The Best Adventure of my Life. Past Review

By (Psychology/Linguistics, 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 gained so much worldly experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I would definitely go back; I really didn't want to leave.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were not extremely difficult, nor did they require too much work but they were very interesting and enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved everyone here, especially Tomer and the other Madrichrim, as well as Miriam Sivan

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Could have been better, but satisfactory for a semester abroad

* Food:

Food in Israel is yummy!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of my roommates were Israeli, as well as most of my friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues.

* Safety:

Israel is extremely safe. I felt more safe at Haifa University than I do in America

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)

I don't think it was very expensive, the shuk is very affordable

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Including travel (which I did every weekend) it was about 75$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at the SHUK

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

My entire Hebrew class was in Hebrew, no English. also my English Department classes had some Hebrew in them

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? 5th Semester
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? Use it as much as you can.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Group Trips
  • Living with Israelis
* What could be improved?
  • General Instruction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What clothes to bring. I really didn't need too many cold weather clothes but I definitely needed rainboots

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 Networker
An 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.