Q: What is the language of instruction for the courses offered by the QBio International Program?
A: Every course offered by the program will be taught in English. All assignments, discussions, and lectures will be in English as well.
Q: Why is there a "Pre-semester Intensive Hebrew Language Ulpan" if the language of instruction is English, and is this a requirement?
A: Although all courses and research will be conducted in English, the International Study-abroad students will be interacting with Israelis at the University and outside. A basic introduction to Hebrew will enrich the Study-abroad experience of the visiting students, and will facilitate their interactions with Israeli students. The Ulpan is meant to be accessible to students with no prior knowledge of Hebrew, and will have no bearing on the rest of the program. It is, however, required coursework. In certain special cases it may be possible to make exceptions if prior arrangements have been made with the International Program Academic Director. On the other hand, this course may be used to test out of language requirements at certain US universities.
Q: Can students elect to only take classes and forgo the Guided Research project?
A: No. The Laboratory Research project is the centerpiece of our program and we have recruited outstanding faculty to take students into their labs. This part of the program is essential for its success and to guarantee a unique and valuable Study-abroad experience for our visiting students.
Q: Can students elect to only take the Guided Research project and forgo coursework?
A: Normally, no. In rare cases exceptions can be made in consultation with the Academic Director of the program and the host faculty guiding the project.
Q: Is there a "cultural" component to the curriculum?
A: We consider the language requirement to be the essential cultural component of our Study-abroad program. However, students may choose courses in Religious, Israel and Middle Eastern Studies, Brain and Behavioral Sciences and Business, as well as Hebrew or Arabic languages. For course options see graduate course catalog. Although the QBio course load is meant to be challenging and intensive, it will be possible for students to include an elective if they so choose.
Q: Will there be free time? Are there group activities and trips?
A: The QBio International Program is meant to be work-intensive. Combining QBio courses with an intensive research experience in a top-notch lab is always a challenge. We feel that free time is always more appreciated when its scarce, and of course, outstanding students will be more than welcome to spend more time in Israel upon graduation (see our post-graduation research program). However, as you will find out upon spending a week in Israel, things here slow down quite a bit between Friday afternoon and Saturday night, so there will be some free time. Additionally, both the Rothberg International School at HUJI and your hosts at the Life Sciences Institute will organize activities and trips for our guests. For further information on social activities, the sports center and health insurance click here
Q: Will the QBio courses count for credit at my US "home University?"
A: In most cases yes. In situations where this is not pre-arranged, we will coordinate with the home University to get courses counted for credit.
Q: Where will students live? Is that close to where the courses and labs will be?
A: Students will be housed together in the modern Student Villiage on the Mount Scopus campus. There are regular busses between Mount Scopus and the Edmond J. Safra campus on Givat Ram, where the courses and most of the labs will be.
