Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the most memorable experiences of my life Past Review

By (History And Political Science, Cornell University) - abroad from 01/30/2012 to 06/09/2012 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely the best semester of my college experience. I had been looking forward to studying abroad since freshmen year and my program and time in Tel Aviv did not disappoint. Tel Aviv is a great place to go, as there are many opportunities to be with Israelis and feel like less of a tourist. After visiting my friends studying in Rome and Florence, I can say that this was a unique feeling. If you want an authentic experience, go to Tel Aviv for the semester!

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My friend had to go to the hospital for tonsillitis, and our program was very unhelpful. The responsibility definitely fell to us as her friends. It was difficult to navigate a health care system of which we were all unfamiliar.

* Safety:

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)

Tel Aviv is definitely more expensive than Ithaca, but less than NYC

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between 100/150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't underestimate how much transportation can 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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? five semesters of Hebrew at Cornell
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? Most Israelis my age wanted to speak English, but I found a babysitting job with younger kids which definitely improved my hebrew. I was also less self conscious about making a mistake in front of a five and seven year old.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I appreciated the independence we were given, it facilitated our ability to interact with Israelis and explore the city.
* What could be improved?
  • If someone was sick or needed to see a doctor, I wish our program leaders were more helpful.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more recommendations initially on where to go/what to do rather than acclimating a few weeks in.