An amazing semester in a fascinating and delicious city Past Review

By (Philosophy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/24/2018 to 06/01/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned about the complexities of Israel, being in Jerusalem, which is really the center of Judaism worldwide. It's also incredibly diverse with a tapestry of other cultures as well. I did Nachshon, which is also a terrific program. Would highly recommend. It's an excellent supplement for anyone interested in pursuing a career in Jewish leadership or just trying to meet fun and smart people.

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.

Israeli Narratives of War and Peace was my favorite course. Best thing is to choose good professors, of which there are several.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Good but lots of bureaucracy and rigidity of policies.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied with the Student Village. Clean and inexpensive.

* Food:

Such amazing food in Jerusalem. No meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not so much interaction with Israelis since the school is international. But you are at Hebrew University.

* 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)

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? Beginner
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? Hebrew 44
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? Make israeli friends!!

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
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • City / excellent location
  • The culinary experience :))
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • More opportunities to practice hebrew
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much english is spoken in jerusalem.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.