Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (Psychology and Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2013 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 wish it was more rigorous academically so I am not so unprepared to get back into senior year.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

I expected to spend more, so it wasn't a problem.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 dollars on food for 2 weeks (Shuk is very cheap), other expenses about 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to 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

I went to the pre-program ulpan for an extra month to study Hebrew, and was overwhelmed but learned a lot

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? Second Highest 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? Get an internship working with children who don't speak English at all, because they are patient and non judgmental but they are not going to be able to understand English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The People
  • The trips
  • The cultural experience/ exploration
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt prepared, so I do not have a real answer.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.