Study Abroad Programs in Israel

My name is Mercillina Ifenayichi, and I am currently enrolled in the Master’s program in Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University. I am from Nigeria, where I earned my degree in Architecture. My experience at Tel Aviv University has been truly amazing, starting from the very first day I arrived. I was able to pick up the keys to my room and settle in smoothly, without much stress. That same week was the orientation week organized by the Lowy International School. I attended most of the events and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. There were plenty of snacks and drinks, and I had the opportunity to meet students from many different countries. I also made some great friends during that time. The following week, we had a departmental orientation, and classes began. During that time, I met two fellow African students who have become my closest friends to this day. Studying Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University has opened my eyes to many environmental wonders in Israel. We’ve gone on numerous field trips, visited nature reserves, botanical gardens, and toured various companies involved in environmental work. Through this program, I’ve come to see how intentional and committed Israel is to environmental sustainability. As an international student, I have never felt like an outsider, despite the language differences. All my courses are taught in English, and the university has created a friendly and inclusive learning environment. The facilities and resources provided have made my academic journey smooth and enjoyable. I have access to both the e-library and the physical libraries on campus. Our department also has a relaxing student room, a dining area, and a kitchen for our use. One of the features I appreciate the most is the availability of recorded lectures. Being able to revisit the lessons through recorded videos is incredibly helpful. The lecturers are supportive and dedicated to helping us succeed in our studies. In conclusion, I believe Tel Aviv University is the best place I could be. Even the dormitories are built to high standards and are well-furnished. I have wonderful flat mates who are cooperative and understanding. I wholeheartedly recommend Tel Aviv University to students everywhere.

Studying at Tel Aviv University (TAU) for my MSc in Environmental Studies has been transformative. Despite arriving during challenging times at the start of the conflict with Hamas, I assured my family of my safety, learning resilience through the experience. The program offers a rigorous yet rewarding curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application under approachable, expert professors. My schedule evolved from two classes per week in the first semester to three, alongside an internship at Planet Zero, focusing on climate change at Porter building. TAU's vibrant student life includes diverse seminars that enrich my studies like Engineers without Borders and advanced topics in environment and health. The green rooftop of the Porter School of Environmental Studies reflects TAU's commitment to sustainability, providing a serene study environment. Field trips to places like the Ramat Gan Safari and Hiriya Recycling Park have been eye-opening, offering practical insights into environmental challenges. TAU's campus combines modern facilities with green spaces, including well-equipped libraries and research facilities. Seminars delve deeply into cutting-edge research, fostering academic growth and robust discussions. Living in Tel Aviv offers a dynamic cultural and culinary experience, complemented by beautiful beaches and efficient public transportation. Overall, TAU has provided a nurturing environment for academic and personal growth, blending high-quality education with a diverse and supportive community.

As a student enrolled in the Sustainable Development program at Tel Aviv University, I am delighted to share my experiences and insights into this exceptional course. This program is not only comprehensive but also uniquely positioned to leverage Israel's renowned journey and innovations in sustainable development. One of the standout features of this program is its emphasis on the skills and technologies that have propelled Israel to the forefront of sustainable practices. The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of these advancements, ensuring we are well-equipped to implement similar strategies in our respective fields. A particularly invaluable aspect of the course is the hands-on experience it offers. Students are actively engaged in field projects, allowing us to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical approach is instrumental in cultivating a professional and efficient handling of sustainability projects. Moreover, the program offers students the unique opportunity to work on their projects in developing countries of their choice across the world. This global perspective enriches our learning and broadens our understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions in diverse contexts. As a businessman in the footwear production industry, the skills and knowledge I have gained are transformative. I am currently working on a project titled "The Strategy for Revitalizing the Footwear Industry in Kenya," which is heavily influenced by the insights and methodologies learned in this program. The course has provided me with innovative strategies and a solid foundation to approach this project with confidence and expertise. The learning environment at Tel Aviv University is exceptional. The program offers a conducive atmosphere for study, supported by a vast array of learning materials and resources. The lecturers are not only experts in their fields but also dedicated to ensuring that each student grasps the concepts and can apply them effectively. In conclusion, the Sustainable Development program at Tel Aviv University is a stellar choice for anyone looking to make a significant impact in the field of sustainability. It combines academic rigor with practical experience, all within a supportive and resource-rich environment. I highly recommend this program to professionals and students alike who are passionate about sustainable development and looking to acquire cutting-edge skills and knowledge.

Studying at Tel Aviv University has been an amazing journey that I’m so grateful to be part of. Coming from Jerusalem, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turns out that being here feels like studying abroad without actually leaving the country. I'm studying management and liberal Arts , and the classes are challenging yet incredibly rewarding. The professors are not just experts; they're genuinely passionate about teaching and always ready to help. The variety of courses has allowed me to dive deep into my major while exploring new interests. Life on campus is truly something special. There's a vibrant mix of people from all over the world, making it a culturally rich environment. From clubs to events and social gatherings, there’s always something fun and engaging to do. It’s easy to make friends and feel part of a community. The campus itself is beautiful and green, with plenty of spaces to study or just unwind. The facilities are top notch, whether it’s the libraries, or recreational areas. It’s a place that encourages both academic excellence and relaxation. Commuting to Tel Aviv is a huge bonus. The city is full of life, with gorgeous beaches, and exciting nightlife. The local community is open and welcoming. Overall, my time at TAU has been incredibly fulfilling. The combination of excellent academics, a lively student life, and the vibrant city of Tel Aviv makes it a fantastic place to study. I’m so glad I chose TAU, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great education in an inspiring and dynamic setting.

With an unfortunate end with the war and my next semester canceling, I still wish I would’ve transferred to Tel Aviv University instead going back to my home university. Such amazing people and experiences. The madrichim are so hopefully and so amazing. I miss being there and I hope to maybe go to grad school there.

I really did have a great time in Israel. The program provided a few field trip opportunities that I absolutely loved, and I was of course sure to go on several independent weekend trips when I could. Israel is a great place to learn about so many things: religion, politics and conflict, and archaeology (what I study). I was, however, kind of disappointed with the location of the university. It was up on a hill and very secluded from the rest of Haifa. The bus ride to the 'fun' parts of town was pretty long--and, of course, buses barely run on the weekends! Over all, I didn't feel like I was truly immersed in an Israeli town. I was definitely overlooking one, but the campus is very Americanized and didn't feel too different from home (other than the cheap falafel :) ). Haifa's campus is absolutely beautiful, and I very much enjoyed all of my professors. They were very accommodating and quick to help if I had an issue with the course material--which happened frequently in my Hebrew class. The classes themselves were also very interesting, stimulating, and discussion based. I did not, however like the administration, at all. They really didn't seem to be too helpful. I did not receive my insurance card at check in, and when I finally needed to go to the doctor for a very bad case of vertigo, no one at the international office answered my calls or the doctor's office's calls! They say they have an open office policy, which is true, but we always joked that no one is actually in the office to help you. Similarly, my internship coordinator placed forbid me from doing the internship I truly wanted, and instead placed me in an internship that was less relevant to my career choice. I tried to speak with the program director about this (requesting, at the very least, a partial refund for an internship that seemed largely a waste of my time and definitely an experience that I could get for free at home) and she actually berated me. She also had other adults sit in on the meeting, as if to be intimidating. I felt really unheard and hurt, and never went back to that office again. I would recommend skipping the internship totally. The placements were not the best and most interns that I knew were doing filler/busy work. While that is relatively common for American internships, it is not worth the $1200 fee ON TOP of the tuition you are already paying for those credit hours. As mentioned, the support staff is not the greatest and doesn't really listen to your concerns. I interned on campus. I asked the program director to explain why the fee existed in the first place, as I didn't necessarily understand why it cost so much to provide a service to the university, and she told me that 'you are doing nothing for the university, and you are certainly not providing a service!". Yikes.

If you are interested in language learning and international politics, then Israel is a great place to study abroad. The University of Haifa has excellent language programs for learning Hebrew, Spoken Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic. I had very little prior knowledge of Hebrew or Arabic, but I felt that when I left Israel, I left with an intermediate level of knowledge in both languages. But what really makes it worthwhile is that the language is very applicable in day-to-day life. If you do any traveling during your time there, you will easily find some places where people don't speak any English, making it essential to put your language learning to use (which is one of the best ways to learn). I also had Israeli roommates who were decent English speakers, but by no means were they experts. So I was able to but my language learning to use there as well. If you are interested in international politics, then you will find Israel a great place to be, both academically and culturally. The classes I took were really interesting and greatly expanded my knowledge of politics in the Middle East. Depending on certain classes you take, some will have class trips that will take you to some very interesting and educational places. For example, on one class trip we went to the Golan Heights, where I was able to meet UN observers who were observing the Syrian Civil War. Though I should mention, on the rating of the program I did put an 8 out of 10. This is because me and a few other students I studied with did have trouble with one professor in one class. I feel this was a rare occurrence, as I didn't have a problem with any other class or professor I had. But if you go to a school where you know people who have gone to the University of Haifa before, you should definitely ask them about their experiences to help influence which classes you should take. I found talking with Israelis and Arabs to be equally valuable to what I was learning in the classroom. You gain a lot of unique perspectives to the conflicts that happen in the region. During your time in Haifa you will also have the opportunity to make friends from all over the world. I met made friends from almost every continent, learning how to say hello in nearly ten different languages. The geography is also very beautiful. The University of Haifa is on top of a mountain range overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, which is always a nice place to go on weekends. As part of the international program, you are able to go on two weekend trips throughout the semester, where you will get to go to some very cool places within Israel, and do things like camping and hiking. They go on different trips each semester, which fortunately for me I was able to spend two semesters in Israel, so I got to see a lot of the country. Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea, and Eilat in the southern part of the country were some of my favorite trips. Lastly, I know that some people usually have questions about security. Throughout my time in Israel I generally felt pretty safe. The university is tight with security so I never felt in danger while I was on campus. We also had an armed guard with us on every class trip. If you do any traveling on your own, it's generally a good idea to have at least one other person with you, but other than that, if you are aware of the news and know what is happening and where, then you should be fine. Hope this review helps and that you enjoy you're time in Israel!