Adventurous Past Review
By A student (Biology, General., Brandeis University) - abroad from 03/02/2012 to 07/01/2012 with
Ben Gurion University of the Negev: Beer Sheba - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My Hebrew improved dramatically, I gained a newfound interest in global health, I gained insight on the perspective of Israelis my age, I saw parts of the country I otherwise never would have, and made some great international and American friends on the program. Worthwhile for sure.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Always approachable and friendly. Limited interaction otherwise. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived across the street from the University, the gym, and a night club. My suitemates were all Israeli and I spoke nothing but Hebrew to them. It was a great experience. |
| * Food: |
Made my own and ate out at the local student restaurants and bars. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It depended; at events I felt connected, yet other times it was more difficult to integrate. You need to put it on yourself to get out there and be involved. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Future students should know that Israeli security is the best - we always had a guard on trips, and the University and dorms are gated with guards - however, there is the chance of experiencing a rocket attack from Gaza. The dorms, the University, and public places all around the city have bomb shelters that are easily accessible within the 1 minute air siren, before the rocket is expected to fall. Also, the Iron Dome missile defense system has done a great job of intercepting missiles and keeping us safe. Oddly enough, even under rocket fire (which happened just for 4 days while I was there), I felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
How much you spend is up to you. You have your own kitchen, and can decide where to go out, what activities to do, and how often you're traveling. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a student pass (called a kav rav) for bus transportation. The study abroad office at BGU will give you more details on how to do this. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Outside of my Hebrew course, I had no encouragement, yet used Hebrew on behalf of my own motivation |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to your roommates only in Hebrew, and interact with the locals in Hebrew. |
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? |
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? | Traveling to other countries is manageable with schoolwork and your finances. Also, you need to be assertive when dealing with Israelis - don't worry, it won't offend them. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
