A semester of music, Judaism, and life in Jerusalem. Past Review

By (Music Performance and International Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/23/2013 to 06/28/2013 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 independence. I gained Hebrew conversational skills and vocabulary. I learned how to live in an apartment with four other girls. I learned how to live in my own apartment. I gained knowledge of myself. I learned that I have a lot to learn about myself. It was completely worthwhile

Review Photos

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

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.

Academic intensity: 3 stars Intensity and resources: 4 stars The Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance was a more rigorous and intense institution than the Rothberg International School.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $87
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries at shuk Machane Yehuda (as much as possible). Get a student Rav Kav (bus/lightrail pass) from Egged.

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? Intermediate
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? Advanced Intermediate (Hebrew 44B)
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? Speak with the locals. Listen to music in the language and translate the lyrics.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Location
  • Fellow students
  • Opportunities and activities provided
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Collaboration with partner schools (Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How the orchestra auditions work at the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. That it's worth it to invest in things for your apartment that will make your life simpler. That it's okay if all of your plans and expectations are not met.