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HAIFA 2012 Handbook BU in

1 Getting Ready to Go 7 Arrival Helpful Websites Group Flight Independent Travel 1 Academics Orientation Pre-Semester Activities Health Insurance Coursework Housing Internships Telephones Academic Policies Libraries 8 Life in Israel Other Facilities Food and Dining Co-Curricular Activities Shops Hairdressers/Barbers 4 What to Bring Government and Other Offices Haifa Program Handbook Culture Documents Entertainment and Cultural Calling Cards/Cell Phones Activities Textbooks Mail/Post Offices Clothing Transportation: Getting Around Linens Israel Appliances Traveling Outside of Israel Computers Prescriptions 10 Names and Numbers

6 Money Matters Program Fees Currency Banking Transferring Funds Cash for Arrival Getting Ready to Go Self-Assessment Think strategically about setting your goals for After Israel became a nation-state in 1948, Haifa became your semester in Haifa. the country’s primary industrial center and Mediterranean . It has always remained somewhat at a distance from • Why is this particular program of interest the ancient religious and ethnic strife of the rest of Israel. to you? Haifa appears more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; it is • List and evaluate your personal and smaller than and , with a more concen - academic interests. What do you enjoy trated and secular sense of community. The tiers of the doing in your spare time? Why did you rising the side of in northern Israel choose your major? What courses have naturally separate Haifa’s many functions as an industrial you enjoyed taking? port, a center of learning, and a place of residence. Its many • How does the program relate to your religious groups—Baha’is, , , , and course of study in college, career plans, —share the streets of markets and high rises with comparatively little tension. and other interests? • How and what can yo u contribute to make In Haifa, program participants have the unique opportunity your semester in Haifa a success? to learn Hebrew in one of the few societies where it is still spoken daily. Students also have the opportunity to study . They can also explore fully the various cultures of • Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs modern society in the city of 400,000, including the www.mfa.gov.il coexisting Arab-Israeli neighborhoods of the city and the • –Israel diverse student community at the University of Haifa. www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/middle-east (more specifically: www.lonelyplanet.com/israel-and- the-palestinian-territories ) “I learned the language far beyond my • Embassy of Israel, Washington, DC expectations, and I met many wonderful www.israelemb.org • Israel Consulate –Boston Israeli friends.” www.israelinne.org • Ha’aretz Online –Daily Newspaper www..com HELPFUL WEBSITES • Jerusalem Post –Daily Newspaper • Students Abroad Website www.jpost.com www.studentsabroad.state.gov • Embassy –Tel Aviv http://telaviv.usembassy.gov This website created by the Department of State offers • How to Call Abroad valuable information for students studying or traveling www.howtocallabroad.com abroad. The website is an excellent resource to refer to before and during your semester abroad. In addition to practical information such as instructions on obtaining a passport and American Embassy contact information, the Academics website also provides health tips and links for information regarding immunizations and health precautions to take abroad. Visit the Smart Travel section for insights for GLBT PRE-SEMESTER ACTIVITIES travelers, women, and travelers with disabilities as well as information pertaining to local laws and packing for interna - Prior to the commencement of the regular semester at the tional travel. The website provides two checklists in its To University of Haifa, students have several options for Go section: a “Prep-list” and a “Pack-list” to help you keep enriching their experience in Israel. These may include an you on track as you prepare for your experience overseas. ulpan (intensive program), Intensive Beginning Arabic at the University of Haifa or a credit- • University of Haifa, International School bearing study tour. www.uhaifa.org • The University of Haifa International School These options will vary from semester to semester; please www. facebook.com/haifainternational contact BU Study Abroad for the most up-to-date informa - tion.

1 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa “The most important thing I learned about Israel Please note: If you choose to do the pre-semester Ulpan or Intensive Beginning Arabic Program, you are obligated to from my courses was about Israeli politics. The complete it, as staying in University of Haifa housing is political scene was so intense, especially while I was contingent upon enrollment in courses. there, that it was important to understand exactly Boston University Transcript Example what was going on in the Israeli government.” The University of Haifa International School will send Boston University a transcript. The BU Study Abroad Office then Academic Conduct Code converts the grades and credits and sends them to Boston All students participating in a Boston University interna - University’s Registrar. An example of a Boston University tional program are expected to maintain high standards of Haifa program transcript follows: academic honesty and integrity. It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the Academic Conduct Code’s Fall 2008 contents and to abide by its provisions. The Academic STUDY ABROAD IN HAIFA, ISRAEL Conduct Code can be found at www.bu.edu/cas CAS HL300E HEBREW LANG: ELEM 1 4.0 A /students/undergrad-resources/code . CAS HL310E HEBREW LANG: ELEM 2 6.0 A CAS HL320E MOD STANDARD ARABIC 3.0 A- CAS HL330E CONTEMPORARY ISRAEL 3.0 A UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA COURSEWORK CAS HL340E ISRAELI POLIT SYSTEM 3.0 A The International School The International School coordinates the academic and You are allowed up to 20 credits without incurring an administrative aspects of the program. It is located in the overload charge. Please plan your schedule (and participa - Multi-Purpose Building of the University of Haifa in rooms tion in the Ulpan) accordingly. Students who plan to take 177-184. Arabic in Haifa are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor to determine how the credits will transfer. You will be taking most of your classes at the University of Haifa through the International School. Students can Taking Courses in the Regular normally take coursework equivalent to 16-20 BU credits. Division of the University of Haifa These can be taken in any combination from the Students with sufficiently advanced Hebrew skills are International School course offerings (please refer to their encouraged to take courses outside of the International website at www.uhaifa.org for a current course listing). School. Though texts are often in English, the ability to Students participating in the Boston University program for understand a lecture in Hebrew is essential for success in one semester generally take an intensive language course in these courses. Many of the faculty are fluent in English and Hebrew or Arabic, a course on some aspect of Israeli papers can frequently be written in English. English and culture, politics, or history, and two more courses, either in American literature courses are taught in English and many the International School or in the other departments of the overseas students take them. Students must note that the University of Haifa. academic calendar for the other departments of the univer - sity is somewhat different from the International School. Intensive Hebrew (Ulpan) Since other departments’ courses begin in late October and The Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language program) is a do not finish until late January, students studying in Haifa for popular option that precedes the regular semester. Please the fall semester only can not take other courses at the note that the Ulpan will count as 4 credits and continuation University. Students studying for the academic year or of Hebrew throughout the rest of the semester will count as spring semester only may take courses in the other depart - 6 credits for a total of 10 credits of Hebrew language. ments of the university. The University of Haifa offers courses primarily in , social sciences, and Intensive Arabic . For students interested in studying the Arabic Language, there are several options available. In August, before the semester begins, students can take the Intensive Arabic INTERNSHIPS Language course which grants five credits. During the Students are able to participate in internships for academic semester, students can choose to study Modern Standard credit. Boston University will award a maximum of four Arabic, which focuses on acquiring the Arabic alphabet and credits for an internship. Students can choose a 15 hours per pronunciation for beginners, and reading and writing skills week internship which grants four credits, or a 12 hour per for the Intermediate and Advanced classes. Additionally, week internship which grants three credits. Placements vary there is a Spoken Arabic Course which focuses on vocabu - according to students’ interests, backgrounds, and language lary and grammar skills. abilities. Internships are offered in medical services, archae - ology, education, public relations, social work, and women’s

2 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa studies, among other fields. If you are interested in being Coursework considered for an internship, fill out the relevant section on You are expected to turn in all course assignments on time; the online application. Past placements have included: the turning in assignments late will have a negative effect on Institute of Evolutionary Biology; Haifa and Research your grades. All academic commitments must be completed Center; Reuben and Edith ; Institute for the before you leave Haifa; no incompletes are permitted. Study of Psychological Stress; the Arab-Jewish Center. Students who do not complete a course on time will be given an “F.” In addition, students are not permitted to audit courses or to take courses on a pass/fail basis. ACADEMIC POLICIES Registration for Your Semester Abroad Students enrolled in an internship must complete the Final selection and registration of courses takes place upon internship and all the academic work related to it, regard - arrival on site in Haifa. You are expected to register for four less of the transfer credit policy of their home institutions. or five courses for a total number of credits not to exceed The internship is a serious academic endeavor, requiring the 20. completion of all assignments. Students are expected to fulfill all the requirements of the program, including the If you are arranging ahead of time to get approval for your internship and the academic component attached to it. courses, you are encouraged to get approval for more courses than you actually intend to take so that you have Grades some flexibility when registering for classes. Only a depart - Spring semester grades from the University of Haifa are mental advisor or departmental director of undergraduate usually received by Boston University in late summer and studies can determine course equivalencies for major or may not be posted to your BU transcript until September. minor credit. Fall semester grades are usually received in February and may not be posted to your transcript until March. BU Study Transfer of Credits (Non-BU Students) Abroad notifies the Office of Financial Aid of programs with If you are not a Boston University student, please make sure late transcripts so that aid recipients are not penalized that your credits will transfer to your home university before financially. Non-BU students should contact their study you leave. We can not stress enough how important this is. abroad office or office of financial aid to determine how a It is up to your university to grant transfer credit. late transcript might affect them.

Attendance Dean’s List You are expected to attend each class session, field trip, and Students studying abroad should be aware that differences any other course-related event. There is no cut allowance, in the academic calendar at Boston University and at your and attendance and class participation will influence your study abroad program site may mean that grades from your grade for the course. In cases of chronic absenteeism, you semester abroad are reported after the computations for the will be required to account for your absence by either Dean’s List have been made. As the semester abroad may personal explanation to the course instructor and/or to the end later than the semester on the home campus, grades for director. some programs may not arrive in time to be counted towards the Dean’s List. In this case, students are advised to If you have been absent excessively from a course, you may notify the office of Student Records or the Dean of Students’ be required to withdraw from that course without credit. If office in order to request that grades earned on a BU study you expect to be absent from a class, you must notify your abroad program be counted towards the Dean’s List. It is the instructor and the director in advance, preferably in writing. student’s responsibility to bring this to the attention of the If you are absent from class for more than two days for student records office. medical reasons, please seek medical attention. International School courses are taught Monday-Thursday UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES only. Students are encouraged to travel on the weekends and trips are often planned through the school. There is a library in the University’s main building, which you may use with the student I.D. card that you will get from the Tardiness International School office. Do not forget to bring this card All students must make every effort to be on time for all with you because you can not get into the library without it. scheduled meetings and class sessions and should notify the The library carries books in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The appropriate persons by phone or written message of extenu - English selection is large enough to complete research ating circumstances that result in tardiness. If you should papers for overseas courses. arrive late to class, please minimize the effects of your arrival; it will be disruptive, and some instructors will not tolerate it until break time.

3 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa OTHER INTERNATIONAL Cultural Immersion UNIVERSITY FACILITIES Students can take even further advantage of the opportunity to become part of Israeli society in 2 different ways. Firstly University Bookstore there are several volunteer opportunities both on and off- Located on the ground floor of the main building, the newly campus and secondly on holidays and the Sabbath students renovated bookshop is where you can buy textbooks, school may request to join a local family for a festive meal, which supplies and CDs. has been proven to be rewarding for both the student and the families involved. Gym Access For a fee (approximately $60), you may register for a Social Activities Coordinators (Madrichim) membership to the campus gym, giving you access to the The International School employs full-time Madrichim who tennis courts, weight room, squash courts, and more. build and implement the social activities program. The Madrichim live on campus, and it is their responsibility to Student Government Association (Agudat assist you in immersing yourself in campus life as much as HaStudentim) possible. All social activities planned by the International The Student Government Association, Agudat HaStudentim, School are included in the tuition fee, so we encourage you sponsors many cultural, academic, and social campus activi - to take advantage of them all. Activities planned by outside ties. You are encouraged to take advantage of the activities providers, but advertised for you through us may have a it sponsors. You will be required to pay a non-member price charge. for tickets, etc.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The University of Haifa International School provides a complete program of social and cultural activities to enable What to Bring students to explore and understand Israel as much as possible. In addition to the items listed in your Student Handbook, be Each semester or summer session begins with a tour around sure to bring: Haifa, enabling the student to become familiar with the city. Then, throughout the student's stay in Haifa, there will be HAIFA PROGRAM HANDBOOK the opportunity to participate in trips throughout Israel, from the green and lush north to the dry and arid south. Included Bring this book and your Student Handbook with you to are three overnight trips per semester. Haifa. It contains information you will find helpful during the semester. Past excursions have included overnight camping trips to the Galilee, the , Jerusalem, and the . DOCUMENTS Academic tours (trips mandatory for a specific class) take place on Sundays when there are no classes, so that Passport and Visa students who are not in the class may join the tour as well. If you are traveling on a US passport, it is recommended but Students have found these day trips very enriching and not required, to get a student visa. If you do not have a provide excellent insight into Israeli society, culture and student visa, you will be given a tourist visa upon arrival in history. Israel. The overseas department will assist you in changing this to a student visa. A fee must be paid to the Israeli On top of the trips and tours, social and cultural activities Department of the Interior. You will have problems entering such as concerts by Israeli performers, lectures about Israeli and leaving the country if you fail to obtain a student visa society and holiday celebrations are routinely offered. Weekly activities include Sunday Night at the Movies, Tarbut Yom Gimmel (Cultural Tuesday) and on Wednesday Climate nights there is a Salsa Party open to students from the entire The temperature in the Haifa area is generally university. There are always various workshops, lectures, in the 50s during the winter; in the spring and conferences and events which take place on campus which summer, the temperature goes above 80˚. The are open to students from the International School. coolest times of the day are the mornings and evenings. The University area is very windy and can therefore get cooler than one might expect in Israel.

4 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa What to Bring?

Recommend Items and Clothing Miscellaneous • A few sweaters • A small sewing kit—it will prove useful • A fleece • Swiss Army knife—very important when • A jacket or coat traveling (don’t pack in your carry-on) • A sunhat, sunblock, and lip balm • Extra locks for your luggage • Lightweight, wash-and-wear clothing, • School supplies—can be purchased at the including shortsleeve shirts (such as T-shirts) university and shorts; • Mosquito repellent • Two or three pairs of long pants • A water bottle • One or two nice outfits for more formal • A flashlight; occasions • A small knapsack; • Modest clothing for holy sites • Shoes for wearing in water; • Rain gear • Hiking boots (there are many opportunities to • A pair of sturdy walking shoes (the kind with go on hikes) thick rubber soles), Tevas or water shoes; and • Hat for hiking trips; • A bathing suit (there will be ample • Camera and film or memory cards opportunity for swimming during the spring, • A travel guide to Israel (the Lonely Planet and summer, and fall) Let’s Go guides are generally very reliable) • Bath towel

eventually. If for some reason you plan to visit countries CALLING CARD AND CELL PHONES which do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, you Check with your US long distance carrier to obtain an should have your Israeli tourist visa stamped on a separate international calling card for your calls back home to the paper, and not in your passport. If you are traveling on a States. Most of the long distance companies offer these non-US passport, please contact the Israeli Consulate in cards and special calling plans for international calls. These Boston at 617-542-0041 to find out if you are required to cards will offer US rates which are usually less expensive obtain a visa. than other countries’ rates.

If you obtain a student visa before you arrive in Israel you Note: The International School requires all students to have will both eliminate any problems at the airport as well as the or rent a cell phone with an Israeli number at their own need to renew your tourist visa. Instructions for applying for expense. Details will be provided in a mailing from the an Israeli visa are included in your pre-departure forms at University of Haifa. www.bu.edu/abroad/forms .

Student Identification TEXTBOOKS Bring your home college or university student I.D. card as it All textbooks will be purchased in Israel. It is common in is always helpful to have an extra form of photo identifica - Israel for a professor to assign readings from several tion. You also will be issued a University of Haifa Identity textbooks and expect students to copy the material in the Card which will give you access to its library and all library. University events. If you plan on traveling outside of Israel, it is helpful to have an Identity Card (ISIC), available from STA Travel. ( www.statravel.com ) CLOTHING The most important thing to remember when packing Passport-Size Photos clothes is that whatever you pack will probably be more You should already have supplied BU Study Abroad with the than you will need. Since we hope you will bring as little as specified number of photos along with your acceptance possible, you will do best to bring more dark colors than paperwork. If you have not done so, please turn them in lights ones and to bring clothes that layer well. Dark clothing immediately. does not show wear as easily as light clothing does and therefore may require less washing. The one thing many

5 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa travelers to Israel fail to realize is how chilly and rainy Israel • You should make a back-up of all the information/soft- can be during the winter and that even summer evenings ware on the computer. can be cool enough to warrant a sweater. In addition, most • Computers should be insured, under your family’s general Israeli homes (including the dormitories where you will be household policy or a specialized student insurance living) are not centrally heated. policy (check with companies such as Safeware (www.safeware.com , 1-800-800-1492) or National A few guidelines should be kept in mind when packing. Student Services ( www.nssinc.com ) for specialized cov- Remember that whatever you pack, you will have to carry erage), to the full value of the computer (including any yourself; so pack lightly! You will need clothes suitable for peripherals, modem, CD ROM, etc.) both the climate and for visiting religious sites. Most • A security kit is essential because of the possibility of religious sites are not open to anyone dressed “immodestly.” theft. There are a range of kits from Kensington Men and women must cover their legs, shoulders, necklines, (www.kensington.com ) or Targus ( www.targus.com ). and arms down to the elbow. In synagogues and most other • Check whether your computer has a built-in trans- Jewish holy sites, all heads must be covered. former (dual-voltage 110/220). Consult the computer’s manufacturer or the instruction manual for specific information on using your computer abroad. LINENS Blankets and sheets are provided in the dormitories at the University of Haifa, though some students have not been PRESCRIPTIONS AND DRUG STORE ITEMS satisfied with the quality. You should bring your own You should bring copies of prescriptions for any medications towel(s). A sleeping bag is also useful, as many of the field you may need and for glasses or contact lenses if you wear trips include sleeping outdoors. them. Since prescription medications tend to be expensive abroad and because it can sometimes be difficult to get the appropriate equivalent medication, we recommend that you APPLIANCES bring an adequate supply of whatever medications you may We do not recommend that you bring any electrical use during the semester. In some cases, your insurance may appliances, but if you must, be sure to bring an adapter to require a copy of your travel itinerary to cover a full convert the voltage from 110 volts to 220 volts. It is best to semester’s supply. Any medications you do bring should be buy the adapter in the US. Items which work on a motor will in the original, properly labeled bottles. You should also operate more slowly because the current in Israel is 50 bring an extra pair of glasses (or contact lenses) if you wear cycles (cycles control speed) as opposed to 60 cycles, the them. We suggest you bring your preferred over-the-counter US standard. The best way to avoid any problem is to make drugs (Tylenol, Sinutab, etc.) in case you get a cold. There is sure your appliances are dual voltage (110/220) and dual nothing worse than trying to find the “right” cold medicine in cycle (60/50). Avoid sending electronic items through the a foreign country when you do not feel well. Other items you mail because such items will be automatically charged a may want to consider bringing include: deodorant, contact very high customs tax. lens solution (saline solution is very expensive abroad), sunscreen, and Tylenol, if you prefer it to aspirin. Alarm Clock Be sure to bring a small, non-electric alarm clock; a must so you can be on time for classes and other obligations. An electric clock will take up outlet space, is vulnerable to Money Matters power outages, and will need its own adaptor and converter. You can also use your Israeli cell phone as an alarm clock. PROGRAM FEES COMPUTERS AND E-MAIL For information about the program fee and personal Internet-connected computers are located throughout the budgeting guidelines visit: www.bu.edu/abroad University and dormitories and are free to use for all /aid/finances.html . students. Wireless access is widely available, although not in dorm rooms. We recommend that you bring your own You are expected to participate in all orientation and field laptop. trip activities, the costs of which are covered by the program and are not refundable. The schedule for these activities If you do opt to bring a laptop, keep in mind the varies and is at the discretion of the International School and following: Boston University. • It is possible to have a dial-up Internet connection in your dorm room, but it can be very expensive as rates for Important Note: The program fee for full academic-year phone connection are charged by the minute. program participants (students who are participating in the

6 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa Haifa program for both the fall and spring semesters) leaving a country. In recent years, most students have opted includes one round-trip group airfare; you will receive a for using a combination of ATM cards and credit cards (see reduction in your spring semester program fee commensu - below instead of Travelers’ checks.) rate with the group flight costs for the Haifa program. If your academic schedule permits you to return home ATMs between semesters, you may wish to purchase a second Instead of only using travelers’ checks (as used to be the ticket directly through the travel agent who arranges our custom), many students now rely on a combination of an student flights or through an agent of your choice. You ATM card and credit card. Remember to bring both types of would be responsible for payment for this second ticket. cards with you, as your ATM card will be useless if it becomes demagnetized, damaged, or lost.

CURRENCY With your ATM card from home, you will be able to Israeli currency is based on the new shekel (NIS) with one withdraw funds from your US checking account. Although new shekel equal to 100 agorot. Coins are issued in denomi - there will probably be a fee for each transaction at another nations of 5 and 10 agorot, and 1, 2, 5 and 10 new shekels. bank’s ATM machine, you will be charged the bank’s Notes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, and 200 exchange rate in effect on that day, which is typically better new shekels. Start familiarizing yourself now with the than the one used for normal currency exchanges. US banks currency (both notes and coins) and the exchange rate. You vary widely in the charges they attach to foreign ATM can get information on exchange rates from websites like withdraws; shop around well before leaving and consider www.xe.com . moving your account based on what you learn.

Note: Money deposited into your US bank account during BANKING the normal working day is typically updated on the US Given the ready availability of ATMs and acceptance of bank’s computer at midnight that day, which means you credit cards, you probably won’t find it necessary to open a cannot withdraw money until the Israeli bank’s computers bank account in Israel. There is a bank on campus that have similarly updated their records at midnight the accepts international ATM cards. We do not recommend following night—in other words, there will generally be a opening a bank account in Israel due to the high mainte - delay of 2 business days before you can access those funds. nance and service charges. If you do plan to open an Details for using ATM cards abroad vary from bank to bank. account in Israel, inquire with your US bank as to who its For some banks, you will need to inform them that you plan foreign correspondents are and ask for a letter of introduc - to use your ATM card abroad so that bank officials can allow tion. It is best to bring a certified check with which to open overseas card transactions. Be persistent in finding out the account. has a branch on campus, which information on service fees and restrictions. is convenient. If your ATM Personal Identification Number (PIN) is not four Expect more limited banking hours than you may be digits long, change it to four digits before you leave the US accustomed to in the US. Generally, banks in Haifa are open Many machines cannot accept a longer PIN and some do Sunday-Thursday. not have letters on their keyboard.

Credit Cards TRANSFERRING FUNDS Credit cards are a very good emergency money source and Travelers’ Checks some students use them for the whole semester, taking cash One safe way to get your money to your destination is by advances. Please be aware that many credit card companies carrying travelers’ checks. Once you reach your destination assess a fee each time the card is used abroad. The fee may you can deposit them all in a local bank or keep them in a be hidden on the credit card statement. Check with your safe place with your belongings. Keep in mind that even if credit card company for information on restrictions and you are able to purchase travelers’ checks without a fee (for guidelines. Holders of these cards can get cash on the spot example, through AAA), there is likely to be a charge for from participating banks. Students have found that Visa and each transaction when you cash them. Students should Mastercard are more useful than American Express or the leave a list of all travelers’ check numbers at home and keep Discover Card. a record of those they spend in case any are lost or stolen.

Make sure that you bring your travelers’ checks in large CASH FOR ARRIVAL denominations (eg. $100) as each transaction carries a high You should plan to exchange $100 into Israeli shekel before exchange fee. If you plan on traveling, it is a good idea to you leave so that you will have money to use when you first have your travel money in small denominations ($20) so arrive in Israel. Small denominations are best. You may also you can cash small amounts if you need money just before want to carry some US currency.

7 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa and full hospitalization. Billing is done directly by the On-Site Contacts medical server to the insurance company. The Israeli policy Your main contacts at the University of Haifa is valid only in Israel, but there is an option to purchase International School are Karen Doryoseph, additional health insurance coverage for travel outside of Director of Admissions ([email protected]) Israel. An agent of this insurance company will be available and Tamar Vital, Administrative Director during orientation to provide you with more information and to open such a policy for you. ([email protected])

HOUSING

You should carry your cash and other valuables (travelers Student Dormitories “Meonot” checks, passport, visa, debit/credit cards) in a money belt Double and single rooms are available. The doubles are in that you can wear around your waist concealed under your suites with three bedrooms (each with two students), a clothes. bathroom, kitchenette with two gas burners, and common dining space. Singles are available in apartments with five other students, each with single rooms. Each bedroom has a private bath, while the kitchenette, living and patio spaces are shared. Sheets, pillows, blankets, toilet paper and light Arrival bulbs are provided. There are public telephones, washing machines and dryers in the dorm. Students may also rent a private telephone for their room. Students must provide GROUP FLIGHT their own towels. Cookware, plates, silverware, glasses and Your program fee includes round-trip group airfare from a cups can be purchased inexpensively in stores near the designated US city to Tel Aviv. It does not include ground campus or in the market in Hadar. Food can be purchased in transportation between Haifa and Tel Aviv on your arrival or a grocery store on campus or in the area. The University has return, so please plan accordingly. You will receive separate a number of restaurants and cafeterias open throughout the information on group flight arrangements. You need to day. contact the travel agent who arranges our student flights directly to book your flight; Boston University does not do Personal Property Insurance this for you. Each student is encouraged to review his or her family’s personal property insurance coverage. Boston University or any of its officers, agents, or representatives shall not be INDEPENDENT TRAVEL liable directly or indirectly for loss and/or damage to To receive authorization to travel independently, students personal property by fire, theft, or other cause. traveling to Israel on their own must notify BU Study Abroad in writing of their travel plans. A credit for the cost of the TELEPHONES student’s group airfare will be placed on the student’s account a few weeks prior to departure. All students are required to have a cell phone with an Israeli number. If they do not bring their own cell phone, they can rent a cell phone through Talk ‘N Save for the period of time ORIENTATION that they will be in Israel. The University of Haifa has signed There will be a general orientation in Boston and a detailed a contract with Talk ‘N Save, providing students with a plan orientation on site, at the University of Haifa, where you will that offers reduced rates on international calls and inexpen - receive additional materials concerning the University of sive rates to other Haifa students on the same plan. In Haifa and current events in Israel. addition, the University of Haifa will be able to send text messages to all students on the plan automatically, meaning you will be automatically updated about safety and security HEALTH INSURANCE issues as well as announcements regarding classroom All Boston University students are required to have health changes, class cancellations, etc. insurance provided by a US-based carrier. All international students are also provided with health insurance by Harel- For detailed information about cell phone rental as well as to Yedidim Insurance Agency, an Israeli health insurance order your cell phone, please visit the following website: company. Students must disclose all pre-existing medical www.talknsave.net/schools/haf-389.asp (for students who problems, as the policy does not cover pre-existing will be in Israel for more than three months) or conditions. The policy covers expenses for visits to the http://talknsave.net/schools/haf-491.asp (for students who doctor’s office, medication, doctor-requested medical tests, will be in Israel for less than three months).

8 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa There are public telephones in the dormitories and “The length of the program and the combination of throughout campus. They operate with telecards that are purchased at the campus post office. travel and university was better than any other Israel program I have heard of ...”

CULTURE Life in Israel Siesta Time In Israel siesta time is between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you need to call someplace, try before 2:00 p.m. or after FOOD AND DINING 4:00 p.m. People generally drop in for coffee around 5:00 p.m. and evening entertaining begins around 9:00 p.m. In every building on campus you can find a cafeteria, which sells sandwiches, cakes, coffee, etc. You can buy lunch in the Saturdays Main Building restaurant, which is open 12 p.m.–2 p.m. A Remember, in Israel, most stores and places of entertain - grocery store is located in the dormitory complex. ment are closed on the Sabbath (), which starts on Friday night and ends on Saturday night. do run in Falafel Haifa and its surroundings on Saturdays (but not on Friday Falafel is the national street food of Israel. There are about night), but the schedule is far less frequent than on the twenty falafel stands on HeHalutz Street and many more other days of the week and not all buses run. The train to Tel downtown. Aviv also has limited hours Friday afternoon through Saturday. Supermarkets and Markets (Shuk ) • Supersol Denia, on Liberia Street • Merchaz Horev ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES • Romena, can be reached by taking #24 Museums, Institutes, and Galleries • Hamashbir, in Hadar at 1 Yo’nna Street • The Museum of Ancient Art, 26 Street. • The University Minimarket Displays archaeological collections of Mediterranean • Shuk Talpiot (market) Sirkin Street, in Hadar cultures from the beginning of history until the Islamic • Shuk Talpiot (market) Kikar , downtown conquest of the 7th century. • The Ethnological Museum and Folklore Archives, 15 Both markets have stalls for fruits and vegetables, groceries, Tiverya Street. butchers, spices, nuts, etc. Try to shop Monday or • The Haifa Music Museum and Amli Library, 23 Wednesday for the freshest produce. The markets are very Arlozorov Street. inexpensive and wonderful. • The Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art, 89 Hanassi Avenue. Has examples of almost all kinds of Japanese SHOPS arts and crafts. • The Prehistoric Museum, “M. Stekelis,” The Natural Shops are usually open Sunday–Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 History Museum, The Municipal Zoo, and The p.m. and on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Biological Institute, are all located together at 124 Supermarkets and large chain stores are open until around Hatishbi Street. 10 p.m. There are several large malls in the Haifa area that • The National Maritime Museum, 198 Allenby Road. are open until 10 p.m. Encompasses 5,000 years of seafaring along the coast of Israel. HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS • The Illegal Immigration and Naval Museum, 204 Allenby Road. Details the story of illegal immigration during the Most hairdressers and barbers are open Sunday–Thursday British Mandate. from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Mondays from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Check locally for Friday hours. Movies There are many movies showing in Israel. A listing can be GOVERNMENT AND OTHER OFFICES found in the daily papers. Movies usually change on Saturdays. There is a movie theater, Cinemateque, in the Government and other offices are generally open in the Carmel Center, which changes movies every night. mornings, Sunday through Thursday. Offices are closed on Fridays. Folk Dancing • Beit Rothschild at the Carmel Center • University • Technion

9 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa Beaches TRANSPORTATION: GETTING AROUND ISRAEL • Hof Studentim (Student Beach) is where many University of Haifa There are many ways to travel within Israel, cars, buses, trains, students spend their Saturdays. It is easiest to take a cab with a (Israel’s domestic airline), and taxis. The most popular way is to travel group to get there. by bus. Tel Aviv is about 1 hour away, and Jerusalem is about 2 hours. • HaHof ha Shaket (The Quiet Beach) is not recommended There are two main bus companies: , which operates in Tel Aviv, because you are likely to get hassled there. and , which operates everywhere else. As a student you are • Hof Dado (Dado Beach), take bus 46 directly from entitled to a discount on the buses and trains but you have to show an campus. official student’s card. Schedules and routes are subject to change. A shared taxi service, or "sherut", is also offered in the Haifa area. and Hiking Groups Sheruts follow the popular buslines with a bus number displayed in Ha’chevra Le Haganat Hateva (Nature Preservation Society) organizes their windows. These are generally cheaper, safer, and faster than hikes on weekends and vacations and the University area offers plenty buses. of opportunities for walking around mountains, forests, mushroomed woods, and some wildlife. The Carmel Nature Reserve is located next to the university. It is one of the nicest in Israel. TRAVELING OUTSIDE OF ISRAEL When independent travel takes you outside of Haifa, you should MAIL/POST OFFICES 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 There are post offices located in the Horev Center and on 22 Moriah issues you should be aware of at your destination. Street. The University post office, located in the Main Building, is open Sunday–Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The International Student Travel Agency () can be very helpful. They have an office on campus, as well as on 28 Nordau Street in Incoming mail is distributed from the International School and Hadar. stamped mail may be sent out from there as well. You will be given a mailbox at the overseas office where you will receive your mail.

10 Boston University Study Abroad Haifa

Names and Numbers Emergency Telephone Numbers Students experiencing any kind of emergency while Boston University Haifa Program abroad should contact Karen Doryoseph or Tamar Vital during the portion of the program at the University of Haifa University of Haifa as quickly as possible to obtain c/o International School advice and/or assistance. Haifa, 31905 ISRAEL Parents who need to contact their son or daughter abroad in an emergency should first call him/her at Phone: 011-972-4-8240766 his/her residence or cell phone. If the student can not Fax: 011-972-4-8240391 be reached there, the parent should contact Karen E-mail: [email protected] Doryoseph or Tamar Vital. www.uhaifa.org

Karen Doryoseph, Director of Admissions University of Haifa Emergencies: E-mail: [email protected] • 011-972-4-8240766 • 011-972-52-8666-406 (mobile) Tamar Vital, Administrative Director E-mail: [email protected] Please remember the time difference. Haifa is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS You will be notified of any changes in the emergency Advantage Travel contact numbers. Sally Curtis Phone: 315-471-2222

On Call International (Emergency Travel Assistance) Phone: 603-328-1956

US Consular Agent in Haifa Phone: 04-853-1470

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