Study Abroad Programs in Tel Aviv, Israel

Israel is about the size of New Jersey, but there is an incredible amount of diversity packed into this tiny country. One of the best cities for international students is Tel Aviv, the liberal hub with a variety of universities, corporate offices, fun nightlife and a delicious culinary scene for you to explore! 

Popular subjects to study abroad in Tel Aviv. Not surprisingly given Israel’s unique geopolitical position, popular subjects to study in Tel Aviv include history, international studies, and religious studies. Tel Aviv is also home to several Hebrew and Arabic language programs, although you don't necessarily need to have previous experience in either language to enroll. Colloquially referred to as Silicon Wadi, Tel Aviv is also an up-and-coming location to study technology and business due to its significant investment in the sector. 

Short term and summer programs vs. long term programs. With a variety of short term, summer programs as well as a few long term programs for a semester or year, you can get college credit for studying in Tel Aviv almost year round. The most of the diverse range of programs are offered during the summer, including short courses in conflict resolution, business innovation, and entrepreneurship. These make for great personal and professional development opportunities to add to your college transcript! 

Attending universities vs. other program types. Attending a university sponsored program versus an external provider program will be a key piece of your decision making when studying abroad in Tel Aviv. If your university does not offer their own program or faculty-led trip, have no fear — there are other great semester opportunities. 

While studying abroad in Tel Aviv, you can also enroll in extracurricular transfer credits, especially in the form of summer short courses. Once you're actually studying in Tel Aviv, the atmosphere on campus tends to be more casual than your home campus, with friendly teaching styles and close access to faculty. Although your schedule may vary depending on program, standard Israeli classes usually begin around 9:00 a.m. and finish around 3:00 p.m.

As Israel's most diverse and multicultural city, living in Tel Aviv as an international student will be a breeze. Nearly all the locals are fluent in English (it is taught starting in primary school), so the language barrier should not pose much of a problem. Tel Aviv has a large international population with folks from the US, Australia, France and Asian countries. Since city residents tend to flock to bars and nightclubs nearly every night, there are plenty of opportunities to make local friendships! 

When not in class, international students will have the opportunity to enjoy Tel Aviv's year-round pleasant weather, outdoor dining and restaurant scene, as well as the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Your free time is likely to be spent on the beach front malecon or public access beach, making for easy afternoons when you need a break from all of your studying. 

Although it's Israel's second largest city, transportation infrastructure in Tel Aviv hasn't quite kept up with the city's growth — it's in desperate need of a reliable subway or tram. As a study abroad student, you'll be getting around on a combination of different transportation models including bus, taxi, and/or walking.

Consider yourself a foodie? Then this is the Middle Eastern study abroad destination for you! With its multicultural influence, Tel Aviv's culinary scene draws on its local cuisine roots with inspiration from French, Italian, and Japanese cooking traditions. A burgeoning coffee scene will keep you caffeinated for the long nightlife, while casual, ethnically inspired, locally sourced meals will keep your belly happy. Don't miss Levinski Market. By the end of your in Tel Aviv, you’ll be feeling that hummus where the heart is!

Unlike some of Israel's less accepting neighbor countries, Tel Aviv is quite LGBTQ-friendly. Tel Aviv is increasingly recognized as a top destination for LGBTQ travelers and international students can feel safe being open about their sexual orientation. If you happen to be studying in Tel Aviv during the summer, don't miss their world-famous Tel Aviv Pride festival. This week-long celebration is the region's largest (and most flamboyant!) gay and lesbian festival. 

Never a stranger to a good party, Tel Aviv offers the annual White Night celebration, a 24-hour party on Rothschild Boulevard. Museums, galleries, restaurants, bars and clubs open their doors for the entire day (and night!) to keep the party rocking all night long.

Think Israel is just what you see on the news? Tel Aviv will prove your assumptions wrong. Although Tel Aviv is only a 45 minute bus ride from Jerusalem, Israel's capital city, it feels like a world away. You can take in the mainstream culture and sub-culture all at once. Studying abroad in Tel Aviv will give you nuanced view into life in one of the Middle East's most interesting nations!

Find even more inspiring info about studying abroad in Israel here.