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Haifa: University of Haifa (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Sara Paliga Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Dormitory
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate Type of Program: Direct Enrollment
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Hebrew Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Anthropology, Arabic, Communications, Global Studies, History, Internship, Jewish Studies, Literature, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Click here for a definition of this term Research: Yes
Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review for regular courses in the International School
  • 3.2 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review for the Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies and the Psychology Track
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

The program is a direct enrollment program that is available for the spring semester or the full academic year. Students take all of their coursework directly at the University of Haifa and on-site support is provided by the UH International School. Courses in the International School are taught in English by faculty from a variety of departments within the University of Haifa. Both Hebrew and Arabic language courses are also offered during the semester.

Intensive Hebrew Ulpan

Students can enroll in an optional introductory intensive Hebrew Ulpan prior to the start of the semester. The Ulpan does have an additional cost, so it is not required, but is strongly encouraged. Read more about the Hebrew Intensive Winter Program on the University of Haifa website. 

Internship

For students interested in combining an internship with their Study Abroad program, the International School offers them the opportunity to integrate career-related internships with their studies during their time on campus. Internships are available in a variety of fields. The internship awards 3 credits and entails a total of ten hours weekly at placement. There is an additional fee to participate in an internship.

See the program Budget Sheet for information about the additional fees for the Ulpan and internship. 

Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies and the Psychology Track

Students with a 3.2 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application can apply to participate in the the Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies or the Psychology Track 

Psychology Track

Two elective psychology courses are offered each semester, as listed in University of Haifa's course catalog. Students in the International School are able to take part in these courses without applying for the Psychology Track.

Only those students who are majoring in psychology, and wish to do the Mentored Independent Research, need to apply to the Psychology Track. They must have a 3.2 grade point average or the equivalent, and need to have taken psychology courses beyond the introductory level. 

The Mentored Research in a Psychological Science Laboratory is a unique and intensive experiential learning doing research in one of UH's psychological science laboratories amd provides students with an exceptional opportunity rarely accessible in the context of study abroad programs. Students are matched, based on their interests, with a faculty mentor, and then conduct supervised research in that mentor's laboratory. In the context of this mentored independent research, students are typically integrated into an existing research project, or, together with their Faculty Advisor, develop a novel independent project. In addition to completing the mandatory hours (10 hours per week = 3 credits), students are required to write a final paper summarizing their work. For more information, visit the Psychology Track website. 

Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies

The Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies is an interdisciplinary program which focuses on cultural, economic, educational, historical, political, psychological, religious, and social aspects of conflict resolution and peace efforts. The program brings together international students in order to use Israel as a laboratory for examining issues relating to regional and geopolitical conflicts, and the pursuit of peace.

Students are required to take the Honors Seminar as well as at least one Political Science elective course in a related field. Students can also choose an Internship that relates to peace and conflict management. 

Admission to the Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies is selective and is open to undergraduate students who are currently studying in Departments of Peace and Conflict Studies or related programs at their home universities, as well as students of Political Science, International Relations, Middle East Studies, and Law.

To be admitted to the program, students must have a 3.2-grade point average or the equivalent and must have taken courses in peace and conflict studies and related fields beyond the introductory level. For more information, visit the Honors Program in Peace and Conflict Studies website. 

Please note U.S. citizens who study in Israel will be required to travel to the Consulate General of Israel in New York City to apply for a visa in-person prior to the start of the program and should budget for travel costs accordingly.

Dates

Academic Year: early October - late May
Spring: mid February - late May

Students who enroll in the optional introductory Ulpan will have an earlier start date. Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Haifa is Israel's third largest city and extends from the Mediterranean Sea up the north slope of Mount Carmel. A busy international port city, Haifa is known for its fast-growing high-tech industry and ethnic and religious diversity. World center of the Bahá'í faith, Haifa’s cultural tapestry also includes Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities and the neighboring Druze villages. The city’s most iconic sites are the immaculately landscaped terraces of the Bahá'í Gardens and, at their heart, the gold-domed Shrine of the Báb. At the foot of the gardens lies the German Colony, with shops, galleries and restaurants in 19th-century buildings. Residents enjoy concerts, theater, museums, clubs, cafés, beaches, and easy access to the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem.

The University is situated atop Mount Carmel, where Haifa’s southern boundary verges on the Carmel National Park, providing a picturesque natural campus landscape where over 18,000 students come to study for their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Anthropology, Arabic, Communications, Global Studies, History, Internship, Jewish Studies, Literature, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Course Listings

To find courses at the University of Haifa, follow the instructions on the host program page.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 12 credits and a maximum number of 16 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
 93-100% A
 90-92% A-
 87-89% B+
 83-86% B
 80-82% B-
 77-79% C+
 73-76% C
 63-66% D
 0-59% F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
 3 Credits  3 Credits
  
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

On-campus housing at the University of Haifa is guaranteed. Students will live in either the Federman Dorms or the Talia Dorms.
  • Federman Dorms have modest apartments with three double rooms and a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space.
  • Talia Dorms have spacious apartments with six single rooms, each room with its own bathroom, and a shared kitchen and living space.
About 1,000 students live in the dorms at the University of Haifa, including students of all social, economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. The dormitory campus is fully integrated with Israeli students. Individual dorm suites may house both Israeli and/or International students.

All apartments in the dorms are single-sex. In your room you will be provided with a single bed, desk, closet, and shelves as well as sheets and blankets (for a single bed), and a pillow. A hotplate and a refrigerator are located in each dorm. 

Located in the dormitories are self-service laundry rooms and a grocery store. All public spaces in the dormitories have WIFI Internet connections. In addition, there is a "moadon" or "club" with a large-screen television which often hosts parties, workshops, lectures, and other activities. 

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Meals are not included in the program and will be organized by the student. The University does not offer meal plans for students. All students living in the dorms have shared kitchens in their suites, with amenities for cooking. Students are able to buy groceries from the mini-market on campus, located near the dorms. Off campus, there are a wide variety of supermarkets in Haifa to choose from as well as the bustling Talpiot Market. Students are also able to take advantage of the vast array of cafes and cafeterias on campus, including many vegetarian and vegan options.
 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Please note U.S. citizens who study in Israel will be required to travel to the Consulate General of Israel in New York City to apply for a visa in-person prior to the start of the program and should budget for travel costs accordingly.

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program Specific Scholarships

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2023 09/10/2022
** 		Rolling Admission TBA TBA
Academic Year 2023-2024 03/01/2023
03/11/2023 TBA TBA
Spring 2024 09/10/2023
** 		Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed