Programs for Immigrants and Tourists

Academic Program for Immigrants and Tourists

Program Director: Mr. Yisrael Tkach

Coordinator at Machon Lev and Machon Naveh: Mr. Yehouda Allouche

Coordinator at Machon Tal and Da’at: Mrs. Ketti Kujawsky

The Academic Program for Students from Abroad is designated for immigrants and tourists from various countries, who have completed high school.

Students in this program are considered first year students in all respects. Some of the courses in this program are given separately at an easier level of Hebrew or in the language of the student’s origin. The remaining courses are offered within the regular academic framework. The academic by-laws for this program are set appropriately for tourists and new immigrants. Likewise, students in this program can take Judaic Studies classes in easier Hebrew, as needed, or join the regular Beit Midrash or Midrasha programs.

One of the main purposes of this program is to assist in the successful absorption – academic, spiritual and social – of a new immigrant or tourist who has only recently arrived in Israel. Therefore, in the joint program, special emphasis is given to the following areas:

·      Judaic Studies, including: Hashkafa, Mussar, Jewish History, Chumash, Tanach, Mishna, Gemara, and Halacha.

·      Hebrew language supplementary classes, which is crucial for the success of the student at any academic institute of higher learning in Israel.

·      Students in this program will receive tutorial assistance in the courses in which they have difficulty due to language problems.

·      The students will receive personal care throughout the period of absorption at the institution, with regards to their daily needs as well as matters pertaining to official government agencies.

·      Professional and experienced pedagogic staff will assist the students of this program, including Rabbis , lecturers, coordinators, and counselors.

In addition to formal studies, a variety of extra-curricular programs are available, including trips, organized Shabbatonim, Rosh Chodesh parties, all important to ease the absorption of the students into Israeli society in general and JCT campus life in particular.

Most of the students in this program who come as tourists, complete their immigration to Israel, becoming full Israeli citizens.

Acceptance Criteria

·         Entrance exam in Hebrew (See section below on “Knowledge of Hebrew”)

·         Personal interview

·         Psychometric, SAT or TIL Exam

·         Letter of recommendation from a Rabbi or educator

Knowledge of Hebrew

An applicant from abroad who is interested in studying in this program must have skills in Hebrew at a minimum of level B from a recognized Ulpan program with a passing grade of 75.

Hebrew Entrance Exams and Exemption Exams

·      Every applicant from abroad must take an entrance exam in Hebrew written by JCT staff, comprising both oral and written sections. The entrance exam is offered in the country of origin in early spring or at JCT for those who are already in Israel.

·      A student who passes the entrance exam with a grade of 75 or above and has all the other criteria for acceptance, will be accepted to the college as a regular student, and will participate in an intensive Ulpan in Elul.

·      A student who passes the entrance exam with a grade of 90 or above will be exempt from the Ulpan studies and will be permitted to take the exemption exam at the first opportunity that it is offered.

·      Upon completion of the Ulpan in Elul, an intermediate exam will be held for all Ulpan students. A student who excels in this exam with a minimum grade of 90 is released from further Hebrew studies and can take the exemption exam at the next available time.

·      A student who receives less than 90 in the intermediate exam will be required to participate in Hebrew classes throughout their first year of studies. At the end of each semester, an exam will be held. A minimum grade of 80 on the semester exam will enable the student to take the exemption exam.

·      The exemption exam is held twice a year: at Chanukah and at the end of the academic year. A grade of 65 on the exemption exam will release the student from further Hebrew language studies.

·      A student who does not pass the exemption exam by the end of the first year will be receive the status of “not in proper standing”. This status will be removed when the student passes the exemption exam.

Contact information:

Tel: 972-2-675-1029

Fax: 972-2-675-1068

Email: olim@jct.ac.il