Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changing Past Review

By (Bar-Ilan University) - abroad from 07/05/2015 to 07/31/2015 with

Bar-Ilan University: Israel - International Summer Certificate Program: Identity-Based Conflict Resolution

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and about other people. I liked observing locals to try to put myself in their shoes. This was the most worthwhile experience while I was in Israel.

Review Photos

Bar-Ilan University: Israel - International Summer Certificate Program: Identity-Based Conflict Resolution Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors really challenged us to dive into the academics. Even though it was a lot of course work and reading they were available for help if we needed. I would have liked to have had more library availability.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing wasn't very organized because the dorms on campus were not available for the Summer of 2015. I wish that I could have had more help finding an apartment to sublet. I ended up staying in a hostel, which was not a place where homework is possible. About a week into the program one of the women in the program found a place for me to stay. I know the coordinators and professors were made aware of the housing problem that many of us faced and hopefully it will work smother in the future.

* Food:

They had refreshments for us everyday. This helped me to stay alert on long days.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am very pleased that I had the chance to have a Shabbat dinner with a family. We had the opportunity to meet a lot of people in the local community, which was critical to cultural understanding.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Tel-Aviv and on campus.

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

I would definitely do this program again! I learned so much from the professors and the students about a wide variety of topics.

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 I were to do this program again, I would have tried to make more meals at home and bring them for lunch. Eating out makes it expensive but if you are prepared you can avoid spending a lot. I wish that I had understood where the grocery stores were before too much time went by. That was the place to go!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Unsure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to stay within a budget for things like food because you will probably want to buy things for friends, family and yourself. Definitely go to the local art markets to buy stuff to bring home instead of buying the cheap stuff. This stuff is home made, has character, and you are supporting someones creativity.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes were so thought provoking.
* What could be improved?
  • The housing was the main aspect that I think needed improvement. In the end I was happy with my arrangement, but I wish we were all able to live together as a group.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Read more of the readings before the program starts because once you are in a new country it is hard to sit and do homework. Talk to the locals more. Adventure during the day on your own.

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!