Learning Hebrew with Other Foreigners Past Review

By (Near Eastern and Judaic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/24/2014 to 07/27/2014 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 learned where my deficiencies in Hebrew were, and how I can work to improve them. I also met many different people who were learning Hebrew. I also was finally able to have entire conversations in only Hebrew with strangers. Though my reading is better, it could use work. I really need to work on my writing. It was very much worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Didn't keep track.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For dinner I usually had an Omelette Sandwich from Burgers Bar. For Lunch I often had a Sabich from Vitamin. For Breakfast I had a Nature Valley granola bar. Occasionally there were free meals to break the monotony. Also going out to dinner with friends. Thailandi had large and cheap portions that could be saved for the next night.

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 could speak whatever language we wanted during breaks, but in class we had to speak Hebrew.

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? Intermediate
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? Read and look up words you don't know. Learn how to parse hebrew verbs. Try to understand the sentences syntactically.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Instruction
  • The Location
  • The Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Availability of advisers/counselors
  • Opportunities for private instruction
  • Religious events for those who wish to participate
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The night buses that go to the dorms.