Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A full experience Past Review

By (Universiteit van Amsterdam / University of Amsterdam / UvA) - abroad from 07/04/2016 to 07/28/2016 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of knowledge, some friends and great memories. I would say that is definitely worthwhile. I didn't reach the level of Hebrew which I wanted to reach, but that was also an active choice which I made in the end.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

It was great to hang out with fellow Israeli students. But for me the fact that we were on a campus made me feel distanced from the Israeli society and from Haifa in general. Although I don't think that was that much of a problem because it was my own choice and on campus we created our own culture which was a mix of a lot of cultures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't know, I didn't have any.

* Safety:

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

I loved the full experience of being surrounded by amazing people, learning and being in Israel. This encouraged me to work harder on all those different aspects.

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)

For me it wasn't any different from home because then I am also living on a student budget. Israel didn't turn out to be that much more expensive than Amsterdam is.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat a lot with your flatmates/friends from the ulpan. It will safe you money and you will develop and experience your friendships more intensively. Also buy your food at the shuk instead of the minimarket on the campus.

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? None, I did do some ulpaniem, but none were professional.
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? Become friends with an Israeli / someone from the ulpan and start skyping in Hebrew.

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
* 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 atmosphere on campus
  • New (international) friends
  • Studying Hebrew
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe do some camping with the whole group
  • Maybe some activities to get to know each other on a personal level (speeddating etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not much, maybe the program of the last day, so people would know that there still was an activity on the last day. but for me that didn't matter because I left early anyway.

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!