Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Less student-life, more real-life. Past Review

By (Engineering Physics, Murray State University) - abroad from 06/11/2019 to 08/07/2019 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what it was like to have large language and cultural barriers between most of society and myself. I also learned how to help bridge that gap by finding communities and people with shared interests. It helped show me what really matters to me and defines me as a person, since the "extra" stuff was not easy to convey or hold on to in a new environment.

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?

The location was conveniently close to campus. The amenities were sufficient, but the maintenance was below average (our shower door leaked water into the rest of the bathroom).

* Food:

The food is great, but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe and had no safety-related incidents.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The summer research program provided valuable education. I learned about a new subject area and some of the skills and practices related to it. More importantly, this gave me a taste of a field that I was considering pursuing further and academic research in general.

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)

Food is expensive and there was not much space for four people to make their own meals in the small kitchen provided.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $233
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are comfortable spending time shopping for and preparing food with the limited resources in the suite kitchenette, you may be able to save some money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Diversity of other international students
  • Freedom of schedule
  • Location (Israel)
* What could be improved?
  • Mentorship
  • Clarity of Objectives
  • Housing Options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had learned a little more Hebrew. I wish that I had known I would have to choose between eating out (expensive) or working with limited kitchen resources (difficult with four people sharing less than a full kitchen).