Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

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By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2015 to 06/07/2015 with

Tel Aviv University: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be much more independent. I am thoroughly in love with Tel Aviv and am so grateful for the opportunity to have started an internship I loved and meet really wonderful Israelis. Though I didn't love the program itself, I am glad it afforded me the opportunity to be in Tel Aviv as a student.

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.

There was very little work and the professors were often disorganized. One class, The Israeli Economy, was outstanding and had a really great professor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I was able to have most of my questions answered in the international school's office, but they were difficult to get into contact with outside of the office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were fine--not particularly great, but I spent most of my time out and in the city anyway. In the end my suite became close, so that worked out.

* Food:

There are only a few food courts on campus--nothing special but fine in a pinch. I used my kitchen quite a bit. Food in Tel Aviv, however, is amazing, so be sure to take advantage of it!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like an Israeli when I left Tel Aviv. This was more from my own initiative, going out to find internships and meeting new people, rather than from the program or group activities though.

* 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)

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

I was using my Hebrew in Hebrew class, but most of the international students (with whom I was living) spoke English like me. Also, because Tel Aviv is a very international city, it is easy to get by with minimal Hebrew.

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
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? Try ordering in Hebrew when in restaurants/cafes. On the streets, if you need to ask for help/directions, try using Hebrew first. And when interacting with Israelis, try to slip in a few Hebrew words.

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
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location--close enough to the heart of Tel Aviv!
  • Field trips to visit startup
* What could be improved?
  • Course registration was disorganized
  • The rooms weren't always in great condition
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew what the course would be like.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.