CHECKLIST

Before leaving for Israel, please make sure that you have completed the following:

• Obtained a valid passport.
• Received credit pre-approval from your home school.
• Reserved group flight seat with our travel agent, or made independent travel arrangements.
• Obtained a valid student visa.
• Confirmed your participation with your OSP office.
• Rented a cellular phone with IsraelPhones.
• Thoroughly arranged your finances.

PACKING ESSENTIALS

The following is a list of recommended items for your travel. Women may want to include a few skirts or dresses; men may want to pack a sports jacket and nice pants for more formal occasions.

Dress in Israel is fairly casual, and that is certainly true on campus. Most students attend classes and campus events in nothing more formal than jeans and T-shirts. In addition to the basic wardrobe, some dress up clothes may be good for special occasions and nights out.

During the hot summer months, the traditional casual becomes even more relaxed. In the winter, warm clothing is necessary, as many buildings are not centrally heated.

By Degrees

The average minimum and maximum temperatures (in Fahrenheit) in Tel Aviv are:

Medication

If you are taking prescribed medication you should bring a supply to last the entire time you are in Israel. It is also recommended that you bring a typewritten, generic prescription for your medication should you need to have it refilled. Since not all medicines in Israel are available in the same brand names as in the United States, it is essential that a generic name be provided for reference by a local doctor or pharmacist. Also, in the event that you are sent an additional supply of medication by mail, you will be required to present a prescription to the Israel Customs Office before the medication will be released.

Bedding and Linens

The beds in the dorms are slightly narrower than American twin beds. Blankets, sheets, pillows, and towels are not supplied by the university. As linens are relatively expensive in Israel, it is recommended that you bring a supply. The following quantities are usually sufficient: two blankets, two to four sheets, two pillowcases, one pillow, and four towels. Many students use their sleeping bag as an extra blanket during the cold winter months.

Kitchen and Household Goods

Kitchen utensils and household goods-such as detergent, light bulbs, and toilet paper-are not supplied by the university. All are readily available at shopping centers near campus and are relatively inexpensive. Suitemates sharing kitchen facilities often pool resources and purchase these supplies as a group.

Electrical Appliances

These should be kept to an absolute minimum. Because of Israeli customs restrictions and the drain on dormitory electrical capacity, a limit on electrical appliances is advisable. We suggest you bring a battery-powered radio, a non-electric clock, and a supply of batteries, which are costly in Israel.

Electrical current in Israel is 220 volts, 50 cycles. You may be able to bring a transformer for certain appliances, such as a hair dryer. Some appliances cannot be converted. Be sure to check with an authorized electronics dealer for detailed information.

Touring/Camping Equipment

You should plan to travel extensively throughout Israel. For university-sponsored trips, students need a backpack large enough to carry one or two changes of clothes, sturdy walking shoes, and a sleeping bag (most youth hostels provide bedding but some do not). Your sleeping bag can also double as an extra blanket in your dorm room during the colder months.

Many students enjoy camping and hiking, and the university will help students organize optional trips. If you are interested in doing this type of touring, you may want to bring a larger backpack, heavy duty hiking boots, a flashlight, and a mess kit. When planning what to bring, bear in mind the opportunities available and your personal interests.

Israeli Customs Regulations

As regulations change frequently, we suggest that you obtain a copy of Israeli Customs Regulations for Temporary Residents from the nearest Israeli consulate.

Baggage Information

If you are taking our Group Flight on El Al Israel Airlines (see below), current El Al regulations on transatlantic flights allow two pieces of checked luggage, measured by length + width + height, for a combined total of 106 inches. There is a 70-pound limit per bag. You are also permitted one carryon bag, which may not exceed 45 inches, measured by length + width + height. The rule is: if it doesn't fit under the seat, it can't go with you on the plane.

If you are traveling on the group flight and have any questions about baggage regulations, please contact Gil Travel.

If you are traveling on another airline, we strongly recommend that you contact them regarding their luggage regulations.

Shipping Luggage

We don't recommend it. Incoming goods may be taxed if they are shipped. This is the case even if they are your own personal items and even if they are used. Further problems may arise, as there is no way to know exactly how long your shipment will take to arrive. It will come in at the Port of Haifa, which is more than an hour away from Tel Aviv. You will have to get to Haifa, take the shipment through customs, declaring all items, and then get your luggage from Haifa to Tel Aviv and the University.

Former participants have said that if you have an extra piece of luggage, you are bringing too much. But if you must, it is worthwhile to avoid shipping and pay the extra charge for each additional piece taken on your flight.