When does college start?

In all colleges except Swaziland, the school year begins in early September. Before starting the academic programme, each college has a short acquaintance and acclimatization period for the new students, who are required to attend college in late August or early September.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the International Baccalaureate (IB) matriculation certificate given at the end of the program?

Advantages:

- An exceptional teaching method, which aims to encourage the curiosity of students while providing them with tools to continue their studies independently out of interest. The studies do not generally consist of mass-memorisation of study materials, but rather encourage research and experimentation while highlighting the importance of understanding the basic knowledge.

- Classrooms are small - usually consisting of between 5 and 20 students per class. This allows discussion, participation and personal treatment for each student.

- As part of the school's principle of developing independent learning, students are required to create research papers and assignments at university standard. In doing so, IB ensures students are well prepared and adapted for university teaching methods, for standards expected in research papers, and of course for self-research and independent learning in a variety of different sources. This includes, of course, reading and dealing with extensive material in a foreign language.

Disadvantages:

There are no "Israeli" subjects or Israeli education - students will not be able to continue studying the Bible, Hebrew language (לשון), Jewish thought, or the history of the Jewish people and the history of Israel. They can however study Hebrew Literature in a “self- taught” course, in which they learn literary skills and apply them on Hebrew writings. However, if they ever lack the material - they will receive in the framework of international matriculation the tools to acquire similar information on their own, independently and informally.

What happens with my Israeli matriculation exams?

At the end of the two years in college, you will receive an international matriculation certificate. This certificate is not an Israeli certificate and does not include Israeli matriculation examinations in Israel. These matriculations are in fact meaningless in terms of the IB certificate. However, we require students admitted to UWC to take the full matriculation exams which are due to be taken in the student’s current year of study prior to attending a college.

What about students who study music / dance, etc.?

Art subjects are part of the IB program, and you can choose an art subject as part of your IB matriculation, depending on the subjects offered by each individual college. The various colleges offer theater, dance, film and music studies, but not every college offers the full range of subjects. However, it is always possible to take part in (or set up) an afternoon activity in college related to your field of interest and occupation, and to expand the knowledge and experience, but not within the framework of the IB.

What is the main study language?

The main language of instruction is English. In some colleges you can also study in Spanish.

If I want to study a subject that is only available in a particular school?

The Israeli National Committee does not allow applications for a particular college. After passing the third screening stage you, can apply to travel to a particular college, but there is no guarantee that this request will be granted.

Is there homework and independent work after regular school hours?

The colleges teach in a university teaching method, which includes giving assignments and homework as well as reading materials. It is very important for the independent learning of the students in the college that the student be able to work independently after the formal school hours.

What assistance will a student who is having difficulties in a specific subject get? 

In college, there are a variety of solutions for students who have difficulty in their studies - from study groups between friends, tutoring and private lessons by teachers. Most teachers live in or around the college, and often invite students to a joint learning session after school hours. Also, as part of the IB Program, there are several hours a week where teachers are in classrooms beyond school hours to allow students who want to have further practice lessons/exercises. In addition, all schools have libraries as well as dedicated residential study rooms. However, it’s important to note that in addition to the broad help that the college knows how to provide, significant involvement and motivation is required on behalf of the students themselves.

How many students are in the class?

The number of students varies from class to class, as it depends on the number of students studying the subject. As a rule, the number of students in a class does not exceed 20, and sometimes has far less students.

Will there be an “educator” like in the Israeli education system?

The studies are in a quasi-university system, and therefore there is no “mother-class” or educator as there is in the Israeli education system. However, every student will have a personal counsellor who is designated to accompany a number of students academically and socially during their stay in college.

Are there level/standard differences between the old and new colleges (level of education / teachers)?

No. All colleges teach IB subjects and employ experienced and talented teachers.

Are there special options open in the country in light of the IB?

The organization's graduates are integrated in Israel in all areas of study and occupation. The IB diploma is acceptable at every university in the country, and in some of the universities, exemptions are given for psychometric scores. Beyond that, studying in English allows in some cases an exemption from studying English at university.

How many hours do you study a week?

The figure varies between colleges, but usually stands at around 25-35 hours per week, which are divided over five school days. It is important to remember that in the IB, only six subjects are studied, and that there is an important emphasis on independent work outside the classroom.

How many students are in a school's year group?

This figure also varies between colleges, and stands at 70-150.

Is there any preparation for university during the study period?

The colleges provide information and support to students interested in applying to universities during their second year. Most of the information is about universities abroad, mainly in the United States, the UK and Europe, but the colleges also support and provide recommendations for those interested in being admitted to other universities,  both before and after graduation from college.

Is there a Hebrew-speaking guide?

There is usually no Israeli or Hebrew-speaking Hebrew teacher or instructor in college. However, there are almost always students in the year above, below or even co-years who can help with questions.

Is the college located in the same compound as the residential buildings?

Most colleges are closed campuses where residences and studies take place in the same complex. Several colleges are built as open campuses, and the various buildings (studies, residences, administration, etc.) are scattered over a larger area, which are within walking distance of each other.

Will the school teach the local language of the country in which it is located?

Most colleges offer the local language as a subject at different levels. Beyond that, some colleges require students to learn the local language, even if not for IB purpose, and one college requires several courses to be taught in the local language.