Tel Aviv: Culture, Nightlife, Beaches, What Else Is There? Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, the classes I took at TAU were great. The professors were really interesting and understanding that we were abroad continuing our education but,also trying to see every aspect that Israel had to offer us. I felt as though the professors were more focused on their students listening and taking lessons with them from the course, rather than them studying all night for an exam or a 10-page paper. From my Israeli Film course to Modern Jewish History, they were all very well taught and conducted. The Hebrew courses that are available for abroad students are incredible. I took one year of Hebrew at my university at home and I learned more Hebrew while I was abroad in just those six months.

On-site administration of your program

The program was so supportive and would always do whatever they could to help the students out. They understand we were abroad and did not know certain aspects of the country but, they made sure all of our issues and concerns were met and answered.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms on campus were just recently renovated so they were very nice and the area where the campus and dorms are located in are absolutely beautiful. It is close by to markets and restaurants but, you do have to take a bus or taxi into the city for more of a social life. But being close to campus met easy walks to class, nice cafes near by, and a gym/pool right next door to you. From our dorms, we were also a 15 minute walk from the beach, that definitely helped us all get used to the area we were living in.

Most of the time, my friends and I cooked for ourselves but, when we did venture out into our area or went into the city, there were so many different types of cafes and restaurants, it was never hard to find something that everyone would agree on. Between sushi and vegan restaurants, to cafes and frozen yogurt shops, Tel Aviv has every kind of food available which adds to its unique culture.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The undergraduate study abroad program has great counselors there, working in the office, planning events, field trips, always there for you when you need them. If there was an emergency or health issue, they were just a phone call away and I loved that because being in a foreign country, no family, it was nice to know that someone was there to help you. The counselors planned great trips allowing us to see all of Israel, trips to the north, trips to the south, a night safari, all really interesting and fun activities which can be difficult with a large group of college students but, the trips ended up being amazing.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Ramat Aviv, the city where the dorms and campus are located, is an extremely safe area. It is a small area, with many neighborhoods and families. I felt completely safe and comfortable walking across the street by myself, in my pajamas, to the convenient store for a late night snack. Ramat Aviv is a beautiful, quiet, and very safe area of Israel.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The problem in Israel is that everyone speaks English, so when you try to practice your Hebrew skills, they realize you are American and just respond in English. However, taking any language courses that may be offered are crucial because you only have a short period of time in that country to soak up all the culture and language that it has to offer. When I was out in the markets, classes, bars, I would use my Hebrew to the best of my ability because practicing can only benefit your skills.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• Peers on the program
• The field trips/events the program provided for us
• The location of the campus/dorms, close to the city

• Some sort of meal plan for students on campus