ThISrael Past Review
By Kristine A (Peace and Conflict Management Studies, Philipps University Marburg) for
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
My experience met my expectations.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were quiet a few differences as I only knew the European system before. In general, I was reminded several times at my school time in view of weekly assignements, which we usually don't have. Hence, our system is more "independent" regarding a higher degree of freedom in choosing courses and subjects. At the same time, this independent system requires a higher level of self-determination and thus, more of your own responsibility. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Due to the fact that I was applying myself for the programme, there was no support at my home university regarding application, etc. However, they seemed flexible in view of my course election. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Unfortunately there was just one small supermarket near campus, which was a little bit more expensive than a normal one or a market. Nevertheless, it was still okay moneywise. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The programm itself offered a wide range of activities such as hiking trips, movie nights, country theme events (e.g. Thanks Giving). Moreover, one could organize easily additional or other trips. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was not a problem at all. To be honest, I had some problems at the beginning to get used to this amount of safety. Though, there is a problem with the health insurance as sometimes there was noone on the phone talking English or they would let you wait for hours just to give you an adresse of a doctor you are allowed to visit - even though it is an emergeny. The best advice I could give in this view, is to ask the International School to help you. It is faster and they were all friendly. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The English part was not a problem but the Hebrew one. I was studying in the normal M.A. Programm, but still took one class from the International School as well as the language course. Throughout the semester I had to realize that the work load was to much - especially when thinking that I was parellel doing a reserach project for Germany. Thus, if people really want to learn Hebrew they should already arrive in Haifa for the Ulpan, so they can benefit from the courses while they have no other duties. |
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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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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