Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing experience Past Review

By (Environmental Studies; International Studies, Washington University in Saint Louis) - abroad from 02/01/2007 to 06/01/2007 with

Arava Institute for Environmental Studies: Hevel Eilot - Study Abroad in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was transformative. I learned a great deal about environmental issues in the Middle East and globally, and about peace building and conflict resolution. The program challenged me to explore my own identity, to learn others' narratives, and to build an identity and understanding of history and current events that is inclusive of the purported "other"

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very interesting classes, a diverse array of courses to choose from. Hands-on, interactive, relevant to the region and current events

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Peacebuilding/conflict resolution
  • Environmental studies
  • Communal living environment
* What could be improved?
  • More language studies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was pretty well-prepared - a friend of mine had attended

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.