Would do it all again in an instant Past Review

By (Dance., Columbia University) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 06/07/2013 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot more outside of the classroom than inside, but it was absolutely worthwhile. I loved seeing Israel from a non religious perspective, because I'd only ever experienced it from a Jewish perspective before this.

Review Photos

University of Haifa: Haifa - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Haifa: Haifa - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Haifa: Haifa - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo University of Haifa: Haifa - Direct Enrollment/Exchange Photo

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.

Compared to Columbia, the courses were much easier. That said I still learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were good at answering questions and helping when necessary. They were very responsive which was nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I'm thankful that I didn't only live with international students, but I'm glad that we all lived really close to each other.

* Food:

I mostly made my own food in the kitchen in our dorm, but the food on campus was easily accessible and fairly cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely felt more integrated with the international students, but the program did have programs to encourage integration with Israel students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never needed healthcare help, but my friends who did received it without any problems. No vaccines were needed to travel to Israel.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe both on and off campus.

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

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)

Food and living expenses were fairly cheap, but going out could get costly. You just have to budget well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a budget and stick to it.

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? Beginner
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? 2 semesters
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? FInd a local and speak with them often.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Freedom
  • Location
  • Family-like quality
* What could be improved?
  • The Arabic program
  • the Wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how the Arabic program would have been there. It was not as impressive as I expected.

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!