Jerusalem, israel

Steps to Study Abroad at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design

Visa Information

One of the first steps in your preparation to study abroad should be to ensure you understand the visa status you will use while studying in Israel and how it affects your travel plans.

Student visas to Israel are issued for a period of one year with multiple entries. It is advisable to apply for a visa as early as possible as it may take approximately three weeks to process.

You may either apply for a student visa in person or by mail. Since we have an Israeli Consulate in San Francisco, we recommend you apply in person. The Consulate General of Israel is located at 456 Montgomery Street, Suite 2100 (P:  415.844.7500 / Fax:  415.844.7555). The Consulate has very limited hours and is only open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 1 pm. For more information visit the consulate website.

To apply for a student visa you will need the following documents:

  • Two passport photographs (2” x 2”)
  • Passport that is valid for at least one year into the future
  • Original letter of acceptance from Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design. Note, the visa will not be processed without the original letter.
  • Proof of a down payment for studies or a scholarship. SFAI will write a letter confirming the terms of the international exchange for you.
  • An original bank statement that demonstrates you will be able to sufficiently support yourself during your stay in Israel. The cost is estimated to be approximately $10,000. If a family member or friend is supporting you, the original bank statement plus a notarized letter vouching for the support is required. 
  • Proof of a return ticket to the U.S.
  • Visa processing fee of $42 in cash or money order only

    Health Insurance

    You will need to have health insurance that covers you during your semester abroad in Jerusalem. If you enroll in SFAI’s health insurance plan, you will automatically be covered while abroad. If you have health insurance from a non-SFAI health plan, you should confirm that you will be covered the entire time you are outside of the U.S. You are required to show proof of coverage upon your arrival.

    Travel to Middle Eastern Countries

    There are several countries in the Middle East that do not allow American citizens whose passports carry an Israeli stamp to enter the country. If you plan on traveling to other Middle Eastern countries while on exchange, or would like the option of doing so, you may want to consider applying for a second valid passport. This will allow you to enter Israel using one passport and then use the other passport to enter neighboring countries.

    Application for a second valid passport is approved on a case-by-case basis. If granted, a second passport is valid for two years, while the standard passport is valid for ten years. Like a standard passport, an extension beyond the two years is not possible. To apply for a second valid passport you must make an appointment at the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem. See the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem’s website to schedule an appointment and find a list of the required documents needed.

    Housing

    Bezalel does offer student housing to international exchange students. Student Village is a new complex with many amenities including laundry, a small mini-market, a coffee shop, and a bar. Nearby there is a small shopping center with a grocery store, ATM, bank, and other shops. The village is open 24 hours a day and there is no curfew.

    Housing consists of large, new flats with five single bedrooms. There is a shared living room, kitchen, two toilets, and one shower/bath. The apartments do not have TVs or computers. If students wish they may furnish them separately as well as cover the cost for Internet access and satellite on their own.

    In total, students should expect to pay approximately 1500 shekels per month for student housing. Payment for student housing must be in cash up front for the duration of the stay. No checks or credit cards are accepted.

    In order to reserve a space, students should send their name, passport number, date of birth, sex, country, and email address to Jennifer Avery at Jennifer@bezalel.ac.il. Students may move into student housing as early as February 7, the start of the non-required Hebrew course.

    Off-Campus Housing

    There are a number of websites that students can use to find off-campus housing, including http://jerusalem.craigslist.org/, www.janglo.net, www.homeless.co.il (Hebrew), and www.yad2.co.il (Hebrew).

    Course Registration

    Bezalel’s spring semester usually runs from late February – late June. Orientation for international exchange students usually takes place the week prior to the start of classes in the Bezalel Building, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem. Registration for incoming exchange students takes place following the orientation meeting. Incoming exchange students are expected to take at least 12 credits per semester, which is usually four to six courses.

    All students must pay a compulsory security fee of 200 shekels (approximately $55) per semester upon arrival to Bezalel. In order to borrow books from the library or equipment from the warehouse, you must bring a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) to use for the deposit. Depending on what courses you take there may additional materials fees.

    Language Classes

    Instruction at Bezalel is taught primarily in Hebrew; however, students must also have achieved a high level of English in order to be accepted into a degree program. International exchange students are able to attend Bezalel without having taken previous classes in Hebrew. In order to enrich your experience, SFAI strongly recommends that students take advantage of the intensive Hebrew language courses that Bezalel offers for beginners. To enroll in a Hebrew course, contact Jennifer Avery at Jennifer@bezalel.ac.il. For the spring semester, intensive Hebrew classes begin in early February.

    Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design Check-In, Contact Info, and Website

    While on exchange you may contact Bezalel staff to help you with any questions or concerns. Check in with Jennifer when you arrive in Jerusalem or once orientation begins.

    Jennifer Avery
    Director of International Affairs
    Phone: 972 2 589 3387
    jennifer@bezalel.ac.il

    Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
    Office for International Relations
    Mount Scopus P.O. Box 24046 Jerusalem
    www.bezalel.ac.il/en/