VFI Volunteer Program: Getting College Credit for the program
Students and their parents might be interested in obtaining college credits for participation in the VFI / Sar-El volunteer program.
A letter from Dr. Ofira Seliktar, Travel Study Coordinator, from Gratz College, explains the process, the requirements, and the amount of credit you can possible get. Gratz College is accredited by the Middle Atlantic States Secondary Schools and Colleges Association.
It is advisable that you also contact your own school to see if these credits will be transferable.
A Letter from Dr. Ofira Seliktar:
I welcome your inquiry into the Travel Study Program for Israel. I agree that combining the volunteer program with a study program would be highly beneficial to participants who need college credits.
Indeed, over the years many volunteers earned credits using our program.
Here are the answers to your questions. (1) What are the specific registration and assignment requirements from
Gratz College?
(2) To whom does one apply, and when must one apply, before
participating in such a course?
The participant should apply to the dean's office of Gratz College. Forms can be obtained from Hope Matlas, our administrative assistant. The application has to be sent at least two weeks before the departure date to enable us to process the forms. Hope's phone is 215- 635-7300 ex 172
(3) What is the time frame for completing the assignment in order to get credit?
The assignment needs to be completed two months after the return date.
(4) How many credits does this carry?
The formula for credits is as follows: seven day for the first credit, each additional five days earns another credit
(5) What is the tuition to be paid to Gratz College?
The tuition is 140 USD per credit, can be paid by credit card or check.
(6) What other information would someone need to know in order to participate in this program?
Participants have to write a paper and keep a log of their stay in Israel along the lines suggested in the forms. Since participants spent their week working at various places, the log can be adjusted to take that into account.
If participants chose to stay longer then the number of credits would be calculated on the basis of the above formula. Participants can discuss any issues with me (academic coordinator) either on line (mailto:oseliktar@aol.com) or by phone 727-934-0274 or 484-995-4062
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Travel Study Coordinator
Ofira Seliktar, Ph.D.