Studying in Israel: Unlimited opportunities to Explore the region Past Review
By Sam W (Political Science, Economics, Tufts University) for
Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel
Absolutely worthwhile. Though it took a few days before I decided I didn't want to transfer to another, more serious program in Israel, it turned out to be an incredible experience. A great chance to party, get cultural exposure, and really learn about life in the region and in Israel. So many opportunities to explore the region.
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 learned a lot, but only because I put effort in to learn a lot. Most students don't attend many classes, but if you attend class you can get a lot of it. Also, the readings are really interesting, but again, most students don't do the readings. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Brand new dorms. Very clean, beautiful, air conditioned (and in Israel this makes a huge difference). |
| * Food: |
Food in Israel is delicious. Arab food mixed with Western food. Lots of choices. Lots of American options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Travel a lot. There are so many opportunities to get on a bus or plane any day and go around the Middle East. We got to Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and the Palestinian Territories in the West Bank, and I learned more doing these trips than any class in Israel or in my home university. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Despite news reports, I never once felt unsafe in Israel. The Israelis do security the right way, and it is hard to understand in America where security is treated in a patchwork, incomprehensive way. |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The first 4 weeks of the program are a mandatory Hebrew-intensive Ulpan, which exposes you to language at any level. The teachers really love teaching and love exposing foreign students to their local culture and language. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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