Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Overseas Program (OSP), at Tel Aviv University, did not have the highest standards for their academic programs. It was nice that professors were lenient with absences, as it allowed us to be flexible with our travels. In general, classes were very easy, and all of them related to Middle East policy or Israel as a whole.

On-site administration of your program

The administrators were all Israeli, while this helped us learn a lot about the culture in Israel - at times it was frustrating because they did not understand some of the standards at our home American universities.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were awful, old, and not to the same standard of living in university housing that I had grown to appreciate. However, living with everyone in the dorms definitely was fun and was very conducive to social gatherings.

The food in Tel Aviv is awesome! On campus there are really cheap places to eat, but generally Tel Aviv is known to have all types of food in all cost ranges.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone in Israel is so happy to see American students choosing to spend significant amount of time in Israel. From the first day you feel so welcome, and all Israelis want to take the time to meet you and befriend American students. This enables everyone to easily meet lifelong friends from Israel. Additionally, the night life in Tel Aviv is incredible. Never a dull moment.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Felt very safe at all times. Never got sick so didn't have to go to the doctor/hospital -- but heard they were very accommodating.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

As required by the government of Israel, the first 5 weeks of the program consists of intensive language, known as "ulpan". Ulpan was five days a week for 8:30am-1pm, which really helped me learn the language.