Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing Experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 06/07/2012 with

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Rothberg International School: Undergraduate Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of independence living in a foreign country. I had to cook for myself and buy my own supplies for my apartment. Studying in Israel gave me the opportunity to think a lot about my life and who I am. There were a number of religious programs offered through the university geared towards Americans studying there. I enjoyed participating in those programs. I have always loved Israel and gained more appreciation for the country while I was there. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to live there, particularly in Jerusalem.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were not very rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice dorm accommodations. Lived in apartment style dorms with kitchens. There are five sigle rooms and a common area.

* Food:

There were many food options on the main campus and a few places to eat down the street. There were alsoman

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not enough integration in Israeli culture. Program was with all international students (non-Israeli)and most of the students who we lived with were international. Did get a feeling for what life is like in Israel.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not enough guidance on what to do in a situation in which a student is sick. I had a virus and called a hotline from the health insurance that the university gave us and the woman who answered wasn't very helpful.

* Safety:

Jerusalem is very safe right now and there is adequate security around. There is security in the dorms and on the main campus. Be careful not to go places in French Hill in which the Rothberg administration tells you not to go. There are certain areas nearby that should be avoided.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your food at the shuk instead of Co-Op Shop (which is right down the street).

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? I took a few upper level Hebrew courses at Brandeis
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? Speak in Hebrew as much as you can when you are around natives.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • It was in Jerusalem
  • We lived in nice dorms
  • They gave us a lot of freedom
* What could be improved?
  • The curses offered can use some improvement
  • There could have been more structure from the Office of Student Activities in the Rothberg School
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had known more about the classes offered and which were the good ones to take.