An Amazing Experience Abroad Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 06/06/2013 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more independent and speak up more. It was definitely worthwhile. It was the right choice for me.

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.

The Hebrew department was great. The professors were engaging and wanted us to learn. But, in comparison to courses at home, the courses in English the international school were not challenging. This was positive in a sense that it left time for other social activities. But, it was also somewhat disappointing. I took a course in Hebrew in the regular university, which was challenging because of the language barrier. But the class itself was much more laid back than American universities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The International School Office was very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a suite with Israeli roommates. It was nice, relatively new.

* Food:

Lots of pita and hummus! But there are also cafes, restaurants and the supermarket to get food. It was difficult to learn to cook on hot plates without an oven.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was easy to speak English and be in a bubble with Americans, but I did feel connected with the local culture and Israelis. I felt more integrated than most international students with the regular university. I

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luckily I didn't have an experience with healthcare.

* Safety:

I felt pretty safe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy roundtrip tickets when you travel, if you can. Especially, on the train. It saves money. Buy fruit and veggies at the shuk. But buy a lot. If you're not going to buy a lot it's probably better to go to the supermarket Take large sums money out of the ATM at once - they charge you a fee everytime you take money out. Or get a debit card that won't charge you an international exchange fee.

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? Advanced
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? 100 level
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? Speak to Israelis.

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • trips
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing