An interesting experience Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/10/2015 to 06/11/2015 with

Arava Institute for Environmental Studies: Hevel Eilot - Study Abroad in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a worthwhile experience

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.

Teachers were caring, though disorganized. Not very academically rigorous but there was a lot of experiential learning. I especially enjoyed growing with Elaine Solloway as part of my Organic Food Production course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Caring and supportive though somewhat disorganized and made a lot of last minute changes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very nice. Facilities include a kitchen, pool, laundry service.

* Food:

You eat in the dining hall. Its fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were outside of the local culture because of the diverse nature of this program, but we had a culture of our own which was interesting.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was average.

* Safety:

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)

Very easy because most things are included.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 average from the whole semester because of travel

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? Intermediate
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 20
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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

* 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

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Diversity
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Classes
  • Free time (there was virtually none)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much we would be talking about politics.