Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Amherst College) - abroad from 08/06/2007 to 01/07/2008 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad was an amazing experience! I really fell in love with Israel, and learned about Israeli culture and history. I would go back in a heartbeat!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were incredibly interesting and enlightening, and they provided me with a strong introduction to Israeli culture, Israeli history, Judaism, Islam, and the Hebrew language. The professors were excellent, and I consistently had the resources needed to make the most of my experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never had issues with the administration of the program - I received all necessary information on time, and was able to go to the International students office with any doubts or questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms when I attended were so-so. They were very conveniently close to campus and had all necessary amenities (small kitchen, individual bathrooms, etc), but the rooms were not pretty. However, I was informed that the dorms were nicely renovated after my attendance.

* Food:

There are some cafes close to the dorms and on campus, and there was a good supermarket walking distance. Plus there is a nice Aroma Cafe at the mall nearby, perfect for a coffee going to or coming back from class.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Israelis are very open and welcoming - as long as you make an effort, you'll have no trouble meeting people and becoming integrated. I made several Israeli friends, some of whom I still keep in touch with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no issues with healthcare during my stay.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Tel Aviv- of course it's still a big city, so you just need to act with common sense.

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? About $150.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Going out for drinks will quickly add up, and so will eating out. Stock up on groceries and budget yourself to try keep expenses lower.

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

The ulpan prior to the semester abroad was a fantastic way to get a crash course in Hebrew and prepare myself for an excellent semester ahead.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Classes
  • Being immersed in israeli culture
  • The city of Tel Aviv
* What could be improved?
  • The dorms- but I believe they already were!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would have been great to know more Hebrew, but the Ulpan was extremely beneficial.

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.