Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Program: Guaranteed to Change Your Life! Past Review

By (United States Naval Academy) - abroad from 06/10/2017 to 07/20/2017 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 language and cultural experience. I also learned very much about the political/religious/economic/militaristic/social/ecological significance of many places throughout the country.

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.

Intensive Hebrew Course was very challenging, but the teachers are amazing and the University provides students with all of the resources they need to succeed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Best staff around! The International Staff will go out of their way to help students and make to make their academic and Israeli experience better.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, housing was nice and the air conditioning was fantastic in the Talia dorms. Some things were broken and needed maintenance and I wish it were a little cleaner, but that was more the fault of my roommates. I loved the view and how truly international the group of people were that I lived with.

* Food:

Salmon, vegetables and rice at Efi cafeteria was fantastic. I could eat that or the grilled chicken every day. Portions are huge and you can take leftovers. Also, Aroma cafe had great coffee and food options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got stung by a jelly fish and was able to see a competent doctor at the clinic.

* Safety:

There were several terrorist attacks while I was in Israel, but the staff was very knowledgeable about which areas were likely safe and had contacts with the Embassy and backup travel plans for all students. There was an armed security guard on every trip the students went on through the University.

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)

Honestly my school really hooked us up with food. I didn't really spend any of my own money except on souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? The school paid for almost everything except for a few additional trips.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you purchase food before Shabbat because everything will close down and it will become very difficult to get food.

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? None
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
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? Make sure you create study groups with other students and actually use the language when you are traveling throughout the country and speaking to locals.

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 staff and teachers
  • The traveling and trips throughout Israel
  • Interactions with people from all over the world
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To make sure all logistics are taken care of in advance of Shabbat.

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!