Mobility specification

Country:Israel

Institution:Reichman University

City:Herzliya

Program:Faculty agreements

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2022/2023

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Social Studies / Department of International Relations and European Studies

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Does the university offer enough courses in English?they have tons

Are your credits converted?yes

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?Reichman University was a remarkable experience and their approaching to teaching left a lasting impact.

They utilise the access they have to experts in the field to provide students with practical, real world knowledge that goes beyond the theory. Being lectured by persons who actively or were previously working in the field of topic provides so much insight and understanding.

My courses there were among the most impactful of my academic career.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?Yes, the RU Connect program was excellent. They pair you with a "buddy" as part of a larger group and they host many activities, parties, excursions, and local experiences which I am still a part of to this day.

The experience was excellent and I have lasting friends and connections.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Psychological counseling
Interpretation services
Special aids and technologies (e.g., text-to-speech software, hearing aids)
Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
Support for LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe spaces, counseling services)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:18000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

Do you have any tips on how to find private accommodation?Facebook Marketplace was a good place to find options. Be aware of possible scams.

The University also has groups for international students which is helpful.

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?Food costs and especially drinking is very expensive compared to the Czech Republic. Alcohol at bars and restaurants is very expensive.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?Most supermarkets are relatively similar. However, the bigger the supermarket the better the price.

I would also say Wolt Market often had great deals so take advantage of that!

Cooking and eating at home saves a lot of money.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?almost without problems

How does public transport work in the city?neutral

And what about transport outside the city?neutral

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?There is an app in Israel (Moovit) for transport and it shows you everything. All the connections etc. and you can buy your ticket there. Use it because it is the best.

Transit does not run as efficiently as the Czech Republic so plan that when you move around. Busses may be late or even early and they will not wait for you. Traffic can be bad in and around Tel Aviv.

Trains are very convenient for inter-city travel but you will go through security so be aware of that. All transport is shown in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Herzliya where the University is has a nice beach area which is worth the visit. It is beautiful.

Tel Aviv is about 30 mins away by bus and you will spend a lot of time there. The city is fun and lively with great food, people watching, shopping, and cultural events.

The beach in Tel Aviv is also great.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Israel is a small country roughly the size of old Bohemia or Belgium and well connected. You should definitely visit:
- Haifa
- Jerusalem
- Sea of Galilee
- Nazareth
- Dead Sea
- Ramallah & West Bank (If you can)

Share your best experience:During the Holocaust memorial days often there are gatherings where survivors will recount their stories. It is a very powerful and moving experience and one that you should attend if offered.

This time of the year is full of contrasts as you have one day of deep sorrow and the next day is a huge celebration.

Israel is a very misunderstood place from the outside but going there and being there offers are very different perspective that what we see online. Walking along the beach in Tel Aviv during the sabbath (Saturday) shows a beautiful side of the country with all races and creeds laying down with each other and enjoying the sun.

If you get a chance to go to Reichman on exchange take it and go.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?yes

Where can it be arranged?The Israeli Embassy in Prague

What is needed?A short but comprehensive list of documents and its mostly online

How long does it take approximately?A few weeks - very fast

How did you get to the place?Plane

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?Always check the security situation in Israel especially now due to the war.

Always check what day you are arriving to the country. Transport services are heavily reduced on the Sabbath (Saturday) which can complicate things when you arrive.

Can you pay by card?in most places

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?A very memorable trip well worth it and very impactful. Israel is a curious and contrasting place that is often intimidating and misunderstood. The learning experience is excellent, the people are friendly and open, and the nature is beautiful.

My time there allowed me a different perspective that what is often showed online. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.