IT was GREAT Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/16/2018 to 07/07/2018 with

KIIS: Israel & Egypt

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was an amazing experience and I learned so much about the cultures of the countries and I am able to make my own choices and assumptions now that are actually educated.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the classes were extremely good, I just wish we had had more time to complete the homework so we would have the ability to get enough sleep each night. Having everything so close together and such early mornings with super late nights was not something that could be sustained for very long.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think the housing itself was ok, having 4 men in one room though definitely raised tensions and created situations where I think many resented each other after the first couple days. Also, we were told not to expect wifi but when it was provided it almost never worked properly and I know that that is a super small issue, but with many people unable to get international phone plans, that was the only way to communicate with the outside world and thus wifi that didn't work was almost unacceptable.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have to go to the doctor, but I wish we were given some down time as many times when people complained about being sick there was nothing anyone did except check in and continue with the day.

* 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? I spent approximately $30-$50 per week on food and personal. Souvenir shopping was something not necessarily included but took a lot of time. Also, WATER was something we had to buy on our own....
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring money for bottled water...

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? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • cultural experiences
  • being abroad
  • stepping out of my comfort zone
* What could be improved?
  • access to water
  • sleep time
  • living in the city....
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how my body would react to the different foods......

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.