Fell in love the city of Tel Aviv and Israel Past Review

By (Financial Economics, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As a graduating senior, my abroad experience was a personal journey right before I enter into the real world. I not only feel in love the city of Tel Aviv and the land of Israel but in the process I learn a lot about myself. It was an incredible experience.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Tel Aviv University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed my classes and become a lot more knowledgeable about what I can here to study.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Little instructions were given on any subject.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in the dorms close to the university. <br /><br /> Overall the dorms were sufficient for living but not ideal.

* Food:

I did not like that there was no meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Encouragement of social activities and some great trips to the North (Golan Hieghts), the South (Negev) and Jerusalem.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Your required to purchase your own medication but the counclers took you to visit the docotr. I felt very safe throughout the dorms and campus. There was a lot of security.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food was a big expense without having a meal plan. Living right next to the major city of Tel Aviv became expensive constantly traveling to and from.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to take buses whenever possible it will save a lot of money, or take sherut instead of cabs.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

We were required to take a Hebrew Language Ulpan course.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program is for a very self motivated student. Other programs in Israel are more involved in the everyday life of the students, Tel Aviv was very hands off.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Jewish Identity in Israel and the Diaspora

Course Department:
Instructor: Yehuda Bar-Shalom
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Enjoyed every minute of this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: