Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A very fulfilling, meaningful, and deep learning experience Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/01/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the different societal, environmental, and social elements that make up Israel. I learned about how gratifying it is to study side by side with people who are passionate about Israel like I am. This experience was very worth while.

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.

I found each class to be both challenging and rewarding. The professors always demonstrated the highest level of knowledge. All resources were extremely easy to access at various days and times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I found the administration to be very organized and helpful throughout the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed the Einstein dorms because of the extremely close proximity to the University, however, the dorms badly needed to be refurbished.

* Food:

The food on campus was easily accessible as well as the nearby grocery store.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture especially because my grandparents live in Ramat Aviv.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had one experience with Israeli healthcare when I was abroad. I called the madricha when I was sick and she contacted the doctor immediately. The next day I had an appointment with the doctor and I received medication for my infection.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in and around the Tel Aviv University campus, especially in the dorms. The best safety advice is to try and stay in groups if you plan on walking outside late at night.

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 spent around a 5 during my time on the program. I also received financial assistance from my Israeli relatives.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and make more food as apposed to buying prepared food or ordering take out.

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

5-Having the five week ulpan before the courses began motivated me to speak Hebrew throughout the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Hebrew Literature and Writing
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? The best way to practice the language is to use it outside of the classroom. For example, in coffee shops, busses, trains, and cabs.

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people
  • the courses
  • the trips
* What could be improved?
  • the dorms
  • grading guidelines for some courses were inconsistent
  • no Hebrew class offered during regular courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how accessible the professors were to the students.

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.