IN JERUSALEM
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| | ON-LINE APPLICATION | | | ACADEMIC COURSES | | | SUMMER 2008 | | | YEAR PROGRAM | | | DISCOVER JERUSALEM SEMESTER | | | ALUMNI E-NEWS | | | NEW: AUDIO CLIPS | | |
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 Insurance Students must have proof of healthcare coverage in order to enroll at the CY. Some American plans will extend coverage while clients are abroad. Otherwise, good coverage is available in Israel for students for approximately $1/day; no residence visa is required. You can easily obtain this coverage when you arrive in Jerusalem; the CY office can provide the necessary information. Passports and Visas You will need a valid passport (from home) and visa (from Israel) to study at the CY. Either a student or tourist visa can work, and neither will affect aliyah rights. Former students have found the student visa a bit easier to deal with if you can get to an Israeli Consulate before you come. It's good for a year. Always call the Consulate before you go, to confirm what documents you'll need. One document you will need is a letter of enrollment from the CY. If you do not get a student visa prior to your arrival, you are automatically granted a three month tourist visa when you enter the country. When it expires you will need to obtain a student visa at the Ministry of the Interior in Jerusalem, which can be a minor hassle. If you leave Israel for any reason you will receive a new tourist visa upon re-entry. Ulpan Students are encouraged to improve their Hebrew as much as possible before the CY program begins. One way is to arrive early in the summer to participate in ulpan courses and the CY's Summer Program (free for Year Program students.) The CY provides two levels of ulpan as part of our summer program and as part of our year program. Students at level gimel and above are encouraged to explore other ulpan options. Housing & Meals The CY is non-residential; students are responsible for finding their own apartments in Jerusalem. Students find apartments by word of mouth, through bulletin boards, and through flat-hunting services. Some students find apartments ahead of time, while others wait until they arrive in Israel. The most popular service for finding apartments in Jerusalem is www.flathunting.com. Further information on available apartments will be mailed to students who have been accepted to the CY Summer and Year Programs. The CY does not provide meals, but the CY kitchen has plenty of cabinet and drawer space for student use, as well as a refrigerator, microwave, toaster over, stovetop, and hot water. Meals around the large kitchen table are a great time for students to schmooze and relax together. Travel Many students use vacation time to travel around Israel and around the world. Students often travel with the new friends they have made at CY. ISSTA, the international student travel agency, often has good deals for students. A New Culture Israel has a distinctive culture and it can take awhile to used to it. Second year students and the CY staff will be glad to help with the everyday details like banking, restaurants, doctors, etc. One of the best ways to get used to Israel is to involve oneself in the local culture, through friends, family, Gemilut Chesed projects, and the general activities of life. Security To ensure that the CY has the most accurate information regarding security issues in Israel, the office is in regular contact with the Sochnut (Jewish Agency for Israel). Up to date security information is relayed to students in order to keep them informed and aware. Cell Phones Most students find cell phones very useful during their time in Israel. It is possible to arrange cell phone service either before you arrive or after. We suggest you contact the CY before ordering a cell phone because we may have a deal with a cell phone company which could be advantageous for the students. What to Bring It is rarely cold enough in Jerusalem for snow, but you should still bring a warm coat, hat, and scarf and plenty of long pants and layers. Indoors in Jerusalem in winter is usually colder than you would be used to at home. On the other hand, you will need plenty of T-shirts for the periods of hot weather. Be aware that Israel is an informal place. However, the CY asks students to dress modestly in the Beit Midrash and not to wear short shorts or sleeveless shirts. Women should bring long skirts, as there are some places in Jerusalem where they are necessary. You should also bring whatever travel/hiking equipment you'll want to use. A sun hat is a must for everyone. A good number of Western toiletry brands are available, though often cost more than at home. If you are attached to a certain product you might want to bring a good supply with you. This is particularly true for prescription medicines. Disposable razors, shaving cream, deodorant, sunblock, sanitary supplies, contact lens supplies, cold and headache medicines, batteries and film are particularly expensive in Israel. Hebrew books are much more affordable in Israel, while English books and Hebrew/English books are much more expensive. A list of suggested books will be sent to incoming students. If you already have them, bring them with you. If you already own have a siddur, tallit, tefillin and a mahzor, bring them with you. If you don't own them or don't know what they are, don't despair. You can get anything you want here and we will be glad to help. If you have your housing arranged before you arrive, check to see what comes with the apartment (e.g. bedding) so that you don't pack unnecessary items. Electricity in Israel is 220 volts so regular North American appliances do not work here. An aliyah shaliach can provide you with a handout on electrical appliances. Check to find the shaliach nearest to you. http://www.aliyah.org/aliyah_offices.html For More Information... We are happy to give you any advice and assistance we can. Upon acceptance, you will receive a packet of information including details about how to get settled in Jerusalem and how to plan in advance for your time here. If you have questions in the meantime, however, feel free to contact us. Please feel free to be in touch with our student and alumni contacts to ask them your questions about the CY. |
