Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The course was intensive but I could learn a lot. Past Review

By (Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen \ University of Tubingen) - abroad from 07/31/2018 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?
I improved my Hebrew. I met nice people. I was exposed to another culture which definitely taught me a lot.

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.

It was a very intensive course of studying Hebrew. I could learn a lot and was able to get to know new people and also experience Israeli culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was eager to help and also for individual issues there was always help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In and of itself there was enough space and kitchen and bathroom was provided for. Every room had Air Conditioning and also cleaning and cooking supplies were there. The hygiene, however was problematic. We had cockroaches and apparently there were also mice in our apartment.

* Food:

There was a small grocery shop in the dorms and also closeby opportunities to buy meals in cafés or restaurants. The prices were sometimes a bit overpriced, I think. Living on a students budget was a little hard.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think, the staff really made an effort to make contact to local culture possible. But most of the time I only spoke to international people or people from the program. More exposure to locals would have been great.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

healthcare was provided for and also when I was ill, I got help quite fast.

* Safety:

I felt very safe. The staff also made sure to inform us of any dangers or places we shouldn't go.

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

I think, all in all, it was a good program. I would do it again.

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)

Food and living are very expensive in Israel, compared to Germany.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you have time, go to the local Shuk or the supermarket in the next village (Isfiyah). They have cheaper 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

The course was almost only in Hebrew and we should use only Hebrew in response.

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? Hard to say: at University I did 3 semesters of Modern Hebrew. We basically learned most of the grammar. But officially, I did another Ulpan, finishing level Bet 2.
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? Try to speak to natives as much as possible! That's the best way to learn it.

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

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • Meeting people
  • Learning Hebrew
  • Experiencing a different culture
* What could be improved?
  • Hygiene in the dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I actually think, the most important things were said.

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!