Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable year long experience Past Review

By (Washington College) - abroad from 08/01/2011 to 07/01/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it's important to get out of your comfort zone. Don't be afraid to do something your friends aren't doing. Get out and explore! Studying abroad in Israel was by far the best 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.

Originally, I was only going to study abroad for one semester but I loved the Oversea's Student Program at Ben Gurion University so much that I decided to extend my stay till July of 2012. The classes offered were interesting and gave me a better insight into Israeli politics, history, and current events. It was because the Overseas Program was so small and personable I was able get exactly what I wanted out of my study abroad experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved that you lived with 3 other Israeli students, so you were immersed in the culture from Day 1. If you lived in the student dorms, you had your own room, and shred the bathroom and kitchen with your three other flatmates.

* Food:

You bought and cooked your own food. I enjoyed this very much because it allowed me to experiment with different recipes and Middle Eastern ingredients. There were also restaurants and "Grab and go" places for food on the University campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Be'er Sheva is a desert town and many people think that there is nothing to do for students. I beg to differ! There are many pubs, and smaller clubs in the city geared towards students. The OSP always had weekend trips planned for the international students, so there was always something to do.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety is the #1 priority in the OSP. There was not one moment I didn't feel safe, or didn't know what to do.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to go travel to the "shuk" or market for foods. You find the best deals on in-season fruits and vegetables there.

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

We had hebrew class three times a week and a 6-week language immersion program before we started classes. You also lived with Israelis so it forced you to get out of your comfort zone and converse in Hebrew.

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? Beginner's Hebrew
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? PRACTICE! Talk to Israelis.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The classes
  • Weekend Trips around Israel
  • The OSP Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and reach out to meet new people!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.