Studying in Israel: Unlimited opportunities to Explore the region Past Review

By (Political Science, Economics, Tufts University) for

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. Though it took a few days before I decided I didn't want to transfer to another, more serious program in Israel, it turned out to be an incredible experience. A great chance to party, get cultural exposure, and really learn about life in the region and in Israel. So many opportunities to explore the region.

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.

I learned a lot, but only because I put effort in to learn a lot. Most students don't attend many classes, but if you attend class you can get a lot of it. Also, the readings are really interesting, but again, most students don't do the readings.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Brand new dorms. Very clean, beautiful, air conditioned (and in Israel this makes a huge difference).

* Food:

Food in Israel is delicious. Arab food mixed with Western food. Lots of choices. Lots of American options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Travel a lot. There are so many opportunities to get on a bus or plane any day and go around the Middle East. We got to Jordan, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and the Palestinian Territories in the West Bank, and I learned more doing these trips than any class in Israel or in my home university.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Despite news reports, I never once felt unsafe in Israel. The Israelis do security the right way, and it is hard to understand in America where security is treated in a patchwork, incomprehensive way.

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
Language acquisition improvement?

The first 4 weeks of the program are a mandatory Hebrew-intensive Ulpan, which exposes you to language at any level. The teachers really love teaching and love exposing foreign students to their local culture and 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