- If I met the Sofaer iMBA in an elevator, what would be your pitch?
- What is the Sofaer Curriculum?
- Why is the Sofaer program an International MBA? What does that mean?
- Where does the program take place?
- What are the demographics of the student body?
- Do I need to know Hebrew to be accepted to this program?
- If I speak Hebrew, can I take courses in Hebrew?
- What is the relationship between the Sofaer International MBA and the Hebrew language MBA offered at Tel Aviv University?
- How much weight is given to the GMAT in the application evaluation?
- What is the projected class size?
- How are the semesters structured? When are classes held?
- Are scholarships available? What kind of financial assistance is available to me?
- Will I be able to work while attending the program?
- Do you provide career services?
- Does the Sofaer International MBA provide housing?
- Is the Sofaer International MBA also a MASA program?
1. If I met the Sofaer International MBA in an elevator, what would be your pitch?
The Sofaer International MBA is an intensive 1-year program that equips students with the relevant knowledge and contacts needed to succeed in today’s faced-paced global economy. Located in the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship,Tel Aviv, Israel, the Sofaer International MBA is designed for focused, dynamic and internationally-oriented students who want to be full players in the international business arena.
2. What is the Sofaer Curriculum?
The Sofaer academic curriculum provides a globally relevant education while highlighting the facets of Israel’s dynamic and innovative economy. Divided into five, six-week modules, the Sofaer academic curriculum is comprised of core courses and a diverse set of academic electives taught by Israeli and international professors alike. This modular curriculum allows students to study a broad range of topics or focus their interests in areas like entrepreneurship, finance or management. Additionally, our Professional Development Curriculum takes students out of the classroom and into the boardroom of local and international companies, bringing students face-to-face with those who drive Israeli’s economy and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the year, students can partake in a wide variety of extracurricular activities that include site visits to large corporations and start-ups, internships, speaker series, and a class trip abroad to China or India.
3. Why is the Sofaer program an International MBA? What does that mean?
We’re international in every sense of the word. Our student body comes from every corner of the earth, our inaugural class of 2010 spoke more than 50 languages. Our faculty are reknown lecturers from Tel Aviv University as well as visiting faculty from other top business schools such as Wharton, Stern, NYU, and INSEAD. Many of our courses are focused on the global business perspective, taking case studies from well know multi-national corporations.
Furthermore, our program includes an international study trip for an indepth view of business and society in another country. In 2010, we travelled to China and met with representatives from Intel, Microsoft, Lenovo, Boeing and Accenture.
From participating in foreign case competitions, student exchange programs to professional networking, Sofaer students will find themselves constantly presented with opportunities to connect with the international business community throughout their year of study.
4. Where does the program take place?
All academic courses take place on Tel Aviv University’s campus in Ramat Aviv, a northern neighborhood in Tel Aviv, Israel. Just a short bus or bike ride from downtown Tel Aviv, Sofaer students have the entire city of Tel Aviv at their fingertips.
Tel Aviv is the cultural and economic hub of Israel, situated right on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The city boasts a plethora of restaurants, beaches, museums, movie theaters, outdoor cafes, fruit juice stands, boutique shops, bars and clubs. This combination has attracted the nation’s youth and young professional crowd in droves. It has also earned the city the reputation of Israel’s non-stop city and one of the entertainment hotspots of the Mediterranean.
5. What are the demographics of the student body?
Prospective students come from various industries and have different levels of work experience, however we give preference to students who have at least 4 years of work experience after completion of their undergraduate degree. We aim to maintain a 1:1 ratio of men to women.
Our class of 2011 is comprised of 68% international students representing 17 different countries. We boast a 50/50 split between women and men and the average age of our students is 28. Our average GMAT score is 610. Professional backgrounds in finance and venture capital make up the largest percentage, followed by management, high tech, consulting, real estate, marketing and health sciences.
6. Do I need to know Hebrew to be accepted to this program?
The Sofaer International MBA is run entirely in English. Hebrew is not required nor is it factored into the admissions process. That being said, if you speak or know a bit of Hebrew vocabulary, you will have a deeper, more rich experience in Israel. To facilitate Hebrew learning, we provide Hebrew language courses during the course of the year for students who wish to study the language. Course levels range from beginners to high-intermediate. These courses are for credit.
Those who are planning to work in Israel after graduation are strongly encouraged to work on their Hebrew before and during their MBA studies.
The School for Overseas Students at Tel Aviv University also offers intensive Hebrew language courses during the summer and between semesters 1 and 2. The ulpan does not count towards MBA studies and is not included in the Sofaer program tuition. For more information about ulpan at TAU, contact Rachel Barel, the Overseas School’s Program Director, at RachelB@tauex.tau.ac.il.
7. If I speak Hebrew, can I take courses in Hebrew?
With the help of an advisor, students who are fluent in Hebrew may elect to take certain courses offered through the Hebrew-language MBA.
8. What is the relationship between the Sofaer International MBA and the Hebrew language MBA offered at Tel Aviv University?
The Sofaer International MBA and the Hebrew MBA are completely separate programs that both operate out of the Recanati School of Business. Each has a different administration, staff and faculty, and a unique curriculum. However, select Hebrew MBA’s will be accepted into some iMBA courses and iMBA students will have the option to take some courses within the Hebrew MBA program. Additionally, joint social, networking, and academic events between the two programs are held throughout the year.
Those interested in the Hebrew MBA program at TAU should contact the program directly:
Racheli Shaul at rachelsh@tauex.tau.ac.il / +972 3 640 5677
9. How much weight is given to the GMAT in the application evaluation?
We have a holistic approach to evaluating applicants and consider many aspects of the individual, not only the GMAT score, thus we do not have a minimum GMAT score. We urge applicants to fill out the application to the best of their ability, demonstrating their capabilities and leadership potential in all sections of the application.
10. What is the projected class size?
In order to provide every student with the attention he or she deserves, each class has between 40-50 students. Our class of 2011 is comprised of 47 students.
11. How are the semesters structured? When are classes held?
Our intensive program divides academics into 5 modules, each 8 weeks long (6 weeks of classes plus 1 review and 1 exam week). Classes are generally held four days a week between the hours of 8am and 5pm. When there is a course taught by a visiting lecturer, we may condense the class meetings over two to four weeks, meeting multiple times per week. Professional development workshops, networking events, and extracurricular activities occur throughout the week, with many events happening in the evenings.
12. Are scholarships available? What kind of financial assistance is available to me?
The Sofaer International MBA program has dedicated funds available for need-based and merit-based scholarships. For further information, see the Funding my MBA page of our website.
13. Will I be able to work while attending the program?
Due to the intensive nature of our curriculum, scheduling dedicated time for employment may be difficult. Regular classes take place four days a week; in the case of condensed courses with visiting faculty, one class may meet multiple times each week for the duration of two or four weeks. In addition, our Professional Developement Curriculum runs parallel to academics and includes workshops, guest lecturers, site visits, VP Breakfasts, interest group activities and one-on-one counseling.
Students are expected to prioritize their studies and the professional development activities. If you are intent on holding a part-time job, we advise you to take special care when scheduling work hours; you must be responsible for all of your course-work and group projects and be flexible with regards to the ebb and flow of our intense academic and Professional Development workload.
It is also important to note that students on a Student Visa to Israel are forbidden from working according to the laws of the State of Israel. In order to work legally in Israel, you must to obtain a work visa or be an official Israeli citizen or resident.
14. Do you provide career services?
An important element of the Sofaer International MBA is our Professional Development Curriculum which runs parallel to academic studies. Throughout the year, we hold events and travel to visit many organizations. Students will have the opportunity to network with potential partners and employers, as well as receive one-on-one career counseling. Further details can be found on the Career Services section of our website.
Students who are interested in internships for the duration of their studies are also encouraged to be in touch with our Professional Development staff. We’re happy to help you find potential internship opportunities and assist you in preparing your CV/resume for circulation in Israel.
15. Does the Sofaer International MBA provide housing?
Most Sofaer students live in apartments throughout the city of Tel Aviv or surrounding areas. The administration is available to assist students in the apartment search, but final responsibility lies with the student.
Each year a select number of dorm rooms are available for Sofaer students. Students wishing to live in the dorms must inform the Sofaer administration shortly after acceptance.
16. Is the Sofaer International MBA a MASA program?
The Sofaer International MBA is a MASA program.
