Past Review

By (Plan II Honors, Abroad101 University) for

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
n/a

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

In general, the program administration was very helpful. However, there were a few instances of bureaucratic red tape that just seemed like a waste of time. Many students were disrespectful to the staff and in return the staff was less excited to help any of the students. This was unfortunate for both parties but especially students who were never disrespectful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Einstein B, Ramat Aviv, Israel <br /><br /> I would have preferred to live with a host family or with Israelis - if anything my Hebrew acquisition was deterred by living with Americans. The dorms were very nice and brand new. However, the dorms were located in Ramat Aviv which is a quiet suburb of Tel Aviv. For students looking to get the full Tel Aviv experience, an apartment in the city would be preferable.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was not interested in building relationships with the other program participants. They were loud, rude and embodied stereotypes of spoiled American Jews.

* 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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Tel Aviv is one of the most amazing cities in the world. Go on this program. Go alone (so many Americans go with groups of 10+...). Get an apartment with an Israeli roommate. Make friends with Israelis. Practice your Hebrew. Enjoy yourself because it will be over before you can say "shalom."

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Hebrew Ulpan

Course Department:
Instructor: Batia, Betty
Instruction Language: Hebrew
Comments: The Hebrew Ulpan at Tel Aviv University is exceptional. The teachers are dedicated to improving their student's Hebrew.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Hebrew (semester)

Course Department:
Instructor: Varda Bartfield
Instruction Language: Hebrew
Comments: A wonderful instructor, dedicated to the success and improvement of her students.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

New Israeli Documentary

Course Department:
Instructor: Michal Aviad
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was taught by Aviad, noted Israeli filmmaker. I learned a lot about Israeli society from this course. However, I think Aviad and American students had some cultural misunderstandings. Aviad was open to discussion but would always conclude discussions with an assertion that her opinion was "the" correct viewpoint.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Jews and The Passion: From the Gospels to Gibson

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Cohen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This professor taught interesting information but was uninterested in discussion or any genuine student participation. Whenever a student asked to participate and to further develop a point he would seem labored by this request. He wasted time on minute details and I would go far to say he was condescending at times.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

100 Years of Tel Aviv

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Wein
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was extremely interesting and valuable. In this course students learn everything there is to know about the city of Tel Aviv from the geography to cultural nuances to history and everything in between. This course is extremely worthwhile for anyone studying in Tel Aviv as you really gain a genuine understanding of the city and your surroundings. Dr. Wein is a wonderful instructor.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Intro to Islam

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Hakim
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Dr. Hakim is a wonderful instructor. His lectures are interesting and well structured. I learned so much from his course.
Credit Transfer Issues: