Studying in Israel is a great opportunity and one that many people take advantage of. But before you go ahead and make any decisions about where to study or how long to stay, there are some things that you need to know. This blog post will be talking about six things international students looking at studying in Israel should know before they commit.
Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
One of the primary factors that you should consider when looking at studying in Israel is the cost of tuition fees. The tuition fees for studying in Israel can vary depending on the institution and field of study. Study in Israel to become an engineer or a doctor, but remember that in these fields, the fees are often sky-high. Nevertheless, other programs have lower costs, such as an MA in Jewish Studies. The tuition fees for an undergraduate degree are around $12,000 per year at the minimum. This amount also includes health insurance and other additional costs that you will need to pay, like books or a laptop.
Unfortunately, though, Israel is an expensive country to live in, so your budget will be limited even if you get a scholarship or student loan to cover the tuition. There are also other costs to consider, such as housing and living expenses, that aren’t included in your tuition fees. It is important to understand what you will be responsible for paying and if it fits within your budget before making any commitments. In doing so, you will be able to make a more informed decision about what you can afford and where you want to study.
Overseas Student Levy (OSL)
The Overseas Student Levy or OSL fee as it’s more popularly known can be a very expensive roadblock when studying in Israel. The levy applies if your stay in Israel is for more than 183 days, and it’s payable on the value of tuition fees only. This means that you need to take your tuition fee off whatever amount you are getting in scholarship or student loan to make sure you aren’t overpaying.
Hebrew Language Skills
Hebrew language skills will be necessary if you don’t already speak them fluently when you arrive. The great news is that there are Hebrew courses available to help you learn the language before or even while studying in Israel. This will make things easier, but it won’t be easy. It takes a lot of time and effort if your goal is fluency by the end of your studies, so consider this when planning for your stay abroad.
Academic Requirements
When you are looking into universities in Israel, make sure to check what academic requirements they have for international students. Some Israeli institutions will require proof of English proficiency while others won’t mind if it is your native tongue, but don’t assume this! It’s not uncommon that English is the language used for instructions and lectures at Israeli Universities, but make sure to find out before you go.
Clubs or Organizations on Campus
Join clubs or organizations on campus because this will help you meet new people and build connections with other students. This can help you make friends and get the most out of your experience. It looks great on a resume too, so join as many as you can. Get involved in extracurricular activities like sports or theater groups because they’ll not only give you an outlet but also show colleges or companies later on how well-rounded you are during applications.
Culture Shock
Be prepared for culture shock when coming into Israeli society. Some things may seem strange or different at first, but that doesn’t mean they’re bad. Try giving them a chance instead of assuming everything is wrong just because it isn’t like home. You will be in a different country with different cultures, customs, and values. It is important to embrace the differences instead of resisting them because you are missing home. Just make sure to stay connected with your family by keeping in touch through social media or video chat, so you don’t feel completely alone.
Don’t wait longer than necessary to apply for your visa and study abroad in Israel. The best time to do it is as soon as possible because if you procrastinate, the process might take even longer than expected due to unexpected circumstances or red tape that could occur along the way. Make the most of your experience in Israel by making sure you don’t miss any important steps along the way. The six tips listed above will help you not only have a successful study abroad program, but also set yourself up for success back home after graduation from college.
