Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing Past Review

By (International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/04/2013 to 01/02/2014 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The Israeli culture is very different from the American culture. People are a lot more upfront and this can come off as rude to some Americans. I became a lot more direct and confident in myself after being in Israel. I can also make quicker decisions now since in Israel you need to be quick to act and more aggressive, this is a vary valuable trait.

Review Photos

University of Haifa: Haifa - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Haifa: Haifa - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.

The language courses are intensive and require a lot of your time. The other courses are less rigorous and usually mostly involve lengthy essays as in 7-15 pages double spaced.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is very responsive and is able to help you quickly. You have to be on top of it yourself though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first I was surprised because I had 5 other room mates but they were all great. I had my own room and bathroom which was really nice.

* Food:

I like Israeli food but sometimes it can get repetitious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick twice during my time in Haifa. The insurance is really great and you don't have to pay for medication or to go to the doctor. To get to the doctor it is about 15-20 minutes which is the only annoying part.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Israel. The university gives you steps for security.

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)

Israel is an expensive place to live. Food is expensive and other things are very expensive. The best thing to do is to go to the Shouk to buy your groceries.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70-100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get the RavKaf local transportation card to save 33% on transportation cost. You have to take a letter saying that you are a student from the university and your passport as an ID to get one.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • the Trips that come with being an international student. The international office takes international student on trips every other weekend. This is free of cost which is great.
* What could be improved?
  • Efficiency. As a student you need to make sure all your things are in order with the international office because things can take longer to process here.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Haifa weather begins to cool down in September so make sure to bring warm clothes and winter boots! Shoes are expensive in Israel, thus try to bring what is necessary.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.