Hebrew class abroad, not really a "program" Past Review

By (Education Studies and Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/25/2012 to 07/30/2012 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 significantly improved my Hebrew from the program itself. Because the program was not so "programmed", and I had been to the country many times before, it allowed me to explore the country on my own in ways I had not had time to or been allowed to in the past. It was definitely worthwhile.

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?

It's nice, but annoying location

* Food:

There's no food on the program; you have kitchens.

* 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? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a rav kav (bus pass) and pay a monthly rate at the beginning of each month instead of spending per ride.

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

My program was solely a language-intensive program. The program encouraged us to use it outside of class, but the program essentially ended each day when class did.

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
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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • improved my Hebrew
* What could be improved?
  • ensure more conversations with native speakers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Very age diverse. There are college students, but I was one of two in my particular class; everyone else was far into grad school, had kids, and the oldest was about 85.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'