The Beach, Medicine, and Falafel: My Abroad Experience at Tel Aviv University Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/15/2017 to 01/04/2018 with
Tel Aviv University: Voyage to Medicine Program
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Aside from enjoying every second of my time here because of all the fun experiences and beautiful places I visited, I was able to improve my Hebrew immensely and I felt truly immersed in Israeli culture, which was incredible. I got to learn about the Israeli medical system and have hands-on exposure to so many aspects of medicine through my program, as well as through my ambulance shifts on Magen David Adom. It was absolutely the best experience.
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. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Though general Tel Aviv University international students are not provided any sort of meal plan, the Voyage to Medicine program provided breakfast and lunch for participants each day. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A -- I had no experience with healthcare because I never utilized it. |
| * 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) |
Food and shopping and leisurely expenses are relatively expensive in Tel Aviv, but it is manageable as long as you're conscious about the budget you're on. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | it depended on the week, but usually around $100-$150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be conscious of the budget you are on from day 1 so you don't feel like you've exhausted your resources by the later half of the program, which is what a lot of students experience. Also, if possible, try to get a job (I babysat) for some extra cash flow and an integrative cultural experience. |
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 |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Use every opportunity you have to practice the language with native Israeli--even though many of them know English and might want to practice it with you, stay stern on practicing your Hebrew with them (even if your accent sounds funny!). Otherwise, you can go the entire semester without improving your Hebrew. |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You will only gain what you chase after--though there are many incredible opportunities on this program, it is all in your hands to seek out the experiences you want and grow from them (things will not fall so easily in your lap). |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
Featured Program Providers
