University of Haifa

Programs Offered: Students with Hebrew language ability are welcome to take courses from any department at the university, but UoH's International School offers a wide variety of courses taught in English, including Anthropology, Arabic Language & Culture, Business, Communications, Economics, English Language & Literature, Fine Arts, Hebrew Language & Culture, History, Holocaust Studies, Israel & Middle East Studies, Law, Peace & Conflict Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Religious & Jewish Studies, Sociology, and more.

Exchange students are expected to take 12-18 UoH credits (typically 3-5 courses) per semester. 3 UoH credits = 3 UCalgary units (1 half course equivalent)

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters. The Fall semester runs from early October to early January and the Spring semester runs from mid-February to late May. Some Fall courses may offer final exams in December, and so it may be possible to complete the Fall semester early.

Exchange students to UoH are guaranteed housing in one of two university dormitories. Rent is charged per semester and typically ranges from $1575-2025 USD.

The Federman Dorms are apartments with three double bedrooms and shared bathroom & kitchen. 
The Talia Dorms are apartments with six single bedrooms (each with private bathroom) and shared kitchen.

Both types of dormitory are single-sex and include a combination of exchange and Israeli students. Students may apply for either dorm although space is allotted first-come-first-served. 

This exchange is only open to regular, full-time students who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).

Haifa has specific forms that references need to be submitted on. Please do not approach your professor for a reference until after you have been accepted by our office. Two references are required.

Do I have to speak Hebrew?

Courses in UoH's International School are taught in English. All other departments at the university teach in Hebrew, so students who have Hebrew language ability are welcome to take courses from outside the International School.

What's so special about this city?

The third-largest city of Israel, Haifa mirrors its university campus community, exhibiting a multifaceted range of natural and urban sites, modern and traditional districts, as well as a population of over 270,000 ranging from numerous ethnic and cultural backgrounds. With its interlocked zones demonstrating co-existance of different religious sites and former European colonies, Haifa is often considered an outstanding symbol of tolerance. It is a physically beautiful city containing many artistic sites dedicated to different cultures, and its large port and beaches make it a highly active centre of international commerce.

What resources are available for students?

UoH's International School runs orientation events at the start of each semester. There are also thorough orientation packages and information available online under "admissions". 

Haifa has an accessibility and learning disabilities department and accommodations provided at UCalgary are likely to also be available at Haifa. Formal request for accommodation happens in the partner application. There is also a counselling unit. 

They also provide a social program

What safety precautions are required?

Please read the following Safety Message provided by the University of Haifa.

"As you consider an exchange experience in Israel, the issue of security is undoubtedly on your and your family's minds. First and foremost, know that the welfare of our students is our highest priority. It is an unfortunate fact that we have had to adjust ourselves to difficult times here in Israel, but we have learned to deal with them calmly and professionally.

"The International School staff has many years of experience making sure that our students live and study in safety and return home enriched by their time here. The University of Haifa's campus is set on a quiet spot on top of Mount Carmel on the edge of Haifa. The University employs special security guards who check every individual coming into campus and who patrol the campus grounds. Entrance to the dormitory complex is limited to those with a dorm ID card, and a guard is on duty 24 hours-a-day, 7 days a week. This facilitates a secure and relaxed atmosphere where students can focus on their studies.

"We also require that all students have an Israeli cell phone number while enrolled in our programs. The University of Haifa has signed a contract with Talk'N'Save, providing students with a plan that offers reduced rates on international calls and inexpensive rates to other Haifa students on the same plan. In addition, the University of Haifa will be able to send text messages to all students on the plan automatically, meaning you will be automatically updated about safety and security issues as well as announcements regarding classroom changes, class cancellations, etc.

"All aspects of our social program, including trips around Israel, are coordinated with the security authorities, thus allowing students to see the country in the safest possible way. During orientation at the beginning of each semester, students will receive an updated list of security instructions. These instructions will include information about measures students can take to keep themselves safe, parts of Israel where students are not allowed to travel, and what to do in case of an emergency. These instructions change from semester to semester and all students enrolled in the International School are required to abide by these instructions. Failure to abide by the security instructions may result in dismissal from the International School."