50-Years-Magazine-digital

30 50 Years of Opportunity at the OUI The OUI serves a vital role in providing higher education opportunities for Israeli Arab students. With nearly 7,000 Arabic-speaking students, the OUI is a leader in making higher education accessible to all sectors of Israeli society. Many Arabic-speaking students face significant barriers to attending traditional universities, including financial constraints, geographical limitations, and cultural factors. Most come from backgrounds where Hebrew is not the primary language, some lack basic knowledge in mathematics and English as it is not emphasized enough in school, and some may not have completed high school. Recognizing these challenges, the OUI has made significant investments in providing multiple sources of academic and financial support to the university’s Arabic-speaking population, and course developers have invested much ingenuity and many resources to help the students, without lowering academic standards. This program offers flexible distance learning options, tailored academic support, and financial aid to help students succeed. By providing a supportive and accessible learning environment, the OUI empowers Arabic-speaking students to achieve their higher education goals. Key elements of the program include: • Extra tutorials, books, online material, and class recordings translated into Arabic • Adapted syllabuses, anonymity, small group and same gender learning, studying from home and personal guidance • Tutorial groups at campuses near home • Access to course coordinators in person, by phone, SMS, and email • Extensive extra tutoring and specially trained guidance counsellors • Extra time on final exams in their initial six OUI courses as well as in English exams and at all course levels for those with weak Hebrew skills • Additional time on all exams during the month of Ramadan Arab Israeli Population