Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Technion in a Nut Shell Past Review

By (Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 03/15/2015 to 07/26/2015 with

Technion, Israel Institute of Technology: Haifa - Semester of Engineering & Science

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made a ton of new friends that I hope to stay in touch with as well as see in the future. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Compared to living in dorms in America, this was terrible. Many problems in the apartment with a/c, hot water, etc.

* Food:

There are a ton of restaurants nearby as well as on campus

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

They have security at every gate to get on campus. If you are walking they ask to check your ID. However, if you are on a bus they racial profile you and don't ever ask for ID. It is very easy for a non-student to get onto campus but there haven't been any incidents.

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 was spending about $300 to $400 a month.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the supermarkets and find deals on food than going to the food court every day.

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

I took 2 classes in Hebrew. 1 of those classes had slides, assignments, and the exam in English. The other class had everything in Hebrew except when I pleaded for an exam in English. The class that had everything in Hebrew was taught in English the previous semester and I had access to the recordings of the lectures online.

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? A 4th semester level course
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? Do an Ulpan course before starting you program. Usually you can find an Ulpan program before your program starts anyway.

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
  • 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?
  • Blending of different cultures.
  • The Campus (Although it is 1 big hill)
  • The people I met
* What could be improved?
  • The communication before arriving at the school could be better
  • The apartments could be a little nicer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't know. It was kind of what I expected.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.