It was an unforgettable experience. Past Review
By A student (Government & Politics, University of Maryland - College Park) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 06/07/2013 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
I learned about the cultures of Israel and the myriad of conflicting factors that exist in the country both domestic and foreign.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall everything was fantastic, I enjoyed the field trips and the immersion experience very much. I didn't like the fact that we only have classes once a week; that was a difficult part to assimilate to. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall wonderful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Overall everything was great. |
| * Food: |
I rarely ate out, I cook for myself. Whenever I do go out it would always be some falafel related dishes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated into the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Thankfully I had not experienced any health issues. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe the entire time because there were guards on campus and on trips. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
I was able to live on a student's budget very nicely. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 shekels |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I was cheap in general. I would go grocery shopping every 2 weeks. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Very encouraging, in fact in real life situations we had to speak the language to communicate with the locals. |
| 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? | CHIN 205 |
| 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? | Try to speak Hebrew whenever you can, the locals will try to speak English with you, but just do your best to practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I now know Hebrew and I understand the political situation of Israel. I guess I would have preferred to have an understanding of these subjects prior instead of going there blank sleight. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
