A Semester Filled with New Adventures June 27, 2022
By A student (Near Eastern & Judaic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/24/2022 to 06/02/2022 with
Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Rothberg International School: Undergraduate Study Abroad Program
I learned so much from this experience and gained many new friends. I learned how to be independent, come out of my comfort zone, and what is truly important to me. I learned more about my Jewish identity and why I practice the way I do. This was a worthwhile experience for me because I know I will take all these lessons with me throughout my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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? |
We lived in an apartment of 5, with a kitchen with only a stovetop, refrigerator, and sink. We did not have a microwave or an oven. Each of us had our own room, there was 1 shower and 2 toilets. |
| * 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
I participated in the Nachshon Project, a project geared toward American College-aged students who want to work in the Jewish world. This allowed me to be in a cohort of 25 incredible people. I formed a bond that I know will last, I had new experiences, and was able to grow as a person away from everyone who already knows who I am. This was definitely the right program for me. |
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 |
We had to take Ulpan before the semester started and during the semester we had to take a Hebrew course which was 3 times a week. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how quickly it would go by and to start taking advantage of every day from day 1. I also wish I knew that I wouldn't like some of my classes and that I should have shopped for classes in the beginning. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
