Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer Research Program in the Sciences August 18, 2021

By (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, University of Pennsylvania) - abroad from 06/14/2021 to 08/11/2021 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the lab and research culture in Israel. It was very interesting to see how friendly and approachable everyone is. In addition, I do feel like I learned more about the field of cancer research and had a great opportunity to learn new lab techniques in cutting edge facilities and with knowledgable mentors.

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.

The program placed me in a wonderful lab where I learned much more than I could have imagined in a short time span. I was able to participate in multiple projects ranging from Glioblastoma research to projects on COVID19. While I was pleased with the educational part of this program, it did not provide much outside of lab placement. There were no trips, activities, or sense of community between the participants of such.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments aren't the best. They are dirty and the administration is not friendly.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • 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?
  • Lab placements
  • Friendships made
* What could be improved?
  • Dorms
  • More social activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew there would be no social part to the program.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!