Perfect Past Review

By (Electives, Towson University) - abroad from 07/28/2015 to 01/03/2016 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned language, how to communicate with people given a language and culture barrier, and how to navigate a foreign city completely on my own. It was extremely worthwhile; I immersed myself into a new culture as I made friends that are now my family.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

I would choose the same program because it was relatively cheap compared to other programs and it provided all-inclusive trips throughout the entire county.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Work with your bank before hand to make sure charges won't be applied to your ATM conversion fee when you take out money

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

We were encouraged to speak Hebrew during our Hebrew classes, however, since the program was an English speaking program for international students, we were not encouraged to speak Hebrew throughout.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak to your friends and don't be embarrassed to try to speak or Order at restaurants.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 location
  • The people and culture
  • Learning new language
* What could be improved?
  • More use of language throughout the program
  • Student-meal program or menus on campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack less and do more while abroad. I did not need everything I packed; I could have found whatever I needed while I was abroad. I also wish I knew to travel more while I was abroad. Countries are so close when you're outside of America so I wish I knew to take advantage of that.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!