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Incoming Visiting & Exchange Students

Opportunities for Visiting Students at the Technion
Academic Year 2009/2010

An opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to broaden their educational experience.

“In today’s world, which is a rather interdependent one, we need to be sensitive to the concerns of others. We need to understand other cultures. We need to think in much broader terms than our own narrow confines, and realize that in this interdependent world, no one can afford to think in purely local terms.”

Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General, February 23, 1998

  • The Technion - Israel Institute of Technology was established in 1924 in Haifa, prior to the establishment of the state of Israel, at the time of the British Mandate.
  • It is Israel’s premier technical university with a student body of about 12,000, 8,500 full-time undergraduates and the remainder graduate.
  • The eighteen individual Faculties and Departments can be accessed through their Home Pages.
  • You can also access the Undergraduate and Graduate Courses & Degree Programs which are available at the Technion. Hebrew is the official language of instruction in the Undergraduate programs.
  • The Technion campus is situated on the northern slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and on the outskirts of the City of Haifa.
  • This corner of the Eastern Mediterranean stands at the junction of three continents (Europe, Africa and Asia). Successive waves of ancient civilizations have each left their mark upon the surrounding countryside.
  • Israel is also the heartland of the bible, and Mount Carmel was the scene of the prophet Elijah’s triumph over the prophets of Ba’al.
  • Haifa itself is a port city with a population of about 300,000. There are excellent wind-surfing beaches and the city has a thriving industrial base which includes both heavy industries (primarily chemical and petrochemical) and high-technology manufacturing (micro-electronics, computers and fine-mechanics).
  • The Faculty of Medicine is located at a separate campus in the suburb of Bat-Galim, on the sea shore at the foot of Mount Carmel and next to Rambam Medical Center. The Faculty of Medicine runs an international program for American students –TEAMS, where all courses are given in English.
  • The Mediterranean climate is relatively moderate. More information on local weather can be found in the Israel Meteorological Service website.

     

    January

    April

    July

    October

    Min

    8

    11

    19

    15

    Max

    17

    23

    30

    28
  • The Technion Faculties and Departments are each equipped with excellent specialist libraries and computing facilities, in addition to the large Central Library and Computer Center. The Technion’s student and research laboratories are world-class. The Student Dormitories currently accommodate over 10,000 students on campus, both graduate and undergraduate, and include accommodation for married students, as well as a pre-school Day Care Center.
  • Cafeteria facilities, a campus store (Michlol), a bank and a post office are available on campus as well as two mini-markets. Emergency medical services are available, as well as a dental clinic and a campus ambulance on standby.
  • The wide range of on-campus sports facilities include an olympic swimming pool, a gymnasium, and tennis and squash courts. Student life centers on the Student Union and includes many social activities, especially during the teaching semester. Your Visiting Student ID Card entitles you to use all the Technion library, computer and sports facilities, and gives you a discount on intercity public transport. It also allows you entry to all student social functions, either at a reduced cost or at no cost, depending on the function.
  • There are a number of categories for foreign students at the Technion:
    • Exchange Students from partner universities, who come within the framework of Student Exchange & Study Abroad, are normally accepted for a program of study at the Technion which has been approved by both their Home University and the appropriate Academic Faculty at the Technion.
    • Undergraduate Visiting Students from non-partner universities who, within the framework of their Home University, are eligible to apply for Study Abroad programs.
    • Undergraduate Research Students who have permission to undertake a project at another university for credit at their Home University. Students who wish to spend time at the Technion for specific academic research objectives.
    • Foreign students interested in studying for a complete degree at the Technion. For more information, please visit the Undergraduate & Graduate Admissions websites.
    • Medical students whose clinical experience may include periods spent under the supervision of academic staff from the Faculty of Medicine at the Technion. For more information, go to the Faculty of Medicine Student Association website
    • Students considering Aliyah (immigrating to Israel) who are reluctant to take on the full study load of a Technion student, and therefore register as Visiting Students in the first instance.
  • The Technion also welcomes other international students. These are some additional alternatives:
    • Talented high school students (15-18) with a strong interest in the sciences, mathematics or engineering may be interested in the Technion SciTech Summer Research Camp, which runs for five weeks starting mid-July (in parallel with the Summer Session). Applicants must be recommended by their schools and the number of places is limited.
    • IAESTE (the International Association for Exchange of Students & Technical Experience) arranges six week Summer Placement opportunities in Israel for recognized students. Applications should be addressed to your local IAESTE office or agent.
    • In addition to the above categories, we are always pleased to meet visiting students who wish to see the campus. Contact either the Department of Public Relations or the appropriate Academic Faculty or Department well beforehand, in order to ensure that a responsible member of the staff will be available.
  • The semester is comprised of 14 (net) weeks of teaching.

    2009/10 Winter semester

    October 14, 2009 – January 21, 2010

       Exam period

    throughout February

    2009/10 Spring semester

    March 2, 2010 – June 24, 2010

       Exam period

    throughout July
  • Deadlines for Visiting/Exchange Students' applications:
    For Winter – May 1
    For Spring – November 1
  • For important dates for full degree students, please visit the Undergraduate Admissions website.
  • In order to apply, forward an Application Package to Student Exchange & Study Abroad, Canada Building, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel.

    Make sure that it includes a personal check or money order for US$60 Application Fee, and the following documentation:

    • The accompanying Application for Admission as a Visiting Student (downloadable from the "Forms" tab) completed with your personal details.
    • A copy of your up-to-date Academic Record (Grade Transcript) from your Home University.
    • Your home university's approval of your Study Abroad plans.
    • A brief personal letter stating your Faculty of preference at Technion and outlining the course of study you would like to follow as a Visiting Student, and a tentative list of courses you wish to take. For a course list in English, please follow this link: http://www.undergraduate.technion.ac.il/ à English - Syllabi
    • A short Curriculum Vitae outlining your educational career, any special interests or hobbies you may have, and any jobs which you consider significant. We would particularly like to know about any awards or honors you may have received.
  • We will submit your Application Package to the appropriate faculty for consideration. We will notify you upon receiving their decision.
  • If you wish your studies at Technion to contribute to the award of a degree elsewhere, then you must verify that your proposed course of study at the Technion is acceptable to your Home University for academic credit.

  • Application Deadlines

    • Winter Semester: May 1
    • Spring Semester: November 1

  • How will I know that I have been accepted?

    We will confirm your acceptance, by e-mail as soon as we have the following:

    • (1) Your completed Application Package to attend the Technion as a Visiting Student, together with all the required documents
    • (2) The signature of the Dean of the Technion Faculty, the Head of the Technion Department, or his designated representative confirming your acceptance in his Faculty and nominating your Academic Advisor.
  • Once you are accepted, you should pay the administration Fee*, and contact your Academic Advisor at Technion and confirm that there are no unforeseen problems with the course program or project work which you propose to undertake at the Technion.

    * Applicable to Visiting Students from non-partner universities.

  • Hebrew is the language of instruction at the Technion. All Visiting Students are expected to acquire some basic knowledge of the Hebrew language. A five week intensive Hebrew course (Ulpan) precedes the start of the Winter semester. Nevertheless, English is the second language and most of the teaching texts which are used in Technion courses are in English. All Technion professors and students speak English and are expected to be fluent in English, so it is easy to communicate in English.
  • Visiting Students without any Hebrew proficiency, who are accepted for the Winter teaching semester programs are urged to attend the Technion’s intensive five week Hebrew language course (Ulpan) before they begin their studies. A student who completes this course should be able to communicate on a day-to-day basis, both on and off campus. Acquiring some basic knowledge of Hebrew before your arrival in Israel is helpful. The acquisition of these basic linguistic skills will help you to acclimatize more easily to the Technion. Visiting Students accepted for the Spring teaching semester are expected to acquire an intermediate level of Hebrew in order to succeed in their studies.
  • Health insurance: No student can be registered at the Technion without adequate health insurance coverage, which is the student’s responsibility and must be arranged prior to the student’s arrival at the Technion. We have found that students are satisfied with insurance arranged through a local insurance agent working with the Technion (Mr. Amos Gilboa, Phone: 972-3-6386216; Fax: 972-3-6874534; e-mail: mali@yedidim.co.il).
  • Accident insurance: Students registered at the Technion should also have adequate accident insurance coverage, which is the student’s responsibility and should be arranged prior to the student’s arrival at the Technion. The Student Association fee, which is included in the fees you are asked to pay, includes compulsory basic accident insurance*, which is provided by the Student Association during the academic year only. If you intend to arrive at the Technion prior to the start of the Winter semester or remain beyond the end of the Spring semester, you must arrange for accident insurance coverage for the period during which you are not covered by the Student Association policy.
    • The basic coverage provided by the Student Association policy is minimal and includes: 80,000 Shekels for fatal accident; up to 130,000 Shekels for permanent total disability; 450 Shekels per week (up to one year) for temporary total disability. We urge you to take out a supplemental policy which will provide more adequate coverage.

Tuition, Housing & Other Costs for Exchange/Visiting Students

The Technion attempts to enable all Exchange/Visiting Students to live in the Student Dormitories on campus, unless special circumstances dictate otherwise. The following scale of charges applies for the 2009/10 academic year (where fees are quoted in NIS, payment is possible in USD according to the exchange rate on the date of notification of acceptance):

  • Application Fee* (non-refundable): $60, to be sent with your Application Package.
  • Administration Fee* for Research Students (non-refundable): NIS 1,150 (must be paid at least 3 months prior to arrival)
  • Administration Fee* for Course-Taking Students (non-refundable): NIS 1,550 (must be paid at least 3 months prior to arrival)
  • Administration Fee** for Research or Course-Taking Students (non-refundable): NIS 750 (must be paid at least 3 months prior to arrival)
  • Dorms***: NIS 950/month, no meals included. The dorm rooms are equipped with a bed, closet and desk. You should arrange for your own bedding and kitchenware. (Note that dorms cannot be guaranteed by this office and that dorm fees for full-time degree students at Technion may vary).
  • Intensive Hebrew Course****: (if required) NIS 1,600 (no meals or accommodation included), payable directly to the Department of Humanities & Arts upon arrival at the Technion.
  • Tuition*: One semester $6,000, full year $9,000. Not required of students from partner universities. (See Payment Procedure)
Notes:
  • * This fee is paid by Visiting Students from universities that do not have a formal exchange agreement with Technion
  • ** This fee is paid by Exchange Students from partner universities
  • *** Single room with shared facilities
  • **** One month intensive Hebrew course preceding the start of the Winter semester
Allow about $400/month for food and incidental expenses (cafeteria meals, entertainment and some site-seeing).

We strongly recommend that all foreign students with no previous knowledge of Hebrew take the five week basic Hebrew course before the start of the Winter semester. If you can take Hebrew (for credit!) at your Home University in the year before coming to Israel, then so much the better.

You should check this with the appropriate Study Abroad, International or Overseas Office at your Home University before submitting your application. Most universities are prepared to recognize relevant studies which have been successfully completed abroad for credit towards their own degree programs.

It is not a simple matter to ‘transfer’ to a Technion degree program. There is, of course, the Hebrew language barrier, but there are additional prerequisites to be considered. The Office of Admissions of the Undergraduate and Graduate Schools at the Technion will provide you with full information on the requirements to be satisfied for admission to either a first or a further degree program. Some students have applied to transfer from Visiting Student status and been accepted. In all such cases full credit has been given for studies successfully completed as a Visiting Student.

We normally recommend that Visiting Students limit themselves to no more than 15 Credit Points per Semester (approximately 20 contact hours per week), selecting 4-5 courses from the Technion Course Catalogue. Credit Points are given according to an agreed scale of 1 Credit Point per lecture hour per week, 0.5 Credit Points per hour of recitation (exercises) and 0.25 Credit Points per hour of laboratory or seminar work.

Of the selected courses 1-2 may be general courses relevant to the Eastern Mediterranean Region and given within the framework of the Department of Humanities & Arts , which also offers many sports and arts courses; or at Haifa University. Examples could be courses in Hebrew or Arabic Language and Literature, a course on another language (either European or Asian), and courses on the Holocaust, the Arab/Israel Conflict or the History of the Middle East.

On campus:
Our policy is to try to accommodate all Visiting Students on campus in the Student Dormitories. The objective is to integrate the Visiting Student into the Technion student body as much as possible, and this includes the social as well as the academic life of the campus. This depends on availability of rooms and early registration.
Off campus:
Rooms and apartments are available off campus.

Your safety and security are our primary concern. Security staff is on duty at the Technion 24-hours a day throughout the year. Emergency medical care, including an ambulance, is always available. It is important to use common sense in dealing with the uncertainties of the Middle East. We ask all Visiting Students to register with their embassies in Israel (or their consular representatives) and follow the instructions issued by these authorities.

If your country of origin has full diplomatic relations with Israel then you will be issued with a three month Tourist Visa at your port of entry (e.g. Ben-Gurion International Airport). However, at some stage you will have to obtain a Student Visa, with which we will assist you. For information on the list of countries whose citizens do NOT require a pre-issued entry visa, please visit http://www.tourism.gov.il/Tourism_Eng/

> Planning Your Trip > Visa in Israel

If you obtain your Student Visa abroad, before your arrival, at an Israeli Consulate, then a multiple entry visa will be issued (through the Foreign Ministry) free of charge. If you apply for a Student Visa in Israel, then this must be done through the Ministry of the Interior and there is a charge (which is doubled for a multiple entry visa). The Center for International Academic Relations will assist you with setting an appointment at the Ministry in Haifa and requesting your visa to be changed or extended.

If you are an Israeli citizen, or entitled to obtain Israeli citizenship, then you should make sure that you have a valid Israeli passport and consult your local Israeli Consulate to establish your citizenship rights.

For more information contact the coordinator for International Student Exchange:


E-mail: studex@technion.ac.il
FAX: +972 4 8293773, Tel: +972 4 8292964


Orna Nagar-Hillman (Ms)
Canada Building, room 104
International Academic Relations - Student Exchange
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology
Haifa 32000
Israel

E-mail: studex@technion.ac.il

Tel: +972-4-8292964
Fax: +972-4-8293773