Helpful language study at BGU Past Review

By (Political Science, New College of Florida) for

Ben Gurion University of the Negev: Beer Sheba - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot in terms of conversation skills and grammar. It was a very helpful language program. It didn't change my plans, but was very well in line with them.

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 workload was fair, grading system easy to understand (although grades took a while to get to my home institution). My teachers were great and the staff was helpful and engaged throughout the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was, for the most part, helpful. They were kind and engaging. The main disadvantage was some disorganization and last-minute planning. The program size was just about perfect (about 15) and I achieved my goals.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Dorms were perfectly adequate. I was living with an international student and another one from my same program, so we didn't need to communicate in Hebrew (therefore most communication was in English and I didn't gain much linguistically from the living arrangements). I brought my own sheets and towels, otherwise I would have had to purchase them.

* Food:

We took care of our own meals (i.e. not through the program), dietary restrictions were easily accommodated.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were some trips, like to Masada and hiking. However, the most memorable and valuable were the ones that I organized by myself/with friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

City was safe, public transportation easy to use. I helped one friend who needed to spend a night in the hospital; it was more or less without incident. Be smart, and you'll be find.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Don't be scared to talk to people, from your roommates to people in the shuk. Although most people spoke English, most were happy to help you practice Hebrew.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Instructors
  • People
  • Curriculum
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Responsiveness
  • Coordination
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're self motivated -- both academically and personally -- you'll get the most out of the experience. If not, there are still opportunities to engage, but you'll have a better time if you explore!