An unforgettable semester Past Review
By Alek K (Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/01/2018 to 06/20/2018 with
Ben Gurion University of the Negev: Beer Sheba - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned about the culture, predominantly through the language and by meeting locals. It challenged my beliefs and values in a very good way.
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 |
The administrators in the OSP office were very helpful with all inquiries. Travel, emergencies, health issues, program logistics, and all program trips. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments are in good shape, if you take good care of them. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a lot of freedom to meet Israeli students living in the dorms. I had two wonderful roommates who grew up in Israel and I got to learn about their culture and values. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got a salivary gland infection when abroad. With one visit to the on-campus clinic, I was able to get a diagnosis and prescription for antibiotics in a day. |
| * Safety: |
It is very safe to walk around everywhere near the University, even at night. Lots of runners on the streets at night, since it's hot during the day. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I love the location. In Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, local students go home for with their families. Since Be'er Sheva is a more significant trip away, many of them stay and consequently, there's a really great social environment in Be'er Sheva for students. |
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) |
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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 |
I had a wonderful teacher for my Ulpan (intensive Hebrew class) |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Meet locals and talk with them for practice |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Be open minded. Come in with an expectation challenge your own beliefs and values. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
