ISreal happened Past Review
By A student (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/08/2016 to 01/05/2017 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
I learned how to be independent, make meals, travel alone, be alert, a be street smart
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. |
Great university to do your first study abroad |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
extremely helpful and always have fun programs planned for students |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great housing arrangements in terms of having my own room and bathroom. Although they are not top notch dorms they are livable. |
| * Food: |
As a vegetarian I thought I would not have many options, but I was wrong. I had a lot of hummus, falafel, and pita. I also did local grocery shopping a cooked in the dorms. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The University did a great job in showing us around the city that after the first week it was easy to take the bus to concerts, restaurants, and the movies. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was lucky enough to not have any major health problems. For the common cold and cough the school provides insurance and has an on campus clinic. They also provide cheap "in the basket" medicine that is affordable to students. |
| * Safety: |
People think the Middle East is the worst place to be, but it is actually the safest. The shopping centers all have metal detectors. The university inspects every vehicle entering campus, and when there is an emergency the international school takes care of you. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If I could do it all over again I would. I want to see more of the cities and six months was not enough |
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 great part of going to the Middle East is that the US dollars weigh more. I could easily survive on $100 every month. It all depends on how you manage your money. Obviously you eat or shop for expensive items then you will run out faster. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Before going abroad apply fro scholarships!! This will help you alot. Also have shekels before you enter Israel or have credit card company that doesn't charge a currency exchange fee. Also remember to haggle at markets. |
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 |
I took an intensive Hebrew class. It was not required but I figured it would be helpful. It definitely was and helped me get around on my own. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | didn't take one |
| 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? | talk with the locals and read the signs and remember to ask questions. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
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? | I wish I had known to pack less so that I could shop for more things to bring back to the states |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
