples include work in hospitals, women’s crisis shelter, special education pre-school, archaeological excavations and numerous organizations in Haifa that work on furthering Arab-Jewish relations.

There are no foreign language prerequisites for this program; however, language acquisition is a critical element of this program. University of Haifa offers pre-semester Intensive Hebrew Language Programs (ulpans) in July/August (for fall semester and year-long participants) and January/February (for spring semester participants).  Courses are taught on elementary, intermediate and advanced levels.  Ulpan classes during the fall have 180-200 hours of instruction and spring ulpan has 100-145 hours of instruction, depending on the institution.  It is expected that MSU will award 6 MSU credits for the pre-semester ulpan, and 8 credits (the equivalent of 2 semesters of Hebrew at MSU) for the semester Hebrew programs (i.e., 1 semester there = 2 semesters here). In addition to class time, there are field trips that will give students the chance to learn more about their new environment and test their language skills.    
 
In addition to offering a Hebrew language program at all levels from elementary through advanced, Haifa is currently expanding its Arabic language programs, offering both Spoken Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic at elementary and intermediate levels. During the summer Haifa offers a four-week Intensive Arabic Language Program including field trips to Arabic-speaking-communities in the Galilee. Because of the multi-ethnic characteristics of the campus with approximately 20% Arabic-speaking students, international students can also use their Arabic language skills on a daily basis.
               
In addition to the MSU web page, students can access direct information at http://uhaifa.org/

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details see co-sponsored programs.

To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

Students must have sophomore status by the time of participation and be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.00 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in the program. Following review of the MSU application, students will be required to complete the University of Haifa application that includes two letters of reference, a transcript and a medical form.

This program is open to MSU students only.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

All international students live at the dorms in apartments with Israeli students; there is no separate area or wing for these students. The Federman Dorms are apartments of three double rooms and a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space.   The Talia Dorms are apartments of six single rooms, each room with its own bathroom, and a shared kitchen and living space.  There are no more than two international students and four Israeli students in an apartment so students can fully integrate and use their Hebrew and/or Arabic language skills. Past experience has showed students that the Israelis can assist with the spoken Hebrew and the US students can help with the written English textbooks.

The International School employs full-time "madrichim" (or "social activities coordinators") who build and implement the social activities program. The madrichim live on campus so they are available 24/7 to assist students when needed and to assist in immersing them in campus life as much as possible.

Located in the dormitories complex are computer labs, a grocery store, and self-service laundry rooms. In addition, there is a "moadon" or "club" which includes a large-screen television and a snack bar that often hosts parties, classes, lectures, and other activities.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Cindy Felbeck Chalou
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-4345

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.  It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

Funds paid directly by the student include:

An estimated total for these costs is $13,895 (SS10).

A program fee of $109 (SS10) is required and includes pre-departure orientation and requisite accident and sickness insurance.

Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadlines to apply for these scholarships are March 1st for summer, academic year and fall semester programs, and October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The MSU Jewish Studies program offers several scholarships for study in Israel.  A general application is available online.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester programs and by March 1st for summer, fall and academic year programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to these deadlines. 

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

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