Past Review
By Lauren C (Psychology & Jewish Studies, Barnard College) for
Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Rothberg International School: Undergraduate Study Abroad Program
It was definitely worthwhile. Hard to sum up but it was an incredible experience that I wish wasn't over.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Kfar Hastudentim (Student Village) on Har Hatzofim (Mt. Scopus) Jerusalem: Nice new dorms. Everyone gets there own room in either a 3 or 5 person apartment. Everything is in great condition. ONLY problem is that there is no oven but it's pretty easy to survive without one. You can always buy a toaster oven and/or microwave. <br /><br /> Answered above. Study Aboard students can be placed in apartments with non study abroad students. It can be a great experience but be prepared for the cultural differences that might arise. Also, you need to buy dishes, silverware, pots, pans, everything for your kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, basically for the whole apartment. DONT buy at the mall, or at least buy as little as possible. Everything else is so much cheaper in little stores throughout the entire city. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Travel the country! Go to the beaches, go hiking, take long walks to discover the non-touristy parts of town. Try to figure out what non-study abroad students do during their spare time and join them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Don't be concerned. There is security everywhere. In many ways I felt safer there than in my home country. Of course, there are certain areas you don't want to go into, especially alone, but you are made aware of those very early on. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | While you can use a credit card in most places, you tend to use cash a lot. Try to get a credit or debit card without international fees. Makes life easier. But be prepared to spend. Not that life here is very expensive but you'll want to spend money here. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Transportation almost always has to be paid with in cash. Tips are paid in cash. Make sure you have a place to keep small change cause you'll end up with a lot of it. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had taken courses in the language after finishing the required coursed. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
You have to take a placement test before arriving which places you into a level. Then there is an intensive language course a month before the semester begins and then you take the language during the semester if you haven't reached a certain level of proficiency. Some of the classes I enjoyed and some I really didn't. It definitely depends on the professor. Most importantly, go out of your American/foreign bubble, meet the "natives" and speak to them. Learning the language is only the first step. You have to use it and speak it! |
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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go! Do it! No question! Be prepared for a bit of a shock if you're not used to the culture but it's definitely worth it. |
