Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I really did my best! Past Review

By (Vytautas Magnus University) - abroad from 07/02/2018 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?
Experience was worthwhile in many ways. Of course I learned so much about different cultures but it also helped me to understand myself better.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In two months I had three teachers. Everyone were strict however very helpful and friendly. Library workers also were very nice, helpful and could explain things in English, so I didn't have any problems there also. Course was very intensive but I think now I know more just because of intensivity.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Federman Dormitories in apartment with 5 other girls (3 rooms, in each - 2 persons). They were tidy, quiet (they didn't disturb my studying) and very friendly.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really felt integrated with the local culture. In first days madrichim gave all the basic information about public transport, best supermarkets, or places where we can just hang out. Because of that we didn't have to worry about theses things, we could just feel the city life. During my two months of study International School organized two Shabbat dinners, I also spent two Shabbat dinners with religious families. International School also organized Haifa tours and tours to other cities. That was realy amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues during the program.

* Safety:

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

Good teachers, interesting people, interesting activities, amazing national park really close the University. Learning was hard but manageable. I like challenges!

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)

It depends on things you want to do / buy in Haifa. Haifa is expensive city but it is possible to live there with student's budget. The public transport is not very cheap, but you will need it you want to go to the city for shopping, relaxing on the Beach, or just having fun in the Downtown because University is on the mountain.

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

All the time. I liked it so much!

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
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? Find a local boyfriend / girlfriend (better person whose English is a little broken). This might sound funny but it helps because in that way you have to talk in new language not just in class but also during your free time.

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
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?
  • Intensivity
  • Teacher's support
  • People: students, teachers, administration staff
* What could be improved?
  • Something could be improved (because everything can be improved) but I don't know at the moment.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to take an exam on the same day when you have check out dormitory - it's really important because of plane tickets, but nobody told me that before.

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!