Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a Lifetime Past Review

By (Boston University) - abroad from 01/20/2019 to 05/30/2019 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more independent, confident, self-aware, and determined. The experience definitely forced me to go out of my comfort zone sometimes to get what I needed done and ask for help when I needed it. It was extremely rewarding and I know many of the lessons I learned while abroad will stay with me.

Review Photos

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School Photo University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School Photo University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School Photo University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School Photo University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I have visited Israel many times before, but never more than a few weeks. This was the first chance I had to really live on my own and be independent in a foreign country. Even though it is not the most foreign place on earth for me, there is a different language and culture than I am used to in the USA. So for me, being here was eye-opening and I feel helped me grow so much.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When getting used to the domestic currency, make sure to convert to dollars and budget that way.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? 4th year Spanish course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make an effort to use Hebrew where you can. Many international students did not want to practice with Israelis and many Israelis want to practice their English. You have to meet people who are willing to help, which isn't difficult, there are so many great people willing to practice with you. But you have to make the effort.

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
  • 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?
  • Engaging with local students / people
  • Experiencing the different cites (cities, historic places, monuments, etc)
  • Learning about the Middle East while in the Middle East (and different perspectives from different students and professors)
* What could be improved?
  • More events to help facilitate mixing between Israelis and International Students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My home university gave me trouble with how the courses here would transfer back at home. They assured / implied some things that turned out to be not true, and a bad job communicating with me when I needed guidance. University of Haifa gave me no trouble, it is my home university that caused a lot of stress for me.

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 Linguist
You 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!