Israel Study Abroad Country Profile

Israel study abroad programs will give students insight into this unique and sometimes controversial place. Israel has significant importance for each of the three major world religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism. It remains an interesting and curious place for countless other people. The country is home to three major cities, each putting its unique perspective on life in Israel. Tel Aviv is more liberal, with youthful nightlife and Internet entrepreneurs. Jerusalem is a holy city, the ultimate destination of countless numbers of religious followers. Haifa is an industrial city, but it is the global center of the Baha’i faith. Within its diverse cities, Israel is home to over 200 museums, giving it the highest per capita number of museums in the world. Israel is a politically charged but unique study abroad destination for students with a variety of interests.

As one might expect, Israel is a heterogeneous, dynamic, ever-changing place. Within Israel, one can find immigrants from over 100 different countries, each adhering to unique religious and cultural beliefs. This has given rise to large subcultures within Israeli culture, most notably the Palestinians, the Russians, and the Orthodox – each of these subcultures maintains its own newspapers and cultural networks, further underscoring the diversity in Israel.

Tel Aviv is considered the center of secular culture in Israel, and many cultural institutions and organizations are headquartered in the city. Israel has a number of outlets for its peoples artistic creations; museums can be found in each of its major cities, and there are even three artist colonies in Israel.

The food in Israel is as varied as the rest of the culture, reflecting the influences of all of its people. Cuisine varies from local and traditional dishes to immigrant dishes and international cuisine from around the world.

Programs are available through Israeli universities and independent programs. Israel is a great destination for language learning, and students interested in learning Hebrew and Arabic will find many opportunities to do so. Israel is also a unique venue, because it provides an opportunity to study a long-term, complex issue from each student’s own perspective. Courses are available that study the Arab-Israeli conflict; there are also courses dealing with international affairs, Middle Eastern studies, and religion. Israel is also a good destination for the sciences – there are courses in geology and geography, as well as the life sciences. Israel is also a popular destination for archaeology and history.

Israel has many unique advantages as a study abroad destination. Here are ten reasons why you should consider studying abroad in Israel.

1. The Dead Sea

This famous lake is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, and is a popular destination for tourists and sun worshipers. The high salinity gives the water exceptional buoyancy.

2. The Old City of Jerusalem

This part of Israel is home to all of its most sacred religious sites and monuments. These famous sites include the Western Wall and the al-Aqsa mosque.

3. The Red Sea

Snorkelers and divers alike will be jumping at the chance to explore the Red Sea. The Red Sea offers colorful, memorable marine life in the world’s longest contiguous reef.

4. Carmel Market

The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv showcases artisans and businessmen specializing in everything from clothing to food and spices.

5. Legendary Nightlife

Tel Aviv is perhaps best known for its nightlife, and whether you are interested in a cultural event like a concert or gallery showing or interested in hitting a club, you are bound to find something that suits you.

6. Baha'i Gardens

The Baha’i gardens in Haifa are some of the most beautiful in the world and attract pilgrims from all over the globe.

7. Masada

The mountain fortress of Masada overlooks the Dead Sea in southeast Israel.

8. Ramon Center

This unique geological formation is the largest crater in the world, at 40 kilometers long and ten kilometers wide at its widest point.

9. Raft the River Jordan

Participate in rafting (or kayaking) along the Jordan River. Israel study abroad participants will find themselves in a surprisingly great location for outdoor activities.

10. Food

The food in Israel will allow you to taste different cultures from around the world all in one place – the ethnic and religious diversity in the country lends itself to a variety of foods.

Israel Country Ranking: 22

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