Setting: Mini group session consisting of one adviser & five students: 1) an "Handassai" (two year post-secondary Engineering Technology track who is a US-Israeli citizen, 2) a student with a MA in Clinical Psychology who wants to go on for a doctoral pro
gram (married), 3) a student with an BS in Math investigating the possibility of an MBA or MSc/PhD in Computer Science (sports scholarships), 4) a student who wants a short-term program up to 2 years - not a degree and 5) a student not sure of subject but
thinking of law, medicine or veterinary medicine.
The adviser welcomes students to the EIS and explains function of office to provide objective information and reference material on the over 3,000 post-secondary schools/universities, both public and private, in the USA. She explains that since each has v
aried programs and requirements, it is important to research all possibilities well in advance to decide if study in the USA is really appropriate and to find the best choices. (microfiche, videos, reference books by subject are shown to the viewer).
If you are interested in post-doctoral research, correspondence studies or short-term or English courses in the U.S.A. of less than 2 months, you do not need to view this video. However, those wishing to study any subject for more than 60 days in the U.S.
should continue watching. U.S. citizens should also watch.
1. ADVISER TO STUDENTS: WE WON'T BE ABLE TO DISCUSS ALL FIELDS OF STUDY AVAILABLE, BUT LET'S HEAR WHAT FIELDS AND LEVEL OF STUDY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN STUDYING IN THE STATES:
** 1. I'm an electronics "handassai". I'd like to know how long it will take me to complete my BSc and what courses will be recognized from my diploma here?
- An undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) usually lasts four years; the first two years include general studies and offer you time to decide on your major. - Undergraduate transfers (students who already have some post-secondary education): Your previous record
may/may not be recognized and you must negociate directly with the department chairperson of each school you apply to. A final decision may only be made after you arrive on campus.
** 2a. I don't want to study for a degree. Where could I study something like acting or music for a year or two?
- Many institutions, i.e. professional/trade schools, community colleges and universities offer short-term non-degree programs which may last from three months up to two years but do not lead to a BA. Short-term courses may be technical, vocational or aca
demic in nature and various subjects such as English language, tourism, acting, culinary arts and jazz (just to name a few) can be studied. At the end of such a program, students receive either a certificate, diploma or AA degree. You can find out more in
fo from Peterson's "Guide to Certificate Programs" and "Two-Year college Guide".
** 2b. What's the difference between a college and a university?
Basically none; these terms are used for institutions granting at least four year degree. But when you say "community college", you refer to a school offering maximum of two years of study in non/pre-academic oriented programs in various fields. Student r
eceive an AA/AS diploma, but not a BA. You may or may not be able to transfer these studies to a four year institution to complete a BA. For more information on this type of program, please contact our office to arrange an appointment after watching this
tape. (show Peterson's two year colleges)
** 3. I have a BSc in Math. Is it possible to do either an MBA or MS/PhD in Math/Computer science?
- Most probably yes. Most BA's who have work experience are acceptable for admission to an MBA. Master's degrees are mostly geared towards professional fields (MBA, MSW, MFA). They usually take two years to complete, but some one year programs exist. Most
graduate programs in the humanities, social sciences and applied sciences are geared directly towards a PhD. You may or may not get an MA along the way. It is best to check details with catalogs in our office and with the departments directly.
** 4. I have an MA in Clinical Psychology and want to go on for a PhD. Will courses from my MA be recognized and how long will it take to complete a doctorate?
- A PhD usually takes an average of six years or more after a BA. You may or may not be given partial credit for your partial/full Master's courses/degree. You must negociate with the department upon arrival on campus.
** 5. I'm not sure of major, but I may like to study Law/Medicine/Veterniary medicine this year. What are my chances?
- Certain fields are studied differently than in Israel. i.e. Medicine/Law can only be studied after a 4-year BA/BSc preferably done in the US and last another 3-4 years after the undergraduate degree. These are extremely competitive fields for foreign st
udents to be admitted to and priority is given to qualified US citizens. If you had an LLB, your chances for acceptance to an LLM would be much greater.
** 6. What is the approach to study at American schools?
Probably different than what you're used to here. Less time is spent in the classroom, more time is needed outside class for heavy reading assignments (400-1,000 pages a month) and papers due every month. A strong command of English is essential to cope w
ith these demands. Class participation and attendance is important for both undergraduate and graduate students. There is no "Moed Bet" for exams. Final exams are given once at the end of each semester during a one week period. If a subject is failed, it
must be repeated the following semester.
** 7. When do I begin applying?
- It is important to begin 12 to 18 months ahead of your planned study date. The US school year begins towards the end of August/early September and lasts until the end of May, if based on a semester system. There may be mid-year admissions (January/Febru
ary) but not in all departments and at all levels. Early deadlines beginning end November in some schools to March in others demand early planning and correspondence. A detailed timetable for planning can be found in our packages which are on sale at the
receptionist's desk.
** 8. How much does it cost to study in the States?
BREAKDOWN: (for 9 months based on 1994-95 figures) Tuition (public/private) $5,000-$17,500
Additional expenses: $8000-$19,000 for university fees, books, health insurance (single/married), housing, food, incidentals.
Overall total costs for a 9-month academic year based on 1994-95 figures: Single: $13,000-$35,000 Married: $18,000-$45,000
You are expected to prove that you can meet these total costs for each year by providing two letters of proof of funds, one to the university to which you are applying and one to the counsul in order to obtain your student visa.
"Hidden" costs: 1)Travel to and from the USA and within USA, 2) 3 months summer food and housing, clothing, 3) settling-in costs, 4) About 10% yearly increase in tuition due to academic inflation.
** 9. Are any scholarships available for international students?
There are hardly any scholarships available from universities for international undergraduate students. Some possibility for scholarships from universities to graduate students exists but this is very competitive and based almost always on merit only. The
re are better chances for PhDs than MAs. Most scholarships do not cover full expenses and may not be available from the first year of study.
** 10. What about scholarships from outside sources?
- Check our bulletin board for announcements. - Graduate students should contact their academic secretaries here at universities for details of other grants; - Qualified Israeli students intending to pursue a PhD program in the United States are invited t
o contact our office for further information on our Fulbright Scholarship. Applications are available on December 1st each year (approximately 10 months before intended year of academic study) - Various funding reference books and read files in our office
provide more suggestions, although you must keep in mind that most entries in these books are geared to the US citizen. - Limited scholarships in the visual or performing arts may be available to talented students on both an undergraduate and graduate le
vel. ** 11. I play tennis. Are there any sports scholarships available?
- Sports scholarships are also available for talented sportsmen/women. (Reference books -Lovejoy's on athletic scholarships; Peterson's Sports Scholarship Guide.)
** 12. I'm a U.S. citizen as well. Is it better to apply as an Israeli or American?
- You're a US citizen educated abroad and are entitled to apply for all benefits as is any American. Ask our adviser for special books on financial aid possibilities for you. ("Foundation grants to Individuals", Grants for Graduate Study)
- For all those interested in financial assistance, it is important to research scholarship possibilties one year ahead of planned study date and to apply to various programs well before you have been accepted to a university.
** 13. What do I send universities in my first correspondence?
In most cases, it's enough to send only the Request for Application Material (RAM) form included in your package without any documents. Each school will then send you an application packet with forms and detailed instructions on what documents it requires
and how they want translations done.
** 14a. What documents MAY be required for admission to BA?:
** 14b. And for an MA/PhD?
Undergraduates, Graduates:
High school grades from 9-12th grades
BA/MA diplomas/transcripts
Full "Bagrut" (Israeli matriculation)
3 letters of recommendation
Transfers:
University transcripts/ Work/research/teaching grades experience
Personal essay
Essay on proposed study plans
Portfolio (students in the arts)
Portfolio (students in the arts)
University application fees = $20-$100
Proof of financial resources for 1-4 years (as mentioned above), first year at least
Written information is included in a pre-admissions package available as part of our all inclusive membership fee of NIS 100.- or by individual purchase at NIS 10.-.
** 15. What examinations are needed? When and how do I register? (chart)
Various tests may be required; it depends on your intended degree. All examinations are multiple choice, in English, given in Israel certain dates throughout out the year. Registration is done directly through the testing companies in the USA and payment
is in US dollars. If you have any questions on registration or follow up procedures, contact ETS in Princeton, New Jersey, directly and please do NOT contact USIEF in Tel Aviv. Full details on dates, costs and registration procedures are available in you
r packages of information. We also sell the official ETS and College Board preparatory study material for all examinations.
Here's a brief summary of the various tests which may be required, depending on the degree you wish to pursue and the specific requirements of the university or department:
- TOEFL: test of English language proficiency, required of ALL BA/MA/PhD students and many non-degree programs as well. It is a not psychometric examination . It covers grammar, vocabulary, usage. - SAT I: Psychometric exam - required of many undergraduat
es and some "transfers". Covers US high school level English and math. - SAT II: test of an undergraduate student's knowledge in specific subjects. Required by some universities. - GMAT: psychometric exam covering English and math required of MBA/DBA grad
uate students. - GRE general: Psychometric exam covering English, quantitative skills required of most graduates in fields other than business. - GRE subject: test of graduate student's knowledge in certain field. May be required by a department
** 16. How do I choose a university?
- We suggest writing to 10-15 schools for initial information by using our Reuqest for Application Material form. Your selection factors should be to consider the appropriate: - field of interest - work with our reference books - tuition as mentioned ab
ove - geographic preference (financial considerations - refer to monthly maintenance estimates available in packages) - universities which must be generally accredited and perhaps professionally accredited in your field (such as ABET, NAAB,
medicine, law, physical therapy, clinical psychology , etc.) - academic level of program/university
** 17. How do I obtain a student visa?
- Only upon proof of acceptance by a university based on complete academic and financial documents will a school send you a document called an "I-20" or "IAP-66". This usually is sent to you one or two months before you are scheduled to begin studies. You
apply through your travel agent or to the visa section of the American Embassy (please check visa section reception hours directly with US Embassy) together with the I-20/IAP-66 and copies of proof financial support. Remember that an I-20 or IAP-66 does
not automatically guarantee receipt of a visa. The Consul weighs a student's intent to return to Israel after completing his/her studies before issuing a student visa.
- Student visas are only granted for full-time studies (degree or non-degree), not part-time.
- Short-term non-degree programs and English courses lasting more than 60 days also require a student visa and proof of finances, just like academic programs.
** 18. I have an indefinite tourist visa. Is this enough to study in the USA?
- No. You cannot study in the States on a tourist visa, even an indefinite one. You must apply for a student visa before you leave Israel.
** 19. I'm planning a trip to the US soon. Can I get my student visa there?
- No. Student visas cannot be obtained within the USA from someone who enters as a tourist. They must be issued outside the USA. It is most convenient to get your visa in Israel from the U.S. Embassy.
** 20. I'm married. Can my spouse or I work on a student visa?
In general, dependents of students are not allowed to work in the US. According to present visa regulations, after one year of study, students may be able to work off campus up to 20 hours a week but nothing can be guaranteed or arranged ahead of time. Fo
r further information on visa regulations, please consult with an adviser and with the information provided in our pre-admissions information packages.
Conclusion:
Applying to colleges and universities in the US is a long process that involves planning well in advance. It is fairly expensive to receive a higher education, and there are very few chances for scholarships for undergraduates. Some limited funding is ava
ilable for qualified graduate students, but competition is high. A strong academic background is required, together with a good knowledge of English. Undergraduate studies take four years instead of three years as in Israel. There are limited work opportu
nities for international students.
- You must decide if study in the US is really appropriate for you,and if the same education couldn't be gotten here locally.
- For those qualified students, study in the United States can be a very positive, rewarding and challenging experience.
- We suggest that you review the information on this video/script carefully before consulting with our advisers. You are welcome to see this tape/read this information as many times as you wish.
- Remember to refer to our information packet which contains much of the information discussed in this tape.
After viewing this tape or reading this script, if you need additional information, please refer to the written information on our new Membership Services. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us Monday through Thursday between 08:00 - 1500
at: 03-5172131 to arrange an appointment to become member of our Educational Information Service.
The U.S.-Israel Educational Foundation (Fulbright Foundation in Israel) wishes you good luck and looks forward to seeing you soon!
Prepared by Evelyn Levinson Director, Educational Information Service
U.S.-Israel Educational Foundation (USIEF) Tel Aviv, Israel
Telephone: 972-3-5172131
Fax: 972-3-5162016
E-mail: elevinson@fulbright.org.il
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