Tel Aviv, Close to my Heart Past Review

By (University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 07/12/2010 to 01/03/2011 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While I was abroad, I grew into the person that I am today. I am a strong and independent woman and before I studied in Israel, I was sheltered and did not realize how much more was out there in the world. The lifestyle, culture, and sites of Tel Aviv are incredible and if I could, I would do it all over again, even the summer heat...

Review Photos

Tel Aviv University: Tel Aviv - Undergraduate Semester in Israel Photo Tel Aviv University: Tel Aviv - Undergraduate Semester in Israel Photo Tel Aviv University: Tel Aviv - Undergraduate Semester in Israel Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

TAU had a great list of course offerings that interested me and were easily transferred to my university back home. The professors were all so welcoming and friendly, wanting us to only have the best experience in this incredible city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The counselors for our program were so dependable and supportive. No matter what time it was, or what problem was developing, they were always there ready to help as much as possible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were just renovated when I attended and they were beautiful.

* Food:

There is a supermarket directly next door to the dorms, and it was a lifesaver. They sold everything we needed and it was only minutes away.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

For my entire semester abroad, there was never a moment on campus, in the city, or in the country, where I felt unsafe or in danger. Tel Aviv is a beautiful city that is filled with loving and proud citizens.

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 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

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Students
  • Trips
  • The City
* What could be improved?
  • Meal plan for students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more Hebrew before going abroad. My Ulpan class was extremely helpful and beneficial to my five months in Tel Aviv but, I wish I had more of a background going to Israel so I could of left almost conversationally fluent.