Top 10 Reasons to Go to University in Israel

I was recently interviewed by my high school’s newspaper about my decision to study at university in Israel. I grew up, as did most people from my high school and other Jewish day schools like it across the US, with a love for Israel. I always knew that Israel was my home. Everyone congratulated me and told me how brave they thought I was and how jealous they were about my decision to study here. Why? We grew up knowing that Israel is our home. It’s not a big deal to move here. A lot of people asked me why I decided to study in Israel, so here’s my top 10 reasons as to why high school students should consider coming to university in Israel.

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Israel is our home
- We grew up hearing and learning the history of Israel, almost as much as we knew the history of the U.S. We learned that Israel is our home and where we should feel comfortable. So why not come back home and study in a place where our ancestors have lived for generations and generations?
Connections
- You get more opportunities than you would in the States. Everyone knows everyone in this country, so if you need to interview someone high profile for a broadcast project, odds are someone you know has a connection to him or her and can help you out.
Incredible Professors
- The professors are the top in their field in the country and globally. They are incredibly brilliant and want to help. From ambassadors, to news anchors, the professors here bring so much knowledge and experience to the classroom.
Most fun
- No need for fake IDs, you’re legal here! You can grab a glass of wine or go to a club without the stress of being caught for underage drinking. No more getting wasted at a frat party because let’s be real, partying in Israel is a lot more classy and less risky.
You’re young
- Now’s the time to move. You don’t have a family or kids that you would have to schlep with you. It’s a great time to try out a country and see what it would be like to move there. If it’s not for you, then you can move back easily, you’re just there for university. It’s much better than making aliyah when you’re older, and realizing its not for you, and moving your whole life again.
Make inspiring friends
- Everyone you meet has an interesting life story. Literally everyone. There’s a reason they are in Israel and each person could have a novel written about their journey to the Holy Land. People are more mature than the average American college student and had incredible life experiences. Most are post army so they are older and more serious about their future, and have a lot of incredible stories that will always keep you entertained. These are friends that you will have for life.
Live in a classroom
- History is EVERYWHERE. What better place to study than in a land that has seen so much history. No matter what you are studying, there is some connection in Israel. History, business, government, communication and other disciplines all have incredible real life examples and opportunities in Israel. Whether learning about British Imperialism at Independence Hall, or business models at one of the world’s top start-ups, Israel has become the classroom.
Study at world’s best beaches
- Oh and let’s not forget that when you’re super stressed from finals month, you can take a short bus ride and arrive at some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. You can work on your tan while reading over flashcards and taking Instagram pictures of the Mediterranean Sea.
Food!!
- Okay so maybe not the best for your freshman 15, but Israel without a doubt has the most incredible food. Whether dried strawberries, falafel, or hummus, the food in Israel is out of the world delicious.
Fulfill life dream
- And, well, you’re living the dream. You’re living where people pine to be, where Herzl longed to live, where people yearn to vacation. Life’s pretty great for a university student in Israel.

**Of course it’s not for everyone, but this is why I think giving university in Israel is worth a try!**