The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (Marketing., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/25/2014 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to completely immerse myself in another culture. I adjusted to their way of life and their customs. It was eye opening to see how another culture lives and goes about their daily lives. It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it again and again.

Review Photos

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

The courses were not challenging. They were easy to manage while traveling and immersing in the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very accommodating and readily available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were liveable. They have a small kitchen and shared bathroom with 4 people per suite.

* Food:

The food in Israel is amazing. So many different cuisines and restaurants to choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were in class with other Israelis as well as while going out at night.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was very sick at the beginning of the program and a counselor accompanied me to the hospital. She was there every step of the way and my health insurance covered all costs, from the cab rides to the medication.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe everywhere I went throughout the country. Public transportation is very safe despite what others say about Israel.

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)

Tel Aviv is a relatively expensive city.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out as much. Cook for yourself.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Level 1
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? Speak Hebrew with Israelis.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The campus
  • The beach
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • The dorms
  • The teachers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to get around Tel Aviv using public transportation instead of taxis.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.