Very disorganized, but one of the best experiences I've ever had. Past Review
By Daniel G (Kenyon College) - abroad from 10/02/2011 to 01/06/2012 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
I learned a ton about Israel and how to speak Hebrew. I learned all about culture other cultures aside from mine. I learned not only about the local culture, but about the cultures of my fellow students as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not difficult at all and and not intense at all. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very disorganized and unpredictable, yet very nice and warm people. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Awesome, except I with I was told ahead a time that nothing but a hot pan to cook with. |
| * Food: |
Much better than my home university. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very satisfied. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Extremely poorly. A student I knew wasn't even given crutches when he was informed by the doctor at a local hospital that he should be leaving bed, yet alone walk. |
| * Safety: |
The University felt extremely safe. |
| 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) |
That's my fault. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250-300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan to buy food off of of a list and buy dinner foods in bulk. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Only in the language course, but that seems appropriate. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Eight lessons with a private tutor and my mother. |
| 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? | Take private lessons or use audio tapes. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that the psychology program wasn't very rigorous and that the program would be very disorganized. |
