The International School at the University of Haifa

Students who study full-time in the International School are welcome to live in the student dormitories on campus. There are two dormitory complexes that are open to international students. The Federman Dorms have modest apartments with three double rooms and a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living space. The Talia Dorms have spacious apartments with six single rooms, each room with its own bathroom, and a shared kitchen and living space. Students can choose which set of dormitories they would prefer, though the Talia Dormitories are open only to students who have had at least a year of university study.

About 1,200 students live in the dorms at the University of Haifa, including students of all social, economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. In most cases you will be placed in an apartment with no more than one other international student, and the rest of your roommates will be Israeli. All apartments in the dorms are single-sex. In your room you will be provided with a bed, desk, closet, and shelves, as well as sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. The kitchen comes equipped with a refrigerator and two stove-top burners. While dishes, utensils, and other appliances are not provided, most Israeli roommates are happy to share their kitchen supplies with their roommates.

Located in the dormitories complex are computer labs, a grocery store, and self-service laundry rooms. In addition, there is a "moadon" or "club" with a large-screen television which often hosts parties, workshops, lectures, and other activities.

During the academic year, only students who are enrolled full time in the International School are permitted to live in the dorms. All students enrolled in summer programs can also live in the dorms. While students are not required to live in the dormitories on campus, it is strongly encouraged. The dormitories allow you the opportunity to meet many Israeli students and have a more complete Israeli experience.

The Student Association

The Student Association at the University of Haifa offers a variety of activities throughout the year, and international students are welcome to participate in all activities.

In the past, the Student Association has offered the following activities:

Classes in kick-boxing, yoga, and salsa dancing.
Celebrations for the beginning and end of the school year, as well as different holidays.
Student Day, a multi-day event in the spring consisting of concerts by top Israeli artists at the beach, crafts fairs, and trips to a nearby water park.
Weekly concerts on campus during the semesters.

Please visit the Hebrew site of the Student Association by clicking here.

Religious Life

The University of Haifa is very proud of the diversity on campus. The campus is a mix of secular and religious Jewish native Israelis, new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, South America, and France, and Israelis whose religious and ethnic backgrounds are Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Bedouin. In the International School, we promote the diverse religious and ethnic self-expression of all of our students, and help them find their own unique connection to Israel.

While the number of observant Jewish students at the University of Haifa is small, the campus is very comfortable for observant students. All campus dining facilities are kosher, and in your apartment in the dorms you can observe kashrut and Shabbat. Two Orthodox synagogues are within walking distance from campus and there is a Conservative synagogue and a Reform synagogue a short ride away from the University. All formal activities organized by the International School are both kashrut and Shabbat observant - allowing all students to participate.

Haifa also has many churches and mosques, as well as the center for the Bahai faith.

The International School is happy to assist any student in finding a place of worship or a religious community.