Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Hebrew U: The Greatest Experience Past Review

By (Business, IGS, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 06/18/2014 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 how Israeli universities function versus American universities. I learned a lot about the Israeli culture in general, and I learned about a bunch about the different perspectives on the conflict, which was interesting. Also, the people were AWESOME.

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:

There is no meal plan for study abroad students, and that tended to be a little expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe.

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)

I spent around $600 a month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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 roommates all spoke English, and most study abroad students lived with other English speaking roommates. That made it a little difficult to really embrace 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Hebrew 44, Advanced Intermediate Hebrew: Israeli Culture and the Media
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? Room with Israelis! It will give you the best opportunity to learn the language.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • The students
  • The classes
  • The opportunity to explore all of Israel
* What could be improved?
  • The office could respond more quickly about whether students were accepted into the program.
  • Overall, I think the program was awesome.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not much, there weren't too many surprises...

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.