International students studying in Israel will find an extraordinary multicultural community where everyone is welcome and there’s a wealth of things to see and do
There’s a lot to love about Israel, and getting admitted to one of its acclaimed institutions means you also get to explore its fascinating make-up. There are vibrant cities at the vanguard of technology and trade, centuries-old traditions and deep spirituality that still rules the hearts of locals. All this, plus an extraordinary food scene and adventure waiting around every corner in the wild beauty of its landscapes.
Food
You’re never going to go hungry with Israel’s impressive smorgasbord of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Israeli cuisine is incredibly diverse: there are cafes full of people catching up over a drink; scores of bakeries selling flaky pastries; and tiny hole-in-the-walls outlets dishing up just about anything you can imagine. In recent years, high-end restaurants have been putting a new spin on traditional ingredients for serious foodies. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for, too, with more than 400 vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tel Aviv alone serving specialties like piping hot falafel in just-baked pittas, silky hummus and sabich, a traditional Israeli sandwich.
Travel
Israel is very easy to travel around — a handy plus point for curiosity seekers keen to explore that little bit further. The country’s landscapes are ever-changing. Look to the west and you’ll discover its sun-blushed 122-mile coastline, fringed with ribbons of white sand and water the color of glass. Further towards the north are green-hued mountains and streams — a firm favorite for adventure lovers and those searching for seclusion. Down in the south, meanwhile, lies the stark and wild Negev Desert, where you can hike, bike and even sandboard across dusty landscapes, bedding down in Bedouin camps beneath star-strewn skies.
Not-to-be-missed is the startling Dead Sea , also known as the Sea of Salt, the lowest place on Earth. Here, you can spot salt crystals that have formed into ethereal works of art and float in its mellow waters, soaking up the acclaimed minerals, revered the world over for their medicinal and restorative benefits. Elsewhere, you’ll also discover three large craters — vast pits in the heart of the desert that capture the eerie stillness of this arid and empty landscape.
Urban life
Most of Israel’s universities are located in or near bustling cities, connecting students with the innovation and heady life of places such as Jerusalem, Be’er-Sheva and Haifa. Study in one of these cities and you’ll have vibrant nightlife, museums, art galleries and a rich campus life all on your doorstep. And if it’s a lively spirit you’re after, no other city does vigor and perpetual fun quite like Tel Aviv. This non-stop metropolis is modern, artistic, open and liberal. It’s a place where sun worshipers stare out at sunsets over azure waters, creativity hums around each street and parties play out every night of the week - from rooftop shindigs to live music shows by young locals. Add to that an undeniable friendliness in the air, where every community is welcomed with open arms, and you’ve got yourself a serious international player in the world-class city stakes.
