6 months in tel aviv Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/31/2017 to 01/05/2018 with

Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Experienced what it was like to live abroad, and would definitely seriously consider returning for an even longer time

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Madrichim were always super helpful. Other administration was harder to get in contact with but always worked out in the end.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in Ramat Aviv, just north of the main city of Tel Aviv, but really great location

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mostly surrounded by Americans or other international students

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Generally easily accessible, only problems might be wait time or language barrier

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe; area where the dorms/university are located is especially safe but even walking in Tel Aviv at night was comfortable

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Had an amazing time

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? 120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook meals at home

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? Talk to native speakers

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • Friends
  • Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Finances
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not sure