Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Past Review

By (Sociology and Education Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2012 to 06/08/2012 with

Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Rothberg International School: Undergraduate Study Abroad Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained life skills, new friends, the ability to be able to say I lived and studied in another country for five months, and an amazing experience to look back on. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Highest level at Brandeis
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? Try to make Israeli friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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 people I met
  • Nothing beats living in Jerusaelm
  • Getting accustomed to Israeli culture
* What could be improved?
  • The Office of Student Activities was very uninvolved and unhelpful
  • Housing organization
  • Provide better/more integration with Israeli students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad is not for everyone, and not every location/school will suit every persons needs while abroad. Jerusalem/Hebrew U worked for me, but it was also a very Jewish/religious experience and for people that are not looking for that I don't know how comfortable they would be.