A Diverse Education in the Middle of the Desert August 02, 2022
By Brian C (Engineering, Rutgers University - New Brunswick) - abroad from 09/09/2021 to 06/15/2022 with
Arava Institute for Environmental Studies: Hevel Eilot - Study Abroad in Israel
I learned a lot about Middle Eastern culture and a lot about the situation in Palestine and Israel. I have become friends with those living under a military occupation and it changed my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had a fantastic experience as an Intern at the Arava Institute. I made great friends from around the world and engaged in meaningful community development activities as well as scientific research that interested me. I would recommend the program to a person eager to learn about the environment and its role in society. There are times where you have a very full schedule with research or academics and the campus life activities, but there is lots of time for exploring and fun. Overall a very rewarding life experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration works very hard to create a supportive environment for the student body. The faculty and staff are very approachable and love to see the students succeed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed my roommates and the campus felt like home. |
| * Food: |
I mostly cooked with what I found at the garden and some groceries. The dining room is open three times a day. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I integrated quite well with both Israeli and Palestinian culture. I have great friends from both societies. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A healthcare plan is provided by the institute for the semester and it is built into attendance fees. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
AIES is a special place and I know I am always welcome back for a visit. I could not have asked for a better program to participate in. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Food came from the garden or the dining hall. There is no water or electricity bill and many times there are clothing exchanges. Not many expenses in general. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I did not anticipate how large of a portion the community aspect of the program would be, and I loved it. |
