Israel is my second home! Past Review
By A student (Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/18/2012 to 06/10/2012 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
I gained a closeness with my family abroad in Israel. I worked hard on my Hebrew language skills, and successfully navigated a foreign country in a language other than my mother tongue. It was worthwhile, and I am so proud of it!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were very interesting, but not challenging, like at Brandeis. We were encouraged to travel more than to study. |
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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? |
My room was a bomb shelter, and had no internet access. The apartment was very dirty. My roommates were wonderful, though. |
| * Food: |
Delicious, cheap and fresh! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I contracted bronchitis, and with the help of the university accessed a doctor, and received proper medication quickly. I had to find the doctor myself in the city, which was very difficult, when sick and alone. |
| * Safety: |
Every apartment had a bomb shelter. Every city street had soldiers. I felt very 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) |
The shekel is 4 to 1 dollar. Very cheap. |
| * 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? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a weekly budget for yourself, and make your own food. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | You will feel lonely abroad, but will learn to depend on yourself. That sense of independence is a tremendous gain! |
