DEPARTMENT OF HEBREW AND JEWISH STUDIES
Preparatory Guide for Students Abroad in 2014/2015
The purpose of this supplement—which must be read in conjunction with the
information for students abroad in 2014/2015 supplied by the UCL Study Abroad
Office—is to provide you with practical information on how you can best prepare
yourself for your stay in Israel. Much of the content is based on the first-hand
experience of various students who have returned from their year abroad. Like the
Faculty file the theme is largely one of common sense peppered with practical
information and you are urged to read both guides very carefully.
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
CONTENTS
SECTION I - BEFORE YOU GO
1.
Prerequisites for embarking on the year abroad
4
2.
Purpose/aims of the year abroad
3.
Student Responsibilities
4
4.
Year Abroad Programme
4.1
ULPAN
4.2
Rothberg International School
4.3
Assessment/Accreditation of work undertaken while on year abroad
4.3.1 Single Subject Programmes
4.3.2 Combined Studies Programmes
4.4
Accreditation Conversion Mechanisms
4.5
Exemptions and exceptional circumstances
4.6
Part-time Students
4
4
4
5
5
5
5-6
6
7
5.
Budgeting [annual/weekly expenditure and estimated income]
Expenditure [`one-off' payments]
Estimated weekly budget
Estimated income
7
4
9
10
10
6.
UCL Tuition Fees and the year abroad
7
7.
Income: actual and potential sources
7.1
UCL
7.2
Student Loans from LEA s
7.3
Vacation Work
7.4
Friends of the Hebrew University, London
7.5
Jewish Agency
7.6
Hardship Loans
7.7
Access Funds
7.8
Applications for Personal Grants/Scholarships
11
11
11
11
12
12
12
12
12
8.
Paperwork, Forms and Deadlines
12-16
9.
Visa application
17
10.
Passport
17
11.
Travel arrangements and Insurance
17
12.
Personal Financial arrangements
12.1
Banking
12.2
Cash
12.3
Travellers cheques
12.4
Postal Payments
12.5
Bankers drafts
12.6
Credit cards
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
17
18
18
18
18
19
19
13.
Climate/Clothing
19
SECTION II - ON ARRIVAL/WHILE IN ISRAEL
14.
UCL Representative on Campus
19
15.
Emergency contacts while in Israel
19
16.
Airport to University
19
17.
Registration
20
18.
Summer ULPAN
20
19.
20.
What to expect from the Rothberg International School
Transport
20
21
21.
Food
21
22.
Entertainment and Leisure
21
23.
Computers/e-mail
21
24.
Planning your workload
21
25.
Personal Security
21
26.
Attendance Monitoring
22
27.
Evaluation
22
SECTION III - ON RETURN TO UCL
28.
Personal Assessment, Evaluation, Careers Advice,
Advice for Departing Students, Student Statement
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
3
22
SECTION I - BEFORE YOU GO
1.
Pre-requisites for embarking on the Year Abroad
You are required to successfully complete a minimum of 6.0 course units before you can
embark on your Year Abroad and these course units must include any that are designated as
compulsory [unless exemption has been obtained by a Suspension of the Regulations] for you
to be able to continue with your course.
For the BA in Jewish History, BA in Hebrew, BA in German and Jewish Studies, BA in Italian
and Jewish Studies and [for students registered at SSEES] the BA in History [Central and East
European] and Jewish Studies the compulsory units include a minimum of 2.0 course-units, at
the appropriate level, in Modern Hebrew Language.
2.
Purpose/aims of the year abroad
The aims of the Year Abroad are twofold:
to develop your spoken/written skills to a near native level of proficiency and acquire an
in-depth knowledge of the cultures and societies relevant to the discipline of the
programme for which you are registered
to successfully complete the minimum number of credits/CUs required (a) as a prerequisite for continuation with the registered course of study and (b) for counting
towards the award and classification of your degree.
3.
Student Responsibilities
You are asked to familiarise yourself with the Student Responsibilities as set out in the guides of
the Study Abroad Office.
Before you depart you are urged to learn as much useable Hebrew as possible. ‘Numbers'
are particularly important for use on transport, in "street and market". Practise and listen to
Hebrew as much as you can [bend the ears of finalists, friends and relations] - Israelis are not
patient if you can't converse properly. The better your Hebrew the easier it will be to make
Israeli friends and the more you will benefit from the Ulpan.
4.
Year Abroad Programme
The one-year programme consists of two ‘elements' both undertaken at the Hebrew University
of Jerusalem: (i) The Ulpan and (ii) full-time study at the Rothberg International School.
4.1
Ulpan
The programme begins with an 8-week long Summer Ulpan - an intensive
Hebrew language course during July-September prior to the start of the
academic year. This is a compulsory element of the programme. (Very few
students either seek or obtain exemption from the Ulpan, since only those with
native or near-native Hebrew are successful in applying to the relevant College
authorities to have either the Ulpan or the Year Abroad requirement waved.)
4.2
Rothberg International School
The programme continues with full-time study undertaken at the Rothberg
International School at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. This programme
requires that students take a minimum number of Hebrew language classes
(which vary from level to level) but allows students a relative degree of freedom
in choosing the rest of their courses from the extensive range on offer.
The academic year at the Hebrew University is divided into two semesters,
each approximately 14 weeks long. Most courses on offer are semester-long,
with a small number of year-long courses.
4.3
Assessment/Accreditation of work undertaken while on Year Abroad
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
4
The Hebrew University teaches, monitors, examines, and offers pastoral care to its
students in much the same way as UCL but there are differences in the credit value of
courses and the marking range adopted by the two institutions. In order, therefore, to
include work undertaken on the Year Abroad in a student’s overall assessment, an
AHFTC approved system of converting HUJ credits course unit equivalents has been
devised and has a conversion table for converting HUJ marks [1-100 range] to a UCL
[1-85] equivalent range.
4.3.1 Students registered for Single Subject programmes (BA Jewish
History, BA Hebrew) spending the whole year in Israel will enrol for 8 HUJ
courses, according to the regulations of the Rothberg International School.
On their return to UCL, the Department will choose their best 24 credits
(equivalent to 4 UCL course units), for their accreditation. The 24 credits
must be made up of 75% of courses in the field of Hebrew and Jewish
Studies and must include an appropriate language course. They must be
passed/successfully completed and will count towards a student’s final
assessment/degree classification for the purpose of which their value is
equivalent to 4.0 course units at UCL. [Students are asked to note that the
24 credits selected for the purposes of assessment will be largely based on
the field of study criteria specified above].
4.3.2 Students registered for Combined Studies programmes (BA
German and Jewish Studies, BA History [Central and Easter European] and
Jewish Studies, BA Italian and Jewish Studies) normally spend part of the
year at the Hebrew University and part of the year in another country relevant
to their named discipline. In common with the assessment requirements of
all other Combined Studies programmes in the Faculty of Arts and
Humanities, 1.0 CU (or its equivalent) of work undertaken on the year abroad
is compulsory for assessment/classification purposes. This 1.0 CU may
comprise a Year-Abroad Project, CU equivalent value of credit obtained at
the
HUJ (for students spending either part or the whole year at the HUJ)
or a combination of both. The Year Abroad Project is undertaken by students
in consultation with the Combined Studies Tutor.
4.4
Accreditation Conversion Mechanism
All HUJ courses, which are formally assessed and marked, will qualify for conversion
into UCL course-units whereby 6 HUJ credits equate with 1.0 CU.
Please note that HU courses with 2 credits equate with 0.25 CU in UCL terms,
which means that you should take another course with 2 HU credits to achieve
0.5 CU at UCL.
The conversion table on the next page is used to convert marks obtained at the HUJ
into UCL % marks:
HU
0
1
UCL
0
1
HU
21
22
UCL
15
15
HU
42
43
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
5
UCL
32
33
HU
62
63
UCL
50
51
HU
82
83
UCL
62
63
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
4.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
7
6
8
9
10
11
11
12
13
13
14
23
24
25
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
28
39
40
41
16
17
18
19
20
20
21
22
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
47
48
48
50
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
51
52
52
53
53
54
54
55
55
56
56
57
57
58
58
59
60
61
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
64
65
66
67
68
69
72
74
75
76
78
80
81
82
83
84
85
Exemptions and Exceptional Circumstances
The Year Abroad is a requirement under the Regulations for the degree programme for
which HJS students are registered. It is therefore only by a suspension of the Regulations
and under exceptional circumstances that a waiver of the Year Abroad requirement be
granted. Students falling into one or more of the categories below may be eligible to apply for
a waiver/exemption:
1.
Native speakers of Hebrew educated in Israel.
2.
Students who obtain a mark of a minimum of 65% in a special Departmental
Exemption examination, comparable in standard to Advanced Modern Hebrew (B81),
taken mid-way through the second term.
(Students in categories 1 and 2 above, who are successful in obtaining a waiver of
the year-abroad requirement from the relevant College authorities will not be required
to undertake an equivalent full year’s study at UCL, thereby completing their degree
in three rather than four years).
In addition to categories 1 and 2 above, a waiver of the Year Abroad requirement may be
granted to the following categories of students:
3.
Mature students with family or other commitments, which prevent them from spending
an extended period away from home.
4.
Students who on medical grounds or for other personal reasons believe they would
experience severe difficulties in successfully completing the Year Abroad. In either
instance, any such application for exemption must be supported by relevant
documentation.
(Students in categories 3 and 4 above who are successful in obtaining a waiver of the
Year Abroad requirement will be required to undertake a full year’s study at UCL
thereby completing their degree in four years).
Applications for exemption on any of the grounds specified above, must be made in writing,
supported by appropriate documentation, and submitted to the Year Abroad Tutor by the end
of the first term of the second year of the degree programme. Decisions on exemptions will
be notified to all applicants by the middle of the second term of that year.
4.6
Part-Time Students
Due to their mode of study part-time students usually seek and obtain exemption from
the Year Abroad requirement. They may, however, go to Jerusalem if they convert to
full-time status for the part-time equivalent of the third year of the degree course. If they
do this and complete the Hebrew University’s One Year Programme they are given full
course-unit credit for their Year Abroad, like all other full-time Year Abroad students.
In addition, part-time students who wish to spend the equivalent of their third year in
part-time study abroad are allowed to enrol in the One Semester Option of the Hebrew
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
6
University’s One Year Programme. They are given course-unit credit to the value of 1.52.0 course-units for this semester (which may be either the first or the second semester)
of study in Jerusalem. They may not take any courses at UCL during that year, either
before or after their semester in Jerusalem, and they resume their part-time study at
UCL in the following academic year.
5.
BUDGETING
In consideration of the expenditure you are likely to incur before and during your time in Israel,
you are urged most seriously to draw up a budget at the earliest opportunity in order to obtain a
clear idea of your financial situation. Using the tables overleaf as a basis, add to these items of
income and expenditure - one-off, annual, weekly - and jot these down or highlight these as you
read through this guide.
Please be aware that many costs are calculated in US dollars, so that the fluctuating exchange
rate will affect real costs.
6.
UCL TUITION FEES AND THE YEAR ABROAD
You should bear in mind the following:
 that whatever your fee paying status (i.e. Home/UK, EU, Overseas, Sponsored) tuition
fees remain payable to UCL during the Year Abroad. For the UCL tuition fees for the
session 2014-2015, see 6.2 on page 15 of the “Study Abroad Student Handbook
2014/2015”.
UCL Tuition Fee 2014-20151
Year-Abroad Students pay:
H/UK (excluding Channel Islands and
Isle of Man) and EU students
£9,000
1/2 of full-time fee
Overseas Students
Overseas Sponsored students
£13,410
£13,410
1/2 of full-time fee
Sponsor pays ? fee
Status
 Students should make a single application to their Local Education Authority (LEA) for
support for fees, loans and supplementary grants. The LEA will assess eligibility and
conduct a means test. Students domiciled in Scotland should apply to the Scottish
Students Award Agency (SSA) or the Northern Ireland Education and Library Board
(ELBs) if domiciled in Northern Ireland. Applications for support for fees from EU students
will be handled by a central DfEE unit. NOTE: where granted, LEA/public contribution to
UCL tuition fees will be paid by the LEA Student Loans Company direct to UCL: UCL will
invoice the student direct for any private component or contribution to the UCL tuition fees.
-
1
UCL Tuition Fees as known at the time this guide was prepared. These numbers are guidelines
only.
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
7
Fees payable to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2014/2015 are as follows (per
March 2014): (note that UCL will fund the Ulpan tuition fees, ulpan dorms and a
ticket to and from the airport based on average airplane tickets from London!)
ULPAN tuition fees
Summer Ulpan dorms
Health insurance
$
$
$
UCL
UCL
80
Full year
Rothberg tuition fee
$ 9,5002 (one semester: $ 6,000)
Dorms for the year
$ 5,260 (spring semester $ 2,405)
Application fee
$
80
Non-refundable housing deposit
$
250
_________________
$ 15,090 (one semester: $ 8,735)
Converted to pound sterling, this amount is subject to currency fluctuations.
As a very rough guideline, at this moment, 9.3.2014, the full year amount equals about £ 9,025.
Program Deposit (Nonrefundable): $250 to reserve a place in the program.
Estimated personal costs:
$50-$75 for Ulpan books and $150-$200 for books and supplies per semester
$450 - $650 per month for food transportation, telephone and other expenses
Included
Of these fees and other costs, UCL will fund the Summer Ulpan (tuition fee and
accomodation) and UCL will make a substantial contribution towards the Rothberg
tuition fees inclusive of the Application fee (ca. £2,770). In cases where students attend
only the Ulpan, UCL will reimburse such students for the cost of the return flight. UCL
will not meet the costs of either the mandatory union fee or the annual housing fee.
-
Make sure that you apply to the BFHU and/or MASA, which have lowered the costs by considerable
amounts in previous years. For the latest information, stay tuned by attending the year abroad meetings.
2 This is the special tariff for students from University College London: make sure you identify yourself as a UCL
student.
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
8
BUDGET SHEET: EXPENDITURE [‘one-off' payments]
ITEM OF EXPENDITURE
EXPENDITURE MET BY:
AMOUNTS
(2014-2015)
Ulpan tuition fee
UCL
0
Ulpan housing fee
UCL
0
Ulpan return flight
EXCEPTIONAL CASES ONLY [see 6
above]
Rothberg annual tuition fee
And
Application fee
A maximum of £2700 met by UCL:
remainder possibly met by
student/application to Friends of Hebrew
University [London office]
$ 9,500
$
80
Rothberg programme deposit
student
$
250
Rothberg annual housing fee
student [if refused in form of Student Loan
from LEA ]
$ 5,260
Field trips
student
Variable
UCL tuition fees - UK/EU
student [if refused in form of Student Loan
from LEA]
UCL tuition fees - Overseas
Variable, see
above
student
Travel: 2 x return flights
student [if refused in form of Student Loan
from LEA]
Additional ‘academic'/local travel
in Israel
Student
Fully comprehensive insurance
inclusive of travel insurance
student [see also the general guidance given
by the Study Abroad Office. Note: cost of
health insurance is included in the Rothberg
International School Registration fee BUT, in
the event of illness, this fee would not cover
the cost of returning someone to the UK.
Vaccinations:
Student
Miscellaneous items:
Photographs
Padlock
Basic utensils
Water canteen
Sleeping bag and pillow
Student
Other:
EXPENDITURE - ESTIMATED WEEKLY BUDGET
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
9
ITEM OF EXPENDITURE
ESTIMATED COST
Rent [if ‘outside dorms' accommodation is
obtained]
Subsistence
Travel
Books, dictionaries, stationery etc.
"Readers"
Leisure activities
Telecards
Emergency/contingency fund
Other
ESTIMATED INCOME
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF
INCOME
WHEN PAYABLE
Student Loan obtainable from LEA
Friends of Hebrew University of
Jerusalem [London]
Hardship Loan up to maximum of
£500, available from LEA provided
student has already applied for a
Student Loan
UCL Access Fund (available to
Home/UK students only who should
all apply for Access funds provided
pre-conditions have been met
Personal Grant or Scholarship
Income derived from vacation work
Personal savings
UCL Travel grant
UCL Women's grant
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
10
AMOUNT
7.
Actual and Potential Sources of Funding
Once you have worked out your approximate budget you will be in a position to:
identify the possible shortfall between your income and expenditure
and
determine the course of action to address the imbalance.
Potential sources of funding are given below.
7.1
UCL
Bearing in mind that tuition fees remain payable to UCL during the year abroad, the
contribution to specified expenses incurred on the year abroad and met by UCL is set
out at 6 above.
7.2
STUDENT LOANS FROM LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITIES (LEA)
The new student-funding scheme which the Government introduced in 1998 provides for
means-tested student contribution to tuition fees and a system of income-contingent loans.
Maintenance grants from LEAs have now been replaced by loans (repayable after graduation
according to earnings). Around three-quarters of the maximum loan is available to most
undergraduates and the remaining quarter means-tested against family income. EU and
Overseas students are not eligible for loans.
Information on how to apply for a Student Loan is given under 6 above.
NB: Whenever contacting your LEA, be sure to always quote your LEA student
reference number and, if possible, deal with the LEA officer nominated to you. Keep a
record of any communication - be it telephone conversation or written - and note down
who it was you were speaking to. Information outlining your entitlements is normally
sent with either the course continuation forms or on completion and return of these
forms. Please note that in addition to your communication with your LEA, the Arts and
Humanities Faculty Office also supplies details of your study abroad direct to your LEA.
In order to ensure that your LEA loan payments are made by your LEA direct into
your bank account, you will need to provide your LEA with the following details:
your full name
the full name and branch address of your bank
your bank account number
your banks sort code
[Any grant cheques sent to UCL will automatically be returned to the relevant LEA by
the Registry].
7.3
Vacation work
Obtaining paid employment during the vacation prior to departure is an obvious source
of income and any work experience obtained can be added to your CV. If you have not
already done so, consult the UCL Careers Service at the earliest opportunity. The
Careers Service not only have a range of information on vacation employment and
temporary work but also have a wealth of information on matters about which you
should concern yourself i.e., preparing/updating a CV; how to make the most of your
existing skills, develop these and acquire new skills; career opportunities/bulletins; the
`milk round' etc.
Or you may wish to think about registering with an established employment agency, the
UCLU ‘job-finder' scheme or consult with relatives or friends who may be able to
provide you with temporary employment.
7.4
Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, London
Application forms for financial assistance from the Friends of the Hebrew University will
be distributed by the Year Abroad Tutor early in the Spring term of the year of
departure.
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
11
All applicants are means tested. It should be noted that although the Friends of the
Hebrew University have made substantial contributions to funding of students for their
year in Israel, this source of funding is not guaranteed.
7.5
Jewish Agency
Jewish Agency funds are administered and distributed by the Friends of the Hebrew
University.
7.6
Hardship Loans
Hardship Loans, of up to a maximum of £500, are available from your LEA provided
that you have already obtained a full Student Loan and received the first instalment
of that full loan.
7.7
Access Funds
Information on applying for UCL Access Funds is provided in the "Study Abroad
Student Handbook under 6.5, page 16. Obtain a copy of the ‘application forms and
guidance notes now in order to determine whether or not you will be eligible to apply.
Please note that the advice issued by the Government is that "student loans are an
integral part of student support. Students who are eligible for a student loan are of
course free to decide whether to take out a loan and, if so, how much to borrow.
However, if an eligible student has not taken out a loan and there were no exceptional
circumstances, it may well be concluded that an Access Fund payment was not
merited". Therefore students eligible for student loans must have applied for their
loan before applying to the Access Funds: a copy of your Loan Agreement must
be enclosed with your application.
7.8
Applications for Personal Grants/Scholarships
Individuals wishing to apply for a personal grant or scholarship should consult the
`Directory of Grant-Making Trusts' held by the Rights and Advice Office in the UCLU.
Like any application for funding, comprehensive information is sought by the funding
body, competition for awards is keen and deadlines for submission of applications
strictly adhered to. If you wish to make an application of this kind you are urged to
consult the Directory with all possible haste.
8.
Paperwork, Forms and Deadlines
It is perhaps worth repeating the advice given in the Arts and Humanities Faculty Information
Guide: "You will be required to complete and return numerous application forms by
specified deadlines. However bureaucratic these forms may appear DO take time to
enter every bit of information requested. Careless completion, and missing the deadline
for return - or non-return - of such forms are likely to cause hiccups and delays.
Remember to read all forms, and communications received in response to application
forms, very carefully.
THINGS DO GO ASTRAY IN THE POST,
SO TAKE PHOTOCOPIES OF EVERYTHING FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL FILE.
YOU MAY ALSO WISH TO MAINTAIN A SECOND FILE FOR RETENTION BY
PARENTS/PARTNERS AFTER YOU HAVE DEPARTED.
If you have recently changed your address, DO make sure that all necessary parties have
your current address and telephone number. Stating the obvious perhaps but can cause
protracted delays.
The table overleaf lists the various forms you may need to complete. Insert the missing
information in the space provided as and when this information is made available to you.
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
12
FORM
Application for the Hebrew
University in Jerusalem
WHEN
SUPPLIED
SUPPLIED BY
INFORMATION/SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
REQUIRED
[and, ADVICE, where applicable]
RETURN
TO:
DEADLINE
FOR
RETURN
early in Spring
term
Website of the
Rothberg
International School
(Hebrew University)
Current passport
plus
documentation listed below [see separate entry on this table
for more detailed information]
Rothberg
International
School
(Hebrew
University)
Check
website
direct to LEA
by student
by deadline
specified by
individual LEA
Medical form
Hebrew Language Placement test
Personal Resume/CV
Photographs
Academic Records
Character references (supplied separately and only on
completion and submission of application form and complete
set of enclosures)
Payment of Application fee:
(£35)
with
Application
forms
Website of the
Rothberg
International School
(Hebrew University)
LEA course continuation forms
April to end of
May/early
June
depending on
LEA
Direct to student from
LEA
payable to Friends of HUJ
All information relevant to period of study abroad to be
completed by student i.e., name of institution attended, precise
term/semester and vacation dates, accommodation address [if
known] abroad [note: supply accommodation address to
LEA as soon as known].
Information on income to be provided by parents/partners
[Information on student's eligibility for continuing to period of
study abroad i.e., successful completion of UCL course to date
is supplied to LEAs by the Arts and Humanities Faculty office
once exam results are known].
Application for financial
assistance from the Friends of
early in Spring
term
the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
British Friends of
Hebrew University
[London]
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
13
Record of past employment details
Details of income from all sources
BFHU
Student questionnaire, Jewish
Agency
early in Spring
term
via British Friends of
Hebrew University
[London]
Details of income from all sources
Details/information on previous schooling
2 x photographs
BFHU
Medical form/report
student to
obtain
GP or UCL
Occupational Health
Service
Report on your current state of health to include information on
previous medical records/conditions
ADVICE: take with you
- Prescriptions for current medication
- Prescription for spectacles if worn
Rothberg
Hebrew Language Placement
test
early in Spring
term
Website of the
Rothberg
International School
(Hebrew University)
ADVICE:
- don't leave till the last minute
- the better you do, the higher the class you will be put in so be honest!
- take/retain photocopy of answer sheet
Rothberg
Personal Resume/CV
student to
provide
n/a
ADVICE:
- do as soon as possible: you may prepare this in the form
of a CV and if you have not already done so, call in to
see the HAS Dept. Careers Adviser in the UCL Careers
Service.
- take photocopy/retain on disk for updating on your return
Rothberg
Character references
student to
obtain
see `advice' column
ADVICE:
You must submit 2 character references [although the form
stipulates 3]:
- one reference will be supplied by a member of the
department who knows you best, but only on submission of
completed HUJ Application Form and complete set of
enclosures
- the other reference you must obtain from a person
external to UCL
Rothberg
Photographs
student to
obtain
n/a
ADVICE:
- obtain minimum of 10 passport-size photos [for use with
Rothberg
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
14
forms, ID, activities in Israel]
- write your name on back of each photograph
Ulpan Dorm Reservation
UCL Transcripts
**
early in Spring
term
Early in spring
term
Website of the
Rothberg
International School
(Hebrew University)
ADVICE:
- apply regardless of intention to stay in dorms or not
Examinations Office
UCL (room G6,
ground floor, South
Wing building)
They charge £3 for the transcript and it sometimes takes them
1-2 weeks to produce them.
Rothberg
be sure to obtain confirmation of Ulpan dorm reservations
from the Hebrew U.
Rothberg
If you wish to obtain a Character Reference for future use, you should request this from the Head of Undergraduate Studies on conclusion of your time spent in Israel.
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9.
Visa Application
Students will automatically be given a 3-month tourist visa on entering Israel, which will need to
be renewed every 3 months. *
Alternatively you may obtain a one-year student visa from the Ministry of Interior offices in
Jerusalem. For this you will need the following:
-
an open return ticket [see 11 below]
1 x photograph
acceptance letter from the Hebrew University
address of either dorm or residence in Israel
passport
*While in Israel, it is possible - for a charge - to get your Visa renewed at the Ministry of
Interior offices in Shlomozion Hamalka Street.
10.
Passport
At the earliest opportunity make sure you have a valid passport and that this will cover you for
the duration of your stay. Remember you will need a valid passport in order to apply for your
visa and passports take much longer to process - particularly if it is left until the start of the
summer.
11.
Travel arrangements and Insurance
Shop around for best buys on flights and obtain 3/4 quotes before purchasing your ticket.
Returning students have suggested you may wish to consult the following for further information
but please note they are suggestions only - not recommendations:
Pall Mall Travel – telephone 020 8905 5005
STA travel [ULU - University of London Union] in Malet Street
West End Travel, Israel Dept., [tel 020 7629 6299] opposite Debenhams in Oxford St
Trailfinders, Kensington High Street [020 7937 1234]
Whoever you consult, ask for quotes with and without travel insurance (see below).
You are advised to consider:
•
getting an 'open' ticket - even dated unsuitably - as it is possible to change this, for a
fee, in Israel [not London]
•
travelling via another European city [sometimes cheaper]
•
your date of arrival: although it's possible to arrive on the date of registration you are
likely to encounter luggage hassles, disorientation and misery!
•
establishing a contact in Israel and arriving a day or two before registration
•
faxing the Hebrew U to inform them of your early arrival: Hebrew U in turn will advise on
procedure to follow including early accommodation
Insurance
Fully comprehensive insurance - which covers full health care, travel arrangements, personal
belongings, cost of return trip to the UK in cases of emergency - is absolutely essential.
See more detailed information in the "What You Need to Know” Preparatory Guide for Students
Abroad in 2005-2006 under 7.6, page 19.
12.
Personal Financial Arrangements
Before you go give careful thought to plan the best way to access your personal finances. Apart
from an amount of cash you will need to take with you and the form in which this cash should be
taken, think about how you may need to access cash on a regular basis. You should bear in
mind that in Israel
banking is not free - every financial transaction undertaken through a bank carries a fee
student accounts are not available to foreign students
Hebrew & Jewish Studies, UCL, Year Abroad Guide 2014.doc
16
personal cheques are not acceptable
and that
transfers/bankers drafts incur charges: the `despatching' bank normally charges in the
region of a minimum of £18 + a few pence per £100 transferred and the `receiving'
bank will also include a charge [variable according to the amount transferred and
location].
You may wish to consider the following:
•
consulting your UK [student account] bank for advice well before you leave and
keeping money in this account
•
if contemplating using, say, a named credit card only [as opposed to opening a bank
account] take the precaution of arranging direct debits with your bank to cover use of
your card
•
"money is a hassle in Israel: be prepared to accept hassles and waiting times"
•
always keep dollars on you for emergencies or tiyulim
•
dollars are not withdrawable from your foreign currency until you leave - take note!
changing shekels for use is expensive
12.1
Banking
- maintain a student account in the UK
- think about opening an account in London before you depart: Bank
Hapoalim/Discount/Leumi all have offices in London.
- think about what currency to deposit? dollars, pounds, shekels [check fees for
transfer]
- ask about Pakam [interest bearing account: good rates, renewable periods of deposit
as low as one month] or normal account, or both [note monthly charges]
- consider commission charges: transfer to Israel from England, transfer from foreign
currency to shekels, monthly fees
Note: if you take all you money with you, keep it in a high interest account and arrange
for so much to be transferred to an ordinary account each month. The money you lose
in ordinary account charges will be made up in interest from high interest account.
Note: in Israel banks are shut in the afternoon, so check opening times
12.2
Cash
- if you have student account in England, no charge for currency exchange
- take dollars and shekels
- no VAT for US dollars, nor refundable
- Official "Changepoint" [Bureau de Change equivalent] offers no commission
exchanges
- also possible to change at the "Kent" stand in Zion Square for no commission
12.3
Travellers cheques
- free with student account, but fee to sell them in Israel including bank charge
- if registering at HUJ in Israel, pay all fees in travellers cheques.
12.4
Postal payments
- need an account in Israel
- find different methods, e.g. wiring money or slow mail payment
- note fees on its arrival
- easiest and safe
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12.5
Bankers drafts [see also note at 12 above]
- good for fees [and accommodation]
- BUT NOTE using one large draft rather than a number of smaller drafts is preferable
and cheaper
- safe and simple
Note: bank fees
Note: if deposited into your own account there is a fee
12.6
Credit cards
- note: essential if you do not have a bank account in Israel or if you are travelling
abroad e.g., Egypt and Jordan.
- if using credit cards DEPOSIT MONEY INTO CARD ACCOUNT TO KEEP LIQUID
or arrange direct debit with your bank for credit card use
- important
- VISA most common
- possible to withdraw from machines, but note 1.5% fee and bad rates
- not acceptable to University
- good for books, records etc.,
- Barclaycard free for all students and gives best conditions
- Midland cards are expensive to use overseas, but student account is very attractive
- notify banks of your address for statements
- note: they accept reverse charge phonecalls [Govai'na]
13.
Climate/Clothing
Bear in mind that while summers in Israel are very hot, winters can be very cold so do take
warm clothing with you [which you can bring back to London if you return mid-year]. Clothing
prices in Israel vary but the best deals may be obtained in Jerusalem [near the Shuk].
SECTION II - ON ARRIVAL/WHILE IN ISRAEL
14.
UCL Representatives on Campus
At the moment, we have no UCL representative at the campus.
15.
Emergency contacts while in Israel
In an emergency your first point of contact should be Dr Willem Smelik [Tel: 020 7679 7171, email willem.smelik@ucl.ac.uk or fax: 020 7209 1026]
16.
Airport to University
- try to arrive as a group and be met at the airport by a madrich, but arrange by fax early
- before arriving, find out where to go to deposit luggage
- at airport, take Sherut/"Nesher" direct to University
- Buses from airport to central bus station take up to 1 hour and luggage is a hassle, as it is
necessary to change at central bus station to go to University
- note Givat Ram campus and dorms is at different location to Mount Scopus dorms
17.
Registration
- arrive as early as possible for registration at the Rothberg International School and try
not to take luggage with you - rather try to leave it with the madrich. However, if this is
not possible there are facilities for temporary left luggage at the Rothberg
International School. Please note: that from 1997 the registration procedure will
be completed by the Friends of Hebrew University [London] office. Check for details on
020 7691 1478.
- transport: buses 9, 23, 26, 28 will stop outside Rothberg school [before University], one stop
after Hadassah hospital; buses leave from Bus Station or, preferably, King George Street or
Jaffa Street [23]; if there are, say, 4 students - cheaper to get taxi
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18.
Summer ULPAN
Ulpan is:
heavy workload, very intense and daily, except Shabbat and some Fridays. If you are
not living at the campus (which is the most comfortable option), be prepared to wake up
around 7.00 am to travel to other side of town by bus to Rothberg School. Afternoons
are free but prepare to study for next day's work. Ulpan is good fun socially - includes
out of class activities such as singing, computer work, conversation, language labs etc.
accommodation - very uncomfortable and that at Givat Ram is much poorer than Mt
Scopus but more fun! You have to share a room so if you want to share with anyone in
particular you should either make this known at dorm registration or inform the dorm
office earlier of the details. Nothing is provided so take sleeping bag and pillow.
Note: if you want a room of your own, privacy, a decent kitchen and bathroom
or to be in the centre of town, you should look for `outside dorms'
accommodation. It's not difficult to find someone to share with but it will be
much more expensive.
Consult madrichim on where to go to find
accommodation but you should also note that private accommodation is
usually without furniture and there are high expenses, e.g. taxes.
19.
-
kitchen facilities: use of small shared fridge, food available on campus or below
Botanical Gardens' supermarket and pizzeria and from the Jerusalem "Machane
Yehuda" market [very cheap]. Note: important to take a padlock [for fridge] and
some basic utensils [utensils can be purchased from the market]
-
books: can be purchased at the "Academon" store on either campus - good stores and
possible to pay by VISA
-
communication: you may consider the purchase of an Israeli SIM card for your mobile
phone. Do tell the Year Abroad Tutor and Administrators at which numbers you can be
reached, whether mobile phone or the phone locally at the accommodation you share.
Get to know your madrich - good for help, advice or company.
What to expect from the Rothberg International School
Your workload will depend on the courses taken but most courses are exam based and are of
"middle to high" academic standard. Exams take place at mid and end of each semester.
Remember it is a UCL requirement that 75% of your courses must be related to Hebrew and
Jewish Studies. These courses may include e.g. Arabic, other Semitic languages, Near
Eastern Studies, Archaeology of the region but may not include Creative Writing, English
Literature etc. If in any doubt at all about course selection contact your Year Abroad Tutor
before registering. Likewise, if you have queries on personal study requirements, do sort these
out before you leave for Israel.
Internships, which can be fun and highly instructive, are accepted by UCL, with some
conditions. If you want the internship to count for your credits, you need a letter grade at the end
of the internship. The Hebrew University has stated the following: "Those students can opt to
submit a 10-page research paper centered on a topic related to their internship experience, in
order to earn a letter grade for the course." If you don't want to submit such an essay, you can
take still take the internship as an additional course without credit, as long as you have enough
credits beforehand.
You'll need to budget for books, dictionaries, stationery [paper, of which you'll need plenty,
expensive in Israel] and office supplies. All of this is cheaper at the Academon if you have a
student union card. "Readers" are available and worth buying.
Course outlines are available on the Internet. Look for the Rothberg International
School page! You may also take courses at the Hebrew University, which are taught in
Hebrew.
There is a difference in the atmosphere of the Rothberg International School and the University
proper. There'll be lots of social contact in the former!
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20.
Transport
-
21.
buy a monthly "Chofshi/Chodshi" [like a travel card and very reasonable]
Intercity travel is cheaper with student card
get timetable and bus map [excellent] from central Bus Station for all Jerusalem buses
don't buy single travel tickets!
Taxis are good if with a group but more expensive late at night and if you cannot
haggle, demand a metered drive (usually cheaper than a fixed price unless you haggle)
Food
-
Excellent and inexpensive food to be found in cafeterias of Hebrew U and Rothberg
School - worth trying, especially the Falafel in Humanities cafe!
supermarkets are expensive but good quality
street markets are cheap with a large variety of fresh and frozen foods - Shuk/market
[on Jaffa Street] cheapest for fruit and veg.
Falafel bars are excellent, filling and cheap [take-away falafel/pizza is handy]
Note: cost of food varies radically. How well have you learned your Hebrew numbers?!
22.
Entertainment and Leisure
Trips: a good way of seeing best part of the country is taking a few trips organised by the OSA
[much cheaper than most other organisations]. Costs vary [worth paying in US $ if possible or
use points] and though trips are well organised it's worth taking a sleeping bag and water
canteen with you. As an alternative to OSA, join the Bet Hillel House Hiking Club, which offers
better hiking, Israeli guides and reduces the need to mix with young Americans.
Cinema: worthwhile buying a one-year [from date of purchase] Cinemateque ticket. There are
special rates for students at the start of term and the ticket gives free entry to regular cinema.
23.
Computers/e-mail
The Rothberg International School has its own computer cluster room. Where possible, take
your own notebook computer.
24.
Planning your Workload
See the information available online at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/internationalstudents/current-students/ucl-students-abroad/ (and in particular the current UCL Study Abroad
Handbook).
25.
Personal Security
See the information online at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/internationalstudents/current-students/ucl-students-abroad/ (and in particular the current UCL Study Abroad
Handbook).
26.
Attendance Monitoring
See the information online at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/internationalstudents/current-students/ucl-students-abroad/ (and in particular the UCL Study Abroad
Handbook 2014/15).
Note: You are required to complete the attendance forms, obtain the signature and stamp of
authority of the Rothberg International School, and return to UCL. Failure to return completed
attendance forms will render you ineligible to enrol for your UCL final year. Attendance forms, of
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20
which you should take photocopies, are contained in the “What you need to know” Preparatory
Guide for Students Abroad.
27.
Evaluation
Evaluation questionnaires must be completed by you in full and returned to the Year Abroad
Tutor by the end of the first week in September 2014 at the latest. As for the return of
attendance forms, failure to complete and return the evaluation questionnaire by the specified
deadline will render you ineligible to enroll for your Final-year. The questionnaire can be
found at the back of the “What You Need to Know” preparatory guide.
SECTION III - ON RETURN TO UCL
28.
Personal Assessment, Careers Advice,
Advice for Departing Students
For the above, please refer the information online at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/international-students/current-students/ucl-students-abroad/ (and in particular the
current UCL Study Abroad Handbook).
.
The information contained in this handbook is correct at the time of going to
press, but no guarantee can be given that it will not be amended before the
start of, or during, the session to which it refers.
March 2014
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29.
Student Statement
Department of Hebrew and Jewish Studies
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT
Tel: 020-7679 7171 • Fax: 020-7209 1026
Email: jewish.studies@ucl.ac.uk
Year Abroad Programme 2014/2015
Student Statement
I attended the meetings with the Year Abroad Tutor and I was fully informed at these
meeting of the conditions of my Year Abroad Programme at the Rothberg
International School of the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, during the academic year
2014/2015.
I agree to abide by the following:
1. I will return to England immediately if the Foreign Office requires British subjects
in Israel to do so.
2. I agree to abide by all local security advice and regulations in Israel, as detailed
in the document attached to this statement.
3. I understand that if I have to return to England before the end of the Year Abroad,
UCL does not guarantee to pay any extra air fare or air fare surcharges.
4. I agree to abide by the accommodation arrangements made by the Rothberg
School, and to live in the campus dormitories throughout my Year Abroad stay in
Israel.
5. I shall report regularly to the Year Abroad Tutor at UCL and shall follow his
advice.
I, the undersigned, have read and understood this statement and its implications,
and I undertake to abide by it.
NAME ____________________
DATE ______________________
SIGNED ___________________
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