Amazing Access to Local Community, Sub-Par Academics Past Review

By (Wesleyan University) - abroad from 01/22/2017 to 06/01/2017 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was very worthwhile because of all of the opportunities for cultural immersion that being in Haifa provided.

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.

Classes were in interesting subjects. Professors were all knowledgeable, but some were not strong educators. Easy workload compared to home institution.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very friendly and caring. A bit disorganized, but that's Israeli bureaucracy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied. You get to live with full-time students. Chava, the house mother, is incredibly supportive.

* Food:

Decent options on campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were invited to events with regular students and encouraged to explore Haifa.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The administration was very supportive and helpful when I had health issues. At the hospital I was taken to, though, my nurses didn't speak English.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200

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? Intermediate
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? Intermediate
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 off campus and into the city. Speak the language whenever 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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Being in the North of Israel
  • Living with local students
* What could be improved?
  • Caliber of student accepted into program
  • Quality of professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack lighter!

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'