learned a lot Past Review

By (University at Buffalo - SUNY) - abroad from 02/18/2018 to 06/01/2018 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be entirely independent

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't experience this myself, but I also never got my Clalit health insurance card which I would have needed if something happened.

* Safety:

No safety issues here.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The program taught me lots of things about myself, but for a more enriching and enjoyable experience, I should have pursued a different program.

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)

I'm a very frugal spender but with the cost of groceries and MINIMAL going out and day trips I spent about 70-80 USD per week. $30 per week in groceries is very doable, but if you like to eat out or go on day trips frequently, budget about $50 more per week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Weekly spending for necessary items was roughly 30-38 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Rami Levi and Shuk Talpiot, use local ingredients. Buy the cheapest dishes and cooking utensils you can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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 planned day trips
* What could be improved?
  • International school's assistance for students
  • Orientation
  • Insist that students take Hebrew
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish I had known I would have had a hard time getting into town due to where the university is located.