Drexel in Israel: Technion Israel Institute of Technology
OPTION AVAILABLE PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY TRAVEL RISK REVIEW COMMITTEE
In operation since 1924, the Technion is the oldest university in Israel. The university offers degrees in science and engineering, and related fields such as architecture, medicine, industrial management and education in an intellectually invigorating environment. Great emphasis is also placed on its humanities and social science programs, the incorporation of which take on ever-increasing importance in today's multi-faceted workplace.
This exchange program is an opportunity for Drexel engineers and science majors to spend a term in Israel. While many textbooks are in English, the Technion's language of instruction is Hebrew, thus Drexel students need to have completed Hebrew 203 or the equivalent in order to participate in this program.
Haifa is the largest city in northern Israel, and the third-largest city in the country, with a population of over 250,000.
Students at the Technion work – and play – hard. In and out of the classroom, life at the Technion is relentlessly stimulating. The Technion campus offers an array of sports, cultural and social activities, while the city of Haifa and its surrounding areas are rich in recreational offerings, history and beauty.
Please be aware that the US State Department has issued a Travel Warning for US citizens traveling to and in Israel. Under Drexel's Policy on Study Abroad in Sites under Travel Warning.pdf, once accepted to the Drexel in Israel program, students and their parents will be required to sign the following document Addendum to Terms & Conditions.pdf.
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prior study of Hebrew language
- Sophomore status or higher
All Drexel students, except those students who have completed Hebrew 203, will be required to enroll in the pre-term Ulpan in order to improve their Hebrew language skills. Most courses at the Technion are in Hebrew. English language courses tend to be at the graduate level or within the International School of Engineering which has limited courses in English.
Course Availability
While at the Technion, Drexel students should aim to take 15 credits per semester (approximately 20 contact hours per week), selecting 4-5 courses from the
Technion Course Catalogue. Of particular interest to Drexel Engineers are courses offered via The Technion International School of Engineering which offers courses in English at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the following disciplines:
· Civil Engineering
· Water and Environmental Engineering
· Transportation Engineering
Of the selected courses 1-2 may be general courses relevant to the Eastern Mediterranean Region and given within the framework of the
Department of Humanities & Arts or at
Haifa University. Examples could be courses in Hebrew or Arabic Language and Literature, a course on another language (either European or Asian), and courses on the Holocaust, the Arab/Israel Conflict or the History of the Middle East. Students interested in taking courses at Haifa University should be aware of potential scheduling conflicts with their courses at the Technion and potential calendar issues.
Course Equivalencies
Students will need to get equivalents approved by the appropriate department for each course they plan to take abroad. For example, if you want to take a History course abroad for Drexel credit, its equivalent must be pre-approved by the History department.
Grading
Students are taught and graded by Ben-Gurion faculty. Grades are noted as "CR/NCR" on their transcript and will NOT affect their GPA. In order to receive CR students must earn a "C" or above at the host institution. The goal is to be a full-time student at the host institution while also taking the equivalent of a full-time load at Drexel which is normally 5 courses
The Technion is a semester based school. Due to calendar issues it makes the most sense for Drexel students to spend fall term at the Technion. All Drexel students are required to attend the pre-term Ulpan.
Pre-fall semester Ulpan: Mid-August - Mid- September (required of all Drexel students except those who have completed Hebrew 203 or the equivalent). Drexel students will need to leave their spring/summer co-op early in order to arrive in Israel in time for the beginning of the Ulpan.
Fall Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Mid October |
| Program End Date |
End of February |
Drexel students will need to be on co-op for winter/spring and will need to work with their co-op coordinator in order to find their own co-op. Students should also check with the co-op office to see about the possibility of co-oping in Israel.
Winter/Spring Semester Dates and Itinerary for Co-op
| Program Start Date |
End of February |
| Program End Date |
Mid June |
Students will stay in dormitories.
Program Costs
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus all of your financial aid travels with you.
Financial Aid
Financial aid applies for this program. If you are interested in seeking additional funding, you should considering researching study abroad scholarship & funding opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.
Scholarships
For more information on these and many other scholarship opportunities, visit our Scholarships page.
