Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging at times but really worth it! Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/17/2014 to 07/24/2014 with

Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School: Israel Summer Business Academy / ISBA

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about business and why Israel is a start-up nation. I also connected with students from other school, particularly WashU in St. Louis. I learned a lot about the culture and a gained a lot of independence!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of work involved, included 2-3 blog posts per week, two research papers, and working for startup companies. It was a lot of fun but it also took some time to learn how to balance the work with having fun in the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration always tried to be accommodating and nice, but there was a new administration officer and new professor almost every week so we never got much resolved if we had problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of the apartment was really amazing but we didn't live very close to other people on our program so to hang out with our friends it usually involved some walking.

* Food:

Food was so good but a bit pricey because Tel-Aviv is an expensive city.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated especially because I went out of my way to study the language more. I don't know if the other students felt the same way, many of them did not try to learn the native language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had health issues, but my friends that did, did not have the best experience. It was challenging at times with the language barrier.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Israel even when rockets were being fired. The Israel Defense Force is unbelievable and I never felt the need to leave the country.

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

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)

If you are good about budgeting your money and not going to expensive restaurants it's not that hard, but at the same time you have to pay for most of your meals so it gets a little tough.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent around 150 dollars a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't go to expensive restaurants every week. Treat yourself once or twice but it's more important to spend your money on souvenirs and fun activities that you can do around the city

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Traveling around the country
  • Meeting new people
  • Company Visits
* What could be improved?
  • The Administration
  • The work load
  • attracting more students from different schools
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It takes time to adjust, but once you do, you never want to leave!

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!