Constantly Nastalgic for Tel Aviv University Past Review
By kaylee v (Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication., California State University - Chico) - abroad from 07/21/2009 to 06/22/2009 with
Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel
Where do I begin! I learned what it's like to live in Tel Aviv: from grocery shopping, to public transportation, local cuisines - and all the while learning how to grow from the experience. It was life changing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I always say, Tel Aviv makes NYC look like a sleeping giant! The campus is just a few minutes from the beach, clubs, bars, restaurants, etc etc. There is a great balance between classes and exploration - and the professors really encourage us to have fun and make the most out of our experience. The support from the staff is 24/7, and with the help from the NYC office it's a breeze to get all questions/concerns answered. Don't forget the 3 organized trip to the North, South, and Jerusalem for a few days each! I wish I could do it all again! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There are counselors living in the dorms, on call 24/7 - they organize optional events, and if your not feeling well, they are more than happy to take you to the doctor. On campus, the OSP office is easily accessible. They are friendly, organized, and were a pleasure to work with! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was right across from campus. So this made it easy to roll out of bed, and get to class just on time. They are apartment style - and the bedrooms are very big! |
| * Food: |
The food in Israel is AMAZING. Fresh produce all the time. There are countless restaurants/grocery stores around campus. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There is a great "Buddy System" where you can be paired up with an Israeli student on campus. This makes your study abroad experience that much better! However, I always felt like a Tel Aviv University student! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was sick for a while - with a terrible cough. I saw a doctor around the corner from campus. He was patient and gentle -and even talked to my mom a few times to give her an update. A counselor went with me every time. All my visits were covered my the health insurance, provided by the program. |
| * Safety: |
I never once felt unsafe. There is 24hr security in the dorms/campus. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 on a tight budget. And, with everything I lived according to my means. Tel Aviv is a city - so it can be expensive. But - if it means I ride the bus more than I take a taxi, or eat out once a week instead of 5 - that's what I had to do. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You have a kitchen in your dorm - so buy groceries and eat at home as much as you can. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
All the time! during Ulpan, our teachers would teach us a few slang words to use when in a taxi, at the food market, etc. Hebrew is not only a language but very much a part of living in Israel - the expression and hand motions make it a very unique language. |
| 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? | I grew up attending a Jewish Day School - so Hebrew was always a part of my life. I just didn't really put much effort into it. Which is my doing, not the programs. |
| 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? | Don't be shy - try use what you're learning! |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I should have gone for a year not a semester |
