Studying in Israel is better than a dream! Past Review
By Molly Karten (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/31/2017 to 08/24/2017 with
University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School
I learned/gained a broader view on different cultures. It has been great!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall, this was a great program! Organization is never Israel's strongest attribute but the people and the atmosphere make up for it. The class (I was in Ulpan level 4) is intense due to having 5 hour classes but if you study, you can really come out having a larger grasp on the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Love the international office- shout out to Michal and Jason! They are seriously the sweetest, most helpful, and caring individuals and I recommend meeting them! Also my teacher, Rutie, was a doll and really tried to help in any way she could. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It is definitely a culture shock coming from America to live in the dorms. I would recommend living in the Talia dorms and bringing a blanket! Also plan on making food with only a hot plate. You need to buy everything: food, cookware, utensils, toilet paper! Plan accordingly! |
| * Food: |
You must make your own food, find someone who can cook, or waste money eating out. I would recommend cooking, instant ramen or mooching off of a friend you make! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You will find that Israel becomes a place you can be comfortable in if you are open to different cultures. Its truly an amazing place and the people are so nice and welcoming! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No health care issues. Make sure if you have prescriptions to bring a written prescription note from your doctor and your physical bottle to show to the clinic when you need a refill. Use the international office when you need help, they are very helpful! |
| * Safety: |
Israel is not really dangerous! You should always be on the look out where ever you are for something out of the ordinary. Just make sure you have a way to contact for help and know how to get back to the University. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Met so many amazing people and memories I will not forget. |
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) |
Just make sure you have enough to buy things you will need like kitchen supplies, room supplies like a blanket or towel, and money for food! Also make sure you know the cost ration between your currency and Israel's. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200-300 shekels |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out if you really don't need to. Buying and making food is always the best option in the long run! |
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 |
The whole class was learning a foreign 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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? | How the living situation was going to be and the necessary things I needed to bring. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
