Awesome experience! Past Review
By Rebeca P (Langara College) - abroad from 07/31/2017 to 08/24/2017 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
I didn't really know Hebrew before and after one month I can read and speak some Hebrew. It was totally worthwile to come not just for the learning experience but also for the living and cultural experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was a great experience for me. I learned a lot and had a lot of un learning. It was an intense course for one month but well-balanced. It's definitely worth it! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was good in terms of administrative assistance from the University. It was well organized for both the arrival and the departure. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very satisfied! No complaints, I stayed in Talia dorms which is quite convenient, and I had an amazing view from the apartment! |
| * Food: |
Food in Israel is great and fresh! And not too expensive depending where you go. Israeli food is amazing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had the opportunity to meet and talk to some of the local students. For a 4-week program it was a really great experience! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no experience with healthcare, however all the information was explained in detail. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Haifa. There is security in the university 24/7. The only advise would be to be alert and careful as anywhere else. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, definitely! |
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) |
It depends, if you eat out rather than cooking your own food it can cost a lot. The minimarket has some good options for fruits and vegtables, etc. There is also the student cafeteria, Greg Cafe and Aroma -a little bit more expensive, but those places are good. Depending where you buy food in campus, expect for spend between $10-20 per meal. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | On average $120. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's a very common advice but it's good to budget your expenses so that you don't over spend, unless necessary, specially if you have limited funds. |
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 |
A lot! The classes were great and we were encouraged to speak in the class and after class. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Don't be shy and try to speak with locals. If you have questions, ask, they are more than willing to help. |
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?
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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? | That I would need kitchen utensils, however it was not a problem as our roommates shared with us. Other than that, nothing really. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
