Amazing and Challenging Academic learning experience. Past Review

By (None) - abroad from 08/01/2018 to 08/23/2018 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The academic experience was extremely high standard, professional highly challenging and very worthwhile

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.

The academic educational experience was world class. The Teacher is at the top of her field and highly professional. The students in the class were high caliber and super smart.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Room was not clean. There is a complete disregard and insensitivity to issues relating to Kashrut

* Food:

On campus food amazing but nothing to eat at night except pizza

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is nothing that I saw that a student from China or other country with a one time exposure to Israel could learn about Judaism or the basic tenets of Zionism or Zionist history. The campus is isolated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

N/A

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I see no reason to be in an environment that completely ignores our Jewish Heritage and fails to explain Israel in a positive light.

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? $120

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

This was highly motivating because the Teacher and the students were first class and challenging

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? Basic Ulpan
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? The text book is very poor and leaves a negative impression of Israel and life in Israel There is a missed opportunity to explain the history of Israel and the Jewish people to people from all over the world who have no prior exposure. I would recommend using students who have graduated from the program who remain in Israel and are living and working in Israel to speak in Hebrew about their experiences . I would also introduce speakers who can speak about Israel society today and speakers who can explain Judaism and its significance to the Jewish State.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 Classes, the Students and the Teacher
* What could be improved?
  • Update text books
  • engage students in contemporary issues
  • provide an overview of Judaism and Zionism and the accomplishments of Israel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I cannot be for a long period in an environment in Israel which is almost completely devoid of Jewish life and content.

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Hebrew Ulpan Summer intensive

Course Department: International School
Instructor: Hava
Instruction Language: Hebrew
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: