The opportunity of a lifetime Past Review

By (Southern Methodist University) - abroad from 01/19/2018 to 06/06/2018 with

IFSA/Alliance: Jerusalem - Diversity and Coexistence

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned responsibility, independence, language, and so much more. It was very worthwhile and helped solidify the values that truly mean the most to me.

Review Photos

IFSA/Alliance: Jerusalem - Diversity and Coexistence Photo IFSA/Alliance: Jerusalem - Diversity and Coexistence Photo IFSA/Alliance: Jerusalem - Diversity and Coexistence Photo IFSA/Alliance: Jerusalem - Diversity and Coexistence Photo IFSA/Alliance: Jerusalem - Diversity and Coexistence Photo

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

My program was excellent. It provided resources for me to be successful, but allowed me great independence to develop as a person and take full advantage of my time abroad

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals and find quality local affordable restaurants

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? None
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? Highest level of Hebrew Aleph
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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 independence
  • My professors
  • The opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • The apartments lack many amenities that would have been useful for things like cooking
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That American media usually report things inaccurately overseas and with great bias

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'