Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

feeling at home in Israel Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2012 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 loved it! Being in Israel and feeling a real part of the culture was a phenomenal experience, and I can't wait to go back.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? No
* 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

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? 100 level (upper level)
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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 classes
  • the number of international students
  • the ability to become familiar with the Israel university system
* What could be improved?
  • the honors program (I dropped out)
  • the shopping period (I only had 2 days to decide all of your classes)
  • the opportunity for Hebrew courses for students with advanced Hebrew skills
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Socially speaking, people tend to make their friends very early on and stick with them, more or less. There is a window of opportunity in abroad programs because people are eager to take advantage of all the opportunities they have--traveling, sight seeing, cultural activities, etc--and therefore want people to do those things with from the very beginning. Make friends right away!