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Here are some frequent Q & A!
Q: What are the working hours in Israel?
A: The Israeli work week is from Sunday through Thursday, with a few offices also open on Friday mornings. The weekend for most office workers is Friday and Saturday. At Tel Aviv University, courses are held and administrative offices are open from Sunday through Thursday. Stores in Israel are generally open from Sunday through Friday afternoon. Some malls and stores also open for Saturday-evening shopping.
Q: Can I get some information about the dorm facilities?
A: The dormitories are divided into suites with one or two bedrooms; two students share each bedroom. Each suite is fully furnished and includes a kitchen and bathroom. All of our long term students (semester/year) are housed in our newly renovated Einstein dorms. Each room has a new kitchen and bathroom, air conditioning and wifi.
The following items are not supplied by the University: blankets, pillows, towels, kitchen utensils and household goods. Students may bring their own linens and electrical appliances or choose to buy from an Israeli company that provides these supplies, such as 4-Less. Please visit their web site at www.linens-plus.com for prices.
Students who wish to room with a friend may indicate this on their Confirmation Form. Also, students who wish to live with an Israeli may indicate this on their form. However please note that this living arrangement is only available to year-long and fall semester students. Please note that students who are exempt from Ulpan cannot enter the dorms until the work day before the semester begins.
Q: How much should I expect to pay for food and living expenses?
A: There is no inclusive meal plan at Tel Aviv University. Students may cook in their suites. There are several supermarkets nearby, as well as shops that sell prepared foods. University subsidized cafeterias on campus serve excellent kosher meals at very reasonable prices. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in close proximity to the campus. You should plan to spend up to $750 per month for food, independent travel, and incidental expenses. Allow about twice as much for the first month to cover initial purchases. Of course, the amount spent varies per person.
Q: Should I be nervous about safety and security?
A: The safety of our students is our highest priority. Like all public institutions in Israel, Tel Aviv University employs a network of security personnel covering all campus entrances and patrolling throughout the campus and dormitory complex 24 hours a day. Additionally, students should be prepared to show student cards or another picture ID and submit bags for search.
The University's Security Department maintains close contact with government security agencies. The overseas student population is regularly updated regarding security matters and receives copies of all relevant official communications. Specific security information will be given at the student orientation.
The Overseas School also requires all students to carry a mobile telephone. This allows our staff to contact all program participants at any time via SMS text messages or group messaging.
Q: What if I get sick while abroad?
A: Your welfare while you are studying at Tel Aviv University is of paramount concern to us. The University provides insurance that is included in the cost of tuition. University Health Insurance is nonrefundable and is mandatory for all TAU International students. The policy is a basic health insurance plan that covers treatment within the State of Israel by a large selection of private, English-speaking doctors. It also covers hospitalization in public hospitals. Coverage includes the Ulpan and all programs and vacation days. This insurance provides coverage for the student only within Israel. Optional health insurance coverage is offered for travel outside Israel for an additional fee. You may purchase the additional coverage directly from an insurance agent in Israel.
Q: What travel documents should I obtain?
A: All visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they enter the country. If you do not have a valid passport, apply for one immediately. To obtain or renew your passport, contact the nearest Passport Agency. Please note that your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of departure from your country. If you hold an Israeli passport, you are required to present it upon arrival.
It is our strong recommendation that all semester and year students apply for a student visa (A-2) prior to their departure. The A-2 Student Visa is a multiple - entry visa valid for one year, meaning that you may enter Israel an unlimited number of times for a period of one year without securing a new visa. Student visas are renewable after one year both in Israel and abroad. To apply for your A-2 visa in the U.S., you must apply in person at your nearest Israeli consulate. American-born students and naturalized U.S. Citizens attending the University for the semester may also enter Israel on a Tourist Visa. However, please note that the Tourist Visa must be renewed every three months. This process also includes a fee for each extension, and often involves long lines at the Interior Ministry office in Tel Aviv.
Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens may apply for an Exemption from Military Service through their nearest Israeli Consulate. In addition, due to frequent changes in regulations regarding returning Israelis, students born in Israel or holders of Israeli passports should contact the nearest Consulate of Israel to clarify their legal status upon returning to Israel.
Q: Do you have a university map?
A: For a university map, click here!
Q: What are some great restaurants, bars, clubs, beaches, shows, and museums I should visit while abroad?
A: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get great tips about where to go!
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