Israel: Tel Aviv University

• Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
• Clean record with the Office of Community Standards and good academic and College standing
• Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• This program has a required advising session (30 minutes) as part of the application process. Please visit our home page to schedule an advising appointment.

How to Apply

Fall 2023

• Aug 13: Arrival at TAU 
• Aug 14: Mandatory Welcome Orientation
• Aug 15: Hebrew Ulpan  
• Sept 5: Mandatory Academic Orientation 
• Sept 11: Last day of Hebrew Ulpan
• Sept 11 - Oct 14: Fall Holiday Vacation 
• Oct 16: Fall Semester First Day of Classes 
• Dec 20: Last Day of Classes 
• Dec 21: Program Ends 

Spring 2023 (Tentative Dates)

• Jan 18: Arrival at TAU 
• Jan 19: Mandatory Orientation
• Jan TBD: Hebrew Placement Exam - online
• Jan 22 - Feb 16: Hebrew Ulpan 
• Feb 17 - Mar 5: Winter Break *Note that Voyage to Medicine students have a mandatory orientation on February 19* 
• Mar 6: Classes Begin 
• Mar 7: Purim Vacation Day 
• May 18: Last Day of Class 
• May 19: Last Day in Dorms

Flight

TAU arranges two optional group flights out of NYC.  Students on these flights are accompanied by TAU staff and are provided with transportation to the dormitories upon arrival. Students who fly independently must travel independently to the dormitories on the arrival date.

Orientation

The program includes general orientation with all international programs at Tel Aviv University, including a post-program social event, a campus tour, and social activities to get to know your peers. Staff members will provide students with information pertaining to all aspects of their TAU experience, including residential life, academic advisement, safety guidelines, and their adjustment to life in Israel.

Visa

U.S. citizens attending the University for the semester may enter Israel on a Tourist Visa. The Tourist Visa is valid for three months, is issued upon arrival in Israel and can be extended once on-site--TAU staff will assist with this process. For general information about the visa process and visas for non-US citizens, see our Passports and Visas Page

Tel Aviv University

Tel Aviv University: Founded in 1956, Tel Aviv University is one of Israel’s premier institutions with 30,000 students, including 1,000 international students, and globally recognized faculty.  Visiting study abroad students are housed within the Overseas Students Program. Classes are taught by faculty from Tel Aviv University. Student support and advising is provided by the staff in the TAU International Office and by RAs, Israeli students who live alongside the visiting students in the dormitory.

Courses

Ulpan Language Study: The semester at Tel Aviv University (TAU) begins with a required intensive language study called an Ulpan.  The Ulpan is available in Hebrew or Arabic and is a required component of the semester at TAU.  It runs for 6 weeks and is worth 6 credits in the fall and runs for 4 weeks and is worth 4 credits in the spring.  TAU allows an exemption only for students who can pass a Hebrew proficiency exam.  During the Ulpan, courses meet five days a week, Sunday-Thursday from 8:30am until 1:00pm with a short break in the middle.

Semester Courses: After the Ulpan, most students will enroll in courses taught in English available through the Overseas Students Program.  These courses are worth 3 credits each and a full load is five courses.  Courses in the Overseas Students Program are with Israeli students and other visiting students, primarily from the US and are offered only four days a week to allow students time for exploration and travel. 

Courses are available in the following academic fields: Jewish Studies, Israel Studies, Management and Economics (two courses), Middle East Studies, Art Studies, Life Science (one course), General—anthropology, sociology, film and culture courses, Hebrew language, and Arabic language.  For a full listing of courses and full course information, please visit the TAU website.  Students with strong Hebrew may take up to two regular, direct enrollment courses with Israeli students. Rollins students also have the option to participate in TAU's specialized programs: the Voyage to Medicine semester program, which has a special focus on healthcare, the Law Study Abroad program, or the Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship program.

Transfer of credit

Courses on this program appear on the Rollins transcript as transfer credit; the grades are displayed and are factored into the Rollins GPA.  It can take up to three months for grades to be processed and appear on the Rollins transcript. For information on approving courses for major/minor and General Education/rFLA requirements, and other academic policies, please visit our Academic Information page.

Housing

Visiting students all live in the new Broshim Dormitories conveniently located within walking distance from the Tel Aviv University campus. In the new complex designed especially for international students, students will enjoy a shared apartment in double occupancy rooms. All Broshim living spaces are furnished and contain a kitchenette, bathroom, WIFI, A/C and heating, and cable TV. In addition, on the Broshim premises, students have easy access to a self-service pay laundry facility, a student lounge, a full-size grocery store, a café, and more. The following items are not supplied by TAU: blankets, pillows, towels, kitchen utensils and household goods.

Meals

There is no inclusive meal plan at Tel Aviv University. Students cook for themselves in shared kitchens.  There are several supermarkets nearby, as well as shops that sell prepared foods. University subsidized cafeterias on campus serve excellent kosher meals at very reasonable prices.

Activities

The popular TAU Buddy program pairs visiting and Israeli students.  A background in Hebrew is not typically needed to participate in the Buddy program as most Israeli students speak some English and all visiting students will have a foundation in Hebrew after participating in the Ulpan.  TAU also sponsors many different cultural events on campus, many of which are open to the wider Tel Aviv community.  The Elite Sports Center at TAU serves as the venue for all regular university physical education courses, as well as competitive intercollegiate and Israeli league activities in a variety of sports. The facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, a running track and soccer stadium. The Goldreich Multipurpose Sports building houses fitness and weight rooms, squash courts and a gymnastics hall. Students may purchase a sports pass entitling you to the use of all sports facilities and activities for a nominal fee.

Excursions

The Overseas Students Program offers two three-day trips each semester and a one-day trip to Jerusalem.  Locations vary from term to term. Students may also choose to travel independently throughout Israel during breaks and free weekends.

Things to Consider

Although there are no legal restrictions on same-sex relationships attitudes toward members of the LGBTQIA+ community vary. While Tel Aviv is progressive, LGBTQIA+ students are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when entering religious or socially conservative areas. Make sure to check the US Department of State LGBTI Travelers page and ILGA Sexual Orientation Laws in the World for more information as well as the resources on the IP Your Identity Abroad page. 

Students with mobility disabilities may find accessibility and accommodations different from the United States. Check the US Department of State Travelers with Disabilities and specific to the country, Mobility International USA, and the IP Your Identity Abroad page for resources.

Program Fee

Most Rollins financial aid and scholarships will apply to the semester abroad.

• Tuition: $29,150
• Housing: $4,925

Also Includes

Orientation, cultural activities excursions, program administration, and emergency insurance.

Estimated Additional Costs

• Transportation: Round-trip airfare from FL $1,100, onsite $600
• Meals/food: $3,030
• US Passport: $165
• Visa fee: $50
• Books, course materials, supplies: $185
• Personal expenses: $1,500
• Federal student loan fees if applicable: $40
• Professional licensure, certification or credentials costs: $0

Scholarships

Scholarships based on financial need are available to off-set costs associated with international airfare and other costs associated with study abroad. Students can apply for scholarships through the Rollins program application. Students are also able to apply for scholarships directly through Tel Aviv University.

Living and Working

Having a credit card while abroad is very helpful. Israel has a high cost of living compared to the United States.