Israel helped me realize the person I want to become Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very light. The classes I took ranged from Hebrew and Israeli Film to a course called "Violence in Our Live" and Israeli History. They were all very interesting. The teachers were all Israelis but spoke perfect English. The teaching methods ranged from lectures to hands on discussions, and it was all very similar to the teaching style from my professors back home.

On-site administration of your program

The program administration were generally very helpful. I had no issues going to them with a problem or advice. I think there should have been more of a variety on the trips that were planned during the weekend (a majority of the trips were hikes) but overall we went to some great places. They were very helpful when it came to choosing classes and helping with any issues while living in the dorms.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the student dorms with three Israeli students. We each had our own room and shared one bathroom. There was a full kitchen and dining table. The dorms are secured by gates in which you need a card to enter along with a guard. There was a market along with student activities inside of the dorms. It was a great place to live because all of the other international students lived there and we felt very safe at all times. Right across the street is a great bar to go to at night, and 5 minutes (walking) down the road is campus.

There is no meal plan, but the food that was sold on campus was great. There was a lot of variety.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Almost every weekend we went on a day or weekend trip to somewhere around Israel. My favorite trip was to Golan Heights all the way up North. It was such a nice change from the desert in the South. The hiking was beautiful. Also, going to Jerusalem during Shabbot was a great experience, the streets were full of people and the shuks were busy.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In Beer Sheva, we are not too far from the Gaza Strip. While I was there, we had a few rocket attacks, but it still felt very safe. There were shelters everywhere, and a siren a minute before it hits. The dorms are also built in the shape of a cement dome, so those made me feel very safe. No vaccinations necessary.

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

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students

• The weekend trips
• Jeff Seidel Program
• The group activities that made us closer

• More of a variety of trips
• More advice on culture of Israeli's before going into it
• Nicer dorms