Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Anxious Yiddishkeit Experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2019 to 06/05/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. It gave me clarity on what I want out of life and how I want to achieve it. Sometimes with darkness comes light.

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.

I found two of my classes engaging and exciting. However, the Hebrew Ulpan was a grueling and mundane educational experience. I love Dr. Alick Isaacs course and Dr. David Mendolson's course. Very rigorous. Arguably more work than my home institution. Loved it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the Madrichot and I felt very supported by the administration. Thank you for everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is over the green line and quite shabby. I strongly encourage students to live off campus in the future.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel integrated at all due to the restrictions of the Nachshon Project. I wish there were more opportunities to meet other folks including Palestinians and Israelis.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctor twice. Very happy.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would not do the Nachshon Project.

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)

Very easily. I bought my food from the Shuk and cooked for myself.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Balance between having fun and saving money....it's hard to strike this balance but some weeks I would spend more than others.

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? 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? 34 Hebrew 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? Live with Israelis! don't live with Americans!

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

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I loved my professors
* What could be improved?
  • Less time commitment of Nachshon
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much work and a time commitment Nachshon would be

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!