Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Definitely a great choice for a place to study a abroad. Campus is beautiful and student life is vibrant. There are always hiccups when studying abroad but you're well taken care of and everyone at the OSP is super helpful and there for you when you need anything. Worth considering when planning to grow abroad, you wont regret it.

When I first decided that I wanted to study in Israel, I didn't do it because I had a university in mind. My university hosted a study abroad fair, where all the major contenders lined up - Hebrew University, Technion, Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan... but Ben-Gurion was absent. Which in a way is a blessing in disguise, because it made me all the more determined to find out more about the illusive Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Having some family friends in Israel, I was told that Beer-Sheva, as a city, is not the most beautiful or glamorous of Israel. It turns out that this was true, but I enjoyed my time here immensely. As someone who has spent a lot of time in between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, I found that it was a nice measure of 'normalcy'. This is to say that I didn't feel the religious tension one might feel in Jerusalem, and I also found it was more relaxed than Tel Aviv - both of these things were a huge bonus for me. I absolutely loved doing the Ulpan here. Our professors were the best and it was a lot of fun learning Hebrew that we could use while we were there. I plan on coming back to do the higher level Ulpans as well. There are many interesting courses to choose from, tons of trips that you should definitely take part in, all made possible by the amazing OSP staff. I made at least two life-long friends while abroad here, and I think it is a great program. Knowing what I know now, and given the chance to go back in time, I wouldn't change a thing.

My experience at BGU was so magnificent that I can not forget it anymore.Learning on Global Health ,going sightseeing and making friends were really a wonderful experience.It was really a great chance for me to learn something about GH. Thanks to this program, I have leaned what is GH and how does it work. Thinking forward ,thinking in a global context and thinking critically are what we need to do .In addition, I learned how to cooperate with each other.We are expected to help each other.Without cooperation ,we can not do anything.And it was pretty delightful that there is a support system.BGU is different because this program is well organized and comprehensive. Professors, doctors and workers in OSP are really considerate and warmhearted.Choosing BGU is the best decision I have made this summer.

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Ben Gurion University (BGU) was not my first choice, so naturally Israel was not my first choice either. I was expecting to go to Istanbul and immerse myself at the junction connecting the continents of Asia and Europe, but oh my goodness am I glad that had not been an option for me. Beer Sheva is not the most glamorous city in Israel, and BGU is certainly not the most prestigious school in Israel, but after all, I felt like I discovered exactly where I belong. I do not wish to give you cliches, but the experience here was life-changing, and most importantly it was a life-changing experience shared with many, who I deemed as some of the most lovely people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I have been to more than twenty countries scattered around all five continents of the world, so when I say life-changing, it is indeed life-changing. You will have opportunities to take some engaging courses related to Israel and the region of the Middle East; you will get to enjoy some trips to different parts of the country to experience culture, arts, scenery and history; you will learn Hebrew, and even though it might be difficult, it can be a rewarding experience for years to come. If you are coming from the developed world, then the living condition might be considered sub par to what you have been used to. However, life is sometimes way more than just enjoying the moment or numbing yourself with luxury and extravagance. The OSP program here in BGU offered me a brand-new pair of vision to see the world differently and shed new lights on my existing knowledge about the country and the Middle East, and for me, those are some of the things that can never be valued monetarily. So I would like to thank everyone at the OSP office for this wonderful 7 months, and OSP, BGU, Beer Sheva and Israel will always have a place in my heart.

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I thoroughly enjoyed my summer in Israel. I learned so much about this country and the way they influence the business world. The classes were engaging and enriching. My favorite part of the trip was definitely visiting Google's campus in Tel Aviv. Truly an amazing opportunity!

The Overseas Student Program is the place for you if you want a great place to start to cultivate your own experiences and path in Israel. Located in Ben Gurion University in Be'er Sheva, attending this program will allow you to immerse yourself in the Negev, and if you're ready for a trip up north, you can easily do that too, as the trains and buses are close by. The faculty of the OSP are great, very friendly and welcoming and always willing to help. The teachers are some of the best in their fields and I was privileged to learn from them. The OSP courses are taught in English, however you could still sign up for regular BGU courses if you'd like. As an OSP student you can either live in the dorms or in an apartment off campus. Either way, you'd find yourself getting culturally immersed - fast. If you're looking for a program in Israel that is a good support system in any time of need, while providing the opportunity to learn Hebrew through intensive Ulpan (Hebrew language courses), and enhancing your knowledge in the areas of your expertise or expanding your horizons by taking the courses offered in Environmental Studies, Business, and Israeli Studies/Social Sciences, then I do think that the Overseas Student Program is a fantastic choice for people coming from all parts of the globe who want to experience Israel uniquely, not always in a touristy fashion. You won't regret making this choice, whether or not you have an easy or difficult time adapting to new surroundings. The OSP tries its best to make sure its students make as smooth of a transition as possible. Choosing to go to Israel was the best choice I made, and choosing the Overseas Student Program enhanced my experience.

A very vibrant campus, hospitable faculty and staff, and a more local feel than a 'large' city like Tel Aviv. A wide variety of people to meet and places to see. Traveling is constantly encouraged, and their 'study abroad /foreign student' office is always helpful in giving tips, helping translate, or assisting in trip logistics (critical for those trips over Shabbos). The local students are very active both in Beer Sheva and other cities, so there's always something to do if not 15 minutes away, an hour and change into Tel Aviv. I can't leave 5 stars due to issues during my last month and half, which is a shame since everything was great for the first few months. The dorms are also lacking (and more expensive than) renting or rooming off campus. If you are quite social definitely look for somewhere to rent instead of dorming. Aside from this, I believe most will love their experience as much as I did if not more so.

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I attended the Data Mining & Business Intelligence summer program at BGU. Firstly, the course itself is very interesting, relevant in today's time and unique. My faculty and counselors were extremely helpful in making my experience here an amazing one. The social activities were well integrated with the course to give us a good exposure to Israeli culture.I made friends with quite a few amazing people and had a ton load of wonderful memories to take back home.

This is my first time being aboard from my country. I wish I can learn high-tech knowledge from BGU teachers but i gained much more than that. During weekdays, we gain inspiring and well-prepared courses, covering various domains of cyber security and machine learning. When it came to weekend, we had wonderful trips to Eilat, Dead Sea, we were also invited to bonfire and miraculous kibbutz. People there are so nice and we feel pretty safe during our summer program. I also made some great Indian students friends in the program. Wonderful and unforgettable journey in my life.

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Shalom!!! This is the first time I travelled so far away from India and stayed in Israel for around a month.Starting from landing from the flight to Tel Aviv to climbing up the plane, back to India,there was no single moment, that I have not enjoyed.Spending the Shabbat in a Kibbutz is of course a lifetime achievement, not to speak of the practical lessons we learnt in regards to global health, migration problems, working a project with the Bedouins and so on. I enjoyed the weekend trips to Jerusalem and Elat a lot.Floating in the dead sea and snorkelling in the Red Sea are like diverse experiences !!! I am looking forward to join BGU for doing my PHD, if I get a scope..This space is really too small for expressing a review.I loved the work culture, the helping attitude of the Israelis , not to forget the "falafel", which I have started preparing in my daily breakfast in India now, for which I'm greatly appreciated by my Indian friends!!! Toda!!

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My time as a participant of the Ginsburg-Ingerman Overseas Student Program was undoubtably one of the best life experiences ever. The only thing I regret is that I didn't spend a year instead of a semester. There was extensive exposure to Israeli culture through the various excursions that we went on, the study of the language and through having Israeli flatmates. The counsellors and other support staff were always available and very helpful. The courses offered provided a very in-depth look at Israeli society and culture and were academically enriching also. I was also exposed to persons from many different countries and many different walks of life. I would not hesitate in recommending this program to anyone.

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The Overseas Program at Ben Gurion University was the best choice I ever made. I had been to Israel in several different contexts prior to it, mostly religious. This was a totally different experience because I was integrated in university with native Israelis in the dormitories. The OSP program itself was extremely eye-opening, because I had classmates from all over the world, Germany, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, the US, and Canada. Not only did I get the opportunity to integrate with Israelis, but with Europeans for the first time too. The program took us on endless trips all over the country and the staff was always extremely helpful. The classes were eye-opening, and I had the unique experience of taking a masters level course in Sde Boker once a week and working in David Ben Gurion's Archive. To this day, those were the best five months of my life. I'm really glad I chose to do the summer Ulpan as well. We had access to the sports center across from the dorms and went to the pool daily. Be'er Sheva is an extremely therapeutic, student oriented city and the campus is beautiful. There was always something going on for students. I made the friends of a lifetime there. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Ginsburg and thank him for this amazing opportunity.

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Studying abroad at BGU was an amazing experience! I learned more than I ever could've imagined about more subjects than I would've dreamed of (mostly because I didn't know anything about them when I started the semester). While combining in-the-classroom learning with out-of-the-classroom field experiences, BGU OSP provides students with a real-world view of current issues related to health, immigration, environmentalism, political science, and Israeli culture. Aside from the coursework, the travel opportunities were immense. In my time there, I traveled to Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Cyprus, and Greece, as well as thoroughly traversing all of Israel. The group trips that you can participate in are a great way to get to know the country and see all of the beautiful places you might not find on your own. The professional and student staff who work for this program are so creative and attentive; I really couldn't have asked for anyone better. Most importantly, the nature of this programs draws in a crowd of students who are looking for an adventure. If you're a motivated and curious learner who wants to explore the Middle East and learn Hebrew along the way, I'd highly recommend looking into this program for yourself. You'll never forget the experience!

The title of this review speaks for itself... I was in the middle of desert in a city with young adults that loved to socialize, party, and get to know me and my group. Beer Sheva is basically run by young adults and it was a true honor to be apart of such an experience. The fun never stopped and I developed relationships with Israelis that I would not have if I attended another program. This is a program where you are treated like a citizen of Israel. You are no longer a tourist and I absolutely loved that.

The Overseas Student Program (OSP) of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) was an incredible experience that I will always hold dear. Not only did this program offer a terrific academic experience, but there was an incredible effort from the staff to immerse you into the culture.

Being an OSP Student was the best decision I ever made! Not only are the people amazing, the city, the classes, and the University is the best in the World! All my classes were fun and informative while being appropriate for a study abroad program. We went on trips around the country and we had time for ourselves to travel. If anyone is interested in a study abroad trip, this is the ultimate experience!

Absolutely loved my time in Israel. I had never been before, had no knowledge of Hebrew, and I'm not Jewish, so I was exposed to a very new culture and lifestyle. I am happy that I did the Hebrew Ulpan because I was able to better assimilate in the country after learning the basics of the language. Also, I am happy that we were housed with Israeli students, because I learned a lot more about the culture and life in Israel. In general, I grew so much as both a person and a student, and I am itching to go right back to Israel!