Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/10/2015 to 06/11/2015 with

Arava Institute of Environmental Studies: Hevel Eilot - Internship Programs in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing! I learned so much and I am really happy that I went.

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.

The classes have very mixed levels because there are students from all over the world, some before university, some in the middle of university, and some grad students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was not so good, especially as a vegetarian.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You are not integrated with the local culture, because you are on a kibbutz in the middle of the desert, but you are immersed in a different culture which is the mix of cultures from all the participants of the program, so I think you learn more about many other cultures in a more intense way that you would living elsewhere.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was very helpful with health issues, escorted me to the doctor, helped me figure out the system and overcome language barriers.

* Safety:

I felt very safe.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the people
  • the peace building aspects were really important and interesting
* What could be improved?
  • The Food
  • The hebrew class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would not get to learn as much Hebrew as I wanted.

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.