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Carnegie Mellon University

דף הבית » Carnegie Mellon University

Theo Adrai

Full Name: Theo Adrai
Email: theoad@campus.technion.ac.il
Period of Exchange: Fall 2018
Technion Home Faculty: Computer Science
Faculty at Host University: School of Computer Science
Number of Courses Taken Abroad: 3

Student’s Feedback:

- Courses Feedback:
  I took a total of 3 courses. I wanted to take more, but the courses I took were called “system courses,” which means they came with a super heavy load. The level of the final exam was medium (easier than Technion), while the level of assignments was extremely advanced (way harder than Technion).
- Campus Life, Activities, Culture, etc.:
  Nice campus, great sports center. The city is a bit boring; not a lot to do. People in the university are super ambitious. It’s good if you want to learn a lot but bad if you want to have the classic “American student experience.”
- General Feedback:
  Awesome experience. I learned more in one semester than in a year at Technion. Studies are super hard, but it pays off back in Israel. Take good winter gear; US winter is no piece of cake!

Tomer Biran

Full Name: Tomer Biran
Email: tomer.biran@campus.technion.ac.il
Period of Exchange: Spring 2025
Technion Home Faculty: Electrical Engineering

Student’s Feedback:

- Academic Feedback:
  My semester at Carnegie Mellon University was academically challenging and enriching. In class, I was exposed to new teaching methods, with professors who emphasized not just theory but also real-world applications. Future exchange students should prepare for a demanding academic schedule, but also know that professors are approachable and open to helping students who reach out for guidance. I return home with practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of my field.
- Campus Life, Activities, Culture, etc.:
  From the very beginning with orientation activities, I became part of an international community, meeting students from across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Outside of class, I joined Fringe, a student engineering and racing Buggy organization. I helped build race structures and even competed in CMU’s famous Buggy race – an unforgettable highlight. I also participated in cultural events like Shabbat dinners at Hillel and Chabad, international game nights, and winter sports such as snow sledding and ice skating. These experiences gave me a deep sense of connection to campus life and to the city of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is a very livable city, with parks, rivers, and exciting sports events, and it also served as a great base for travel within the U.S.
- General Feedback:
  My exchange at CMU gave me exactly what I hoped for: rigorous academics, new friendships, and a chance to experience American culture from both the classroom and daily life. I traveled to places like New York, Chicago, and Texas during my semester, which added another layer to the experience. It was a semester that challenged me and shaped me, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
- Message to Future Students: don’t be shy about reaching out. Whether it’s joining social events, connecting with other international students, or speaking with professors, people are open and welcoming.

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