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The Gershon Kekst International Office at the Weizmann Institute of Science will be your one-stop shop for all of your non-academic requirements during your visit here.  Whether it’s visas, health insurance, buying a train ticket or locating a dentist – our team will be glad to assist!

 

Before you arrive

All of the information you need to get organised before you arrive in Israel including visas, health insurance, housing and registering your children for childcare or school.

explore Before you arrive

After you arrive

Welcome to the Weizmann Institute! The information here will assist you with day-to day life in Israel, such as extending or changing your visa, using your health insurance, renting off campus, family life and more.

explore After you arrive

News & Events

Updates on events on campus, trips and events throughout Israel and news updates.
 

    All news and events

    Activities & Classes

    There are many different clubs and lessons operating on campus - available for all internationals and their families, as well as for Israeli students and postdoctoral fellows.

    Running

    Every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Edna and K.B. Weissman Building of Physical Sciences

    Italian Group Lessons

    Contact Rachele about hours

    Every Sunday

    Location: Zoom

    Rehovot Rugby

    Every Sunday and Wednesday

    Location: Kibbutz Na'an or Rishon LeZion For those without a car, transportation can be organized.

    Sound of Science Choir

    Every Sunday

    Location: On campus

    Weizmann Ornithology

    3rd Tue. of the month

    Every Tuesday at Nella and Leon Benoziyo Building for Biological Sciences

    Location: Room 591c, 5th floor

    Football (soccer)

    Every Tuesday

    Location: Football pitch opposite the Recreation Center

    Knitting group

    Day & time may change, stay tuned via WhatsApp group

    Every Tuesday at Charles Clore International House

    Location: Lobby

    Davkapella – Singing Group

    Every Tuesday

    Location: On campus, in Neve Metz

    "Shuk" Fresh Market Products

    Every Thursday at Meyer W. and Shirley Weisgal Recreation Center

    Location: Parking lot opposite (best to arrive early)

    Weizmann Board Game Nights

    Facebook Group

    Every Thursday at Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger Life Sciences Library

    Location: Second Tue. and last Thu. of the month

    Christian Prayer Meetings

    Every Thursday

    Location: On campus

    Frisbee

    Every Friday and Saturday

    Location: Opposite the Solar Tower

    Cricket

    Every Friday and Saturday

    Location: In front of Hanadiv building

    Weizmann Badminton Club

    Every Friday

    Location: 1st Floor Sun deck in Clore House

    Volleyball

    Summer 15:00-18:00
    Winter 14:00-17:00

     

    Every Friday

    Location: Opposite the Solar Tower

    Weizmann Institute Theater Ensemble (Hebrew)

    Every Tuesday

    Location: On campus

    Acroyoga

    Every Wednesday

    Location: Lunenfeld International Club

    Hebrew lessons - Level 3

    Private Hebrew lessons in small groups

    Location: On Zoom

    Rehovot English Players

    A weekly acting workshop focusing on basic acting skills, character development, improvisation, scene analysis, and more. Members vary in experience from zero to stage and TV commercials and include students and spouses from Weizmann. 

    Every Sunday at Near Rehovot Mall

    Weizmann Board Game Nights

    Facebook Group

    Every Tuesday at 0

    Location: Second Tue. and last Thu. of the month

    IO Chess Club

    Every Tuesday at The Gershon Kekst International Office

    Location: In the garden. Location may change, Join the WhatsApp group for updates.

    Weizmann Meditation

    Fill up the intake form before joining the practice. FREE of charge.

    Every Monday at Charles Clore International House

    Location: Students Club, floor 0

    Weizmann Student Orchestra

    Every Wednesday at Herman Mayer Campus Guesthouse. Maison de France

    Tango - Advanced

    Every Tuesday

    Location: Neveh Matz Training Center

    Tango - Beginners

    Every Wednesday

    Location: Neveh Matz Training Center

    Tango - Intermediate

    Every Thursday

    Location: Neveh Matz Training Center

    Flystick

    Every Friday at Charles Clore International House

    Flystick

    Every Wednesday at Charles Clore International House

    view FULL SCHEDULE

    Stories from our visitors

    Everyone’s experience at the Weizmann Institute is different - here you can read what some of our guests have said about their stay.

    Dr. Debojit Paul

    Postdoctoral
    India

    I spent 2.5 years as a Post-doc at Weizmann Institute of Science in the group of Prof. Assaf Gal, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences. As a Scientist working on Biomineralization, to have had the opportunity to work with the pioneers in the field at Weizmann Institute was highly fulfilling. Apart from maintaining the necessary professionalism required to excel, the warmth and love among colleagues kept the environment friendly and relaxing.

    A very important aspect of the institute lies in the non-academic sections, such as the International Office. The friendly and hospitable members at these offices and their prompt responses to any queries shield you from everything, even during the most challenging times. From visa to health insurance, everything is taken care of without any hassle. Additionally, the celebration of multicultural events fosters inclusivity and makes one feel at home. The trips and activities conducted throughout the year keep you engaged and offer a much-needed relaxation at the end of a busy week. In short, I can proudly say that I did not just grow as a scientist here but transformed into a much better version of myself.

     

    Dr. Nisha Mehta

    Postdoctoral
    India

    The level of support we receive at Weizmann is unparalleled and something we can't expect anywhere else in the world. The personalized support you offer creates a strong sense of connection and results in cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

    Alena Neudert

    Student
    Germany

    "I want to thank you - the whole team of the international office, for your endless help and efforts. You are making a huge difference for internationals in Israel and it really made my life there a lot easier and better - from meeting new people at the Holi Party when I just arrived to the workshop about cultural differences and countless events, trips, and helpful advice - you all did an amazing job and I always felt like I have a place to go to for any question. Thank you!"

    Nina Oehlsen

    Student
    Germany

    I had a great time these last 2 months as a visiting PhD student. Living in dorms on campus together with other students is a nice opportunity to meet new friends. My whole stay was well organized by the international office and I never had any problems. During my weekends, I traveled around the country that everyone visiting Weizmann should do, as it is a really fascinating and beautiful country! I hope to come back someday and encourage everyone to come here!

    Olalekan Isola

    Postdoctoral
    Nigeria

    I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you, the Weizmann International Office, and the entire team. You guys have been nothing but compassionate and kind.
    You have been of tremendous help and have made everything run smoothly for our family. You have cushioned the impact of being away from family.
    I appreciate your kind heart, empathy, and willingness to go above and beyond to assist and ensure everything goes smoothly for us.
    Everyone I have met keeps saying the same thing about the International Office! Sincere thanks to you and the team for your labor of love. I am eternally grateful.

    Dr. Rohini-Ravindran Nair

    Postdoctoral
    India

    I greatly appreciate and thank you all for the support heartily. I have learned a lot here. I was also amazed to see how an Institute can work to ease the stay of International students. Thank you again.

    Dr. Carlos De la Cruz Mengual

    Postdoctoral
    Colombia

    My quarantine at Samy Cohn ended on Monday, and I just wanted to send you just a few words of gratitude. You do an excellent job of making the lives of internationals at the Institute much easier. Thank you very much!

    Dr. Sharada Govinda

    Postdoctoral
    Family
    India

    We reached home safely. I want to thank you for all your help, starting from before joining WIS, all the way until we left Israel. We have enjoyed all the activities organised by you and had a good time at WIS. Thank you!

    Dr. Sharada Govinda

    Postdoctoral
    Family
    India

    We reached home safely. I want to thank you for all your help, starting from before joining WIS, all the way until we left Israel. We have enjoyed all the activities organised by you and had a good time at WIS. Thank you!

    Lohit and Ankita Khera

    Postdoctoral
    Couple
    India

    Despite your overloaded schedule, your timely action saved Ankita a highly uncertain trip to India in these challenging times. Thank you and IO team from the bottom of our hearts for all the efforts you put for making our lives comfortable.

    More power to you!!

    Lohit and Ankita Khera

    Postdoctoral
    Couple
    India

    Despite your overloaded schedule, your timely action saved Ankita a highly uncertain trip to India in these challenging times. Thank you and IO team from the bottom of our hearts for all the efforts you put for making our lives comfortable.

    More power to you!!

    Dr. Charlotte Vogt

    Visiting Scientist
    Netherlands

    I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all of your efforts which go far beyond what anyone can expect from any normal scientific institute to their (visiting) scientists, to get me back into Israel. I'm happy to write this email to you safely and very happily from (bidud in) my apartment in Tel Aviv.
    Last week, after a painful few days cancelling my dissertation event, and everything surrounding it, I wasn't able to enter Israel and got sent on a plane back to the Netherlands after flying to Israel upon hearing that the Consulate in the Netherlands had to close. Your help writing me a last minute letter and calling the border police at the time didn't get me in, but now, a week later I was able to get Consular approval greatly based on your help and am so happy to be back in the place that I call home.
    Thank you, so much. I'm so grateful to you and to Weizmann, and feel very lucky to be connected to the Institute.

    Dr. Quanfu He

    Postdoctoral
    Family
    China

    As the coronavirus swept in my hometown, Hubei, life there has been changed dramatically. This horrible situation will last longer, and no one knows when is the end. I cannot imagine to let my mother going back to China under such conditions, not even for a second.

    I understand that it is tough to extend a tourist visa, not only because it is beyond the responsibility of anyone in the Institute, but also because of the national policies. I am grateful that the management team of the institute, the international office, and my department colleagues helped me without hesitation. My family appreciates the efforts of the institute. We are so grateful for this amazing end.

    I have to say I am so lucky to join the Weizmann Institute of Science as a postdoc. I am proud to be part of it. This will become a wonderful experience in my life beyond research.

    Dr. Quanfu He

    Postdoctoral
    Family
    China

    As the coronavirus swept in my hometown, Hubei, life there has been changed dramatically. This horrible situation will last longer, and no one knows when is the end. I cannot imagine to let my mother going back to China under such conditions, not even for a second.

    I understand that it is tough to extend a tourist visa, not only because it is beyond the responsibility of anyone in the Institute, but also because of the national policies. I am grateful that the management team of the institute, the international office, and my department colleagues helped me without hesitation. My family appreciates the efforts of the institute. We are so grateful for this amazing end.

    I have to say I am so lucky to join the Weizmann Institute of Science as a postdoc. I am proud to be part of it. This will become a wonderful experience in my life beyond research.

    Harish Charan

    Postdoctoral
    India

    I would like to express my thank you to the entire International Office (IO) team for their efforts and hard work that goes into the periodic arrangements of such events. It really let us take a break from our hectic and busy study schedule and relax a bit. Parallelly, it also offers us a chance to learn more and more about Jewish culture and traditions.

    Dr Ana Martin-Lasanta

    Postdoctoral
    Spain

    I am writing to thank you for the wonderful experience with the bikes. We borrowed the bikes from Weizmann last weekend and we had a great healthy and pleasant experience biking in Rehovot. We think that the Bike Share Program is a useful and attractive initiative from which a lot of students will benefit.

    Jaeyoung Chun

    Student
    Family
    Republic of Korea

    I truly appreciate all your help from the beginning till the end. As I mentioned this to Rachel the other day, I’ve been to a couple of international offices in my life, but yours is the world best! You and your team treated my issues like they are actually yours, not like your task.  Once again, thank you so much for everything and I really hope to visit again!

    I wish you and your family all the best.

    Jaeyoung Chun

    Student
    Family
    Republic of Korea

    I truly appreciate all your help from the beginning till the end. As I mentioned this to Rachel the other day, I’ve been to a couple of international offices in my life, but yours is the world best! You and your team treated my issues like they are actually yours, not like your task.  Once again, thank you so much for everything and I really hope to visit again!

    I wish you and your family all the best.

    Prof. Ravit Golan Duncan

    Visiting Scientist
    Family
    USA

    Hope you guys recovered from the pool party, just wanted to say it rocked! The drumming thing was really a brilliant idea, kids loved it. This year the party was bitter-sweet for us because it marks the end of our stay. But next year it will mark the beginning of a fun summer at Weizmann. Thanks for organizing!

    Prof. Ravit Golan Duncan

    Visiting Scientist
    Family
    USA

    Hope you guys recovered from the pool party, just wanted to say it rocked! The drumming thing was really a brilliant idea, kids loved it. This year the party was bitter-sweet for us because it marks the end of our stay. But next year it will mark the beginning of a fun summer at Weizmann. Thanks for organizing!

    Prof. Paul Brumer

    Visiting Scientist
    Roel Buck Professor of Chemical Physics, University of Toronto, Canada

    I am completing a two month stay as Visiting Professor here at the Weizmann Institute.  During this time, the Visiting Scientists Office under Ms. Dana Dvash has been enormously helpful with numerous issues that have arisen.  

    I have been a frequent visitor to the Institute over the past 40 years, and, from my perspective, the Visiting Scientists office does an outstanding job of making our stay pleasant and productive.

    Prof. Miriam Greenberg

    Visiting Scientist
    College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Wayne State University, USA

    Here is a big problem with yesterday’s trip:  YOU KEEP RAISING THE BAR!!!  I don’t know how you manage to keep organizing such wonderful excursions.  Yesterday was fascinating.  I had no idea that 60% of Negev agriculture is irrigated by Shafdan water. And filtration through the sand - what a terrific idea!  Great trip!

    I can’t wait for Avshalom Cave. (I’ve never been to a cave)!

    Dr. Manish Vasoya

    Postdoctoral
    India

    Thanks a lot for everything you have assisted. We had a very great time over here, enjoyed a lot with great events - thanks a lot for that (especially Aileen), with science - I found the Weizmann one of the great scientific campus. I am hoping that I will get more chances to come again and again to this place.

    more Testimonials

    Life by Weizmann

    A little glimpse of life at the Weizmann Institute. 

    Our Team

    The Gershon Kekst International Office team extends warm greetings to you from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot!

    Aileen Halbershtat

    Head of International Office Branch

    Send email to Halbershtat Aileen aileen.halbershtat@weizmann.ac.il

    Ingrid Lehrer

    International Office Coordinator

    Send email to Lehrer Ingrid ingrid.lehrer@weizmann.ac.il

    Hadar Alper

    International Office Coordinator

    Send email to Alper Hadar hadar.alper@weizmann.ac.il
    MEET THE WHOLE TEAM