University of Haifa: International Bubble Past Review

By (International Studies, Middlebury College) for

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have very much enjoyed studying abroad, and I really did learn a lot in Haifa. However, as I have been in Beer Sheva this semester after completing last semester in Haifa, I have realized that this is a much better location for someone wanting to study abroad and to distance themselves from extremely western culture. I'm thankful for the opportunity to compare the two programs, but I kind of wish I had come here for both semesters.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Israeli courses tended to give a syllabus of readings at the beginning that should be completed by the end of the semester and then one big grade (paper or exam) at the end. Very little monitoring of work or distribution throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff for the international school were very kind and willing to help, but they kind of assumed that students were uninterested in genuine Israeli experiences and wanted to live in as American a bubble as possible. They organized many events surrounding American holidays and activities, but they never gave opportunities to really interact with other Israelis or with local culture.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

the housing was overall pretty great - and the program provided bedding, which was wonderful.

* Food:

Students do all their own cooking, and the nearest real grocery store is a 20 minute bus ride away. Also, kitchens only come equipped with a hot plate - no oven or microwave.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

the program sponsors some great hikes and has some fun group programming, but very little of it relates to Israeli society/culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The program has a very thorough health care coverage system. I never needed to use it, but it seemed like it would not have been problematic.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I personally chose not to take classes with the international program but instead to directly enroll in Israeli classes being taught in the regular university. It was difficult, but my language skills improved much more quickly.

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
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Haifa as a city
  • very friendly madrichim (counselors)
* What could be improved?
  • cultural experience
  • linguistic immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program is very fun and provides an entertaining abroad experience; however, I wouldn't recommend that students seeking to acquire fluency in Hebrew or a challenging cultural experience choose Haifa. Because the city has a very international feel and because almost no Israeli students live on or near campus, foreign students end up living in a bubble separate from the local culture. Haifa residents are very reluctant to speak Hebrew with foreigners; regardless of their English-speaking abilities, they will insist on speaking English.