MIT Israel
Students > Practical Info
Getting it done.
Once you have been matched with a host company or research institution in Israel, the MIT-Israel Program Coordinator will work with you to prepare your trip (past MIT-Israel interns can also help you). Preparations include signing an Internship Agreement, purchasing airline tickets, obtaining a visa from the Israeli consulate, and finding housing in Israel (see below). You are also required to take a course on Israeli history and culture and several MIT-Israel training sessions before your internship.
MIT-Israel training
As an intern, you are required to take an MIT course on Israeli history and culture (offered during IAP and spring semester) and to attend a weekend retreat and several training sessions throughout the spring to familiarize yourself with the Israeli culture, society, and workplace. Though not required, there are also opportunities to learn some Hebrew before your internship (contact the Program Coordinator for more info). You will also be invited to the MISTI Gala Dinner in the late spring.
Internship agreement or invitation letter
MIT-Israel requires interns to sign an Internship Agreement specifying the details of the internship (dates, stipend, subject, supervisor, and other details). The MIT-Israel Program will provide this form.
Airline tickets
If MIT-Israel is covering your travel, you can purchase your own tickets and submit a receipt to us for reimbursement. To be fully reimbursed, the cost must fall within a season-based standard amount. You will receive your reimbursement together with your stipend approximately one week before your internship begins.
Discounted student tickets can be purchased through: http://www.statravel.com/
Other air travel resources:
http://www.travelocity.com/
http://www.expedia.com/
http://www.orbitz.com/
http://www.studentuniverse.com/
http://www.newfrontiers.com/
Or contact airlines directly. Don’t forget to ask for special youth prices (where applicable) for travelers under 25 years of age.
http://www.elal.co.il/ELAL/English/States/General
http://www.continental.com/
http://www.britishairways.com/
http://www.alitalia.com/
Please make sure to keep proof of payment and all receipts.
Visa
Short term (up to three months)
MIT-Israel has come to an agreement with the Israeli consulate regarding visas. Upon signing the internship agreement, you will receive a letter from MIT-Israel describing your internship. You must take this letter to the Consular Affairs Department at the Israeli consulate in Boston [http://boston.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/missionhome.asp?MissionID=70&]to receive an A2 student visa that will enable you to enter the country and take part in the internship program.
Long-stay visa
If you expect that your stay will extend beyond three months, please consult with the MIT-Israel Program Coordinator about next steps.
Housing
It is your responsibility to find housing in Israel, but the MIT-Israel Program will do what it can to help you. Your host company or institution may also be able to help you find housing — ask your liaison/supervisor in Israel.
You can also check craigslist.
Stipend
You will be receiving a stipend from the MIT-Israel Program. We will be able to issue you a check about a week before your departure.
Bank account
You will not need a bank account in Israel. The easiest way to have immediate access to your money from your account in the United States is with a bank card. We strongly suggest that you arrange for an ATM card from your local bank and that you make sure it can be used in Israel.
Health insurance
MIT-Israel will purchase emergency health insurance for you.
Risk and Release form
MIT requires you to sign a form acknowledging the risks associated with international travel. You must also provide MIT-Israel with a copy of your passport and visa, if you have one. Download the risk and release form.
Finally, there are several websites with helpful information for foreign students in Israel:
http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng
http://www.travelmania.com/facts.asp
http://www.tau.ac.il/visitors/
MIT-Israel Students at Training Session
