Israel cannot be summed up in one sentence, but nice try. Past Review

By (English/Creative Writing, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2014 to 06/26/2014 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 learned a lot about Israeli culture, including the darker side to Israeli politics. I learned my way around Jerusalem and was able to explore the country at my leisure.

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.

While I immensely enjoyed staying in Jerusalem, my program, Spring in Jerusalem, had course requirements that were difficult to fulfill. For Spring in Jerusalem, we had to take two courses either in Hebrew University or with the Rothberg graduate school. Our course selections were very limited, since most of us needed classes taught in English that didn't have exams scheduled after we left, which didn't leave very many options.

* 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)

Israel is a very expensive country to live in.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70-100

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 100-level 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? Don't let the Israelis talk to you in English!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Jerusalem living experience
  • People on the program
  • Dorms
* What could be improved?
  • Class requirements (for Spring in Jerusalem)
  • Integration of international students and Israelis
  • No ovens in the dorms severely limited cooking options.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just buy the semester-long Rav Kav. It's worth it if only to save you the hassle. And don't sit in the back of the bus unless you want to get carsick.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!