Haifa is great September 06, 2023

By (Peace and Conflict Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/20/2023 to 06/08/2023 with

University of Haifa: Study Abroad at Haifa International School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
yes it was worthwhile. I felt more connected to Israel and more understanding of the culture and the problems it faces.

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.

Grading is easier than Brandeis for sure, but still plenty of reading and writing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great people, pleasure to deal with

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A little dirty, but overall pretty good

* Food:

Haifa has a great food scene

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met some Israelis on my own, but the program didn't make much of an effort to integrate you.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Physically I felt safe, but there are always rocket attacks and such to deal with when you're in Israel.

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

I love haifa

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)

Haifa is pretty livable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't remember
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't eat out as much

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

They liked it when you did, but it was an english language program - all classes in english

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had advanced level hebrew and intermediate arabic, but I took beginner spoken arabic
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? Speak

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

  • 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?
  • friends
  • class subjects
* What could be improved?
  • some professors
  • cleanliness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? n/a

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!