Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Highly intense but highly useful in learning about middle eastern issues. Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/16/2018 to 07/07/2018 with

KIIS: Israel & Egypt

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a far deeper understanding of Hebrew and Islamic culture than before. Also, the politics surrounding these countries helps me to reflect on my own country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Really intense study course with a lot of information. Readings every night but very useful in understanding the situation in both of these counties. Resources were often and varied.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Highly knowledgeable with a lot of prior experience with the area of study.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice accommodations. Even tho we lived in close proximity to others in our groups it brought a sense of community to the group.

* Food:

Food was great with very little western, American food eaten.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt deeply integrated with the culture but, I think for me the thing that always held me back from it is the religions surrounding these two nations are not mine. Therefore, I lack experience with the religion itself which makes a large part of the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no problems with the health care there so I cannot attest to it but based on others it was well.

* Safety:

Highly safe but can lead to unsafe places. Wrong place at the wrong time could lead to violence in the form of military and various different factions in the country.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program country has always been a place of interest for me and I had a great deal of learning opportunities and fun during this trip.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25-50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Exchange money and learn the daily exchange rate.

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 were taught some words in Arabic and Hebrew which was useful in the streets.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Just memorize it

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?
  • Religion
  • History
  • Politics
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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.