Returning home to study abroad Past Review
By Gregory Irwin (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2019 to 05/23/2019 with
Tel Aviv University: Undergraduate Semester / Year in Israel
Learned how to be independent and not be too frivolous with time or spending
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
No on campus dining hall; however, loved the food in Israel |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Had the opportunity to be with a team while abroad and got to immerse myself through the program |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Much better than advertised in mainstream American media |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Being a jewish student, being able to return to israel while learn and live at the same time was an incredible experience |
Finances
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* 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) |
A lot of distractions to make purchases. Grocery store right by dorms was very helpful |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | probably spent $30-40 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | go to the grocery store as much as possible and try to limit eating out |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | intermediated program at school but very little conversational abilities |
| 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? | don't be nervous to try and speak, be willing to try it |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Wish I knew more Hebrew before going |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
