A Once In A Lifetime Experience! Past Review
By Josh N (Middle East studies, University of Vermont) - abroad from 09/10/2008 to 01/16/2009 with
Arava Institute for Environmental Studies: Hevel Eilot - Study Abroad in Israel
I can't type it all hear. But my time at the Arava Institute was life changing and I will always be grateful for what I learned regarding environmental issues, peace building skills, and the amazing friends I made.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It's not as rigorous as universities in the U.S. however the program as a whole puts it up there with the top universities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Cathie Granit is the best! The whole administration is very approachable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It's a great place to learn about communal living but there are also some singles available. |
| * Food: |
The institute is on a kibbutz in the desert so the food options are limited but you can make a great salad every day! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made some of my best friends while at the institute. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe at the institute. |
| 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) |
You really have everything taken care of for you. The only costs would be if you wanted to travel to other parts of Israel and Palestine or take a trip to Jordan or Egypt. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring your sunscreen with you! It's expensive in Israel! |
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 |
There were opportunities to learn Hebrew and student led opportunities to learn Arabic. |
| 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? | Hebrew 2 |
| 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? | If you want to learn Hebrew or Arabic you need to make it very clear to folks that's what you want to be spoken to with. Otherwise people will just speak English to you. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | Try everything. Take advantage of all opportunities to travel with your fellow classmates! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Water Management |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Dr. Clive Lipchin |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | What a great course! |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
