Study Abroad in Haifa Past Review
By Sara (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/22/2018 to 05/31/2018 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
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. |
I participated in the psychology research program, which was a great experience that I learned a lot from. My psychology class, Refugees' Mental Health, was very interesting and well organized. I enjoyed the Hebrew program and my speaking abilities improved greatly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The organization and communication during the admissions process was terrible. They lost some of my paperwork and were very slow in responding. I almost didn't attend the program because of how late I heard that I was accepted. However, after I arrived, the program staff were incredibly supportive and accessible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the Talia Dorms and had my own room and bathroom. The dorms are fairly typical college dorms - not particularly nice but fine. Some international students live with other international students, and some with Israeli students. I wish I had the opportunity to say which I preferred. |
| * Food: |
There a multiple grocery stores close by that have good prices, as well as cafes, a dining hall, and a mini market on campus. All the dorms have kitchens so I cooked for myself most of the time. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made some Israeli friends, but mostly spent time with other international students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
All students are enrolled in the university's healthcare plan. My only healthcare experience was when I got a mild concussion. Our madricha (guide) came with me to the doctor and then to the ER, and my insurance covered everything. |
| * Safety: |
Haifa is a very safe city - I felt comfortable on campus and off. While I was there, there were some international security issues which I felt the international school staff could have communicated more clearly about. I felt comfortable, but I know other international students who were less familiar with Israel were worried. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~100 |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Barely any |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
