Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)

Don't expect anything and keep an open mind. There's no better advice than that when studying abroad. Don't hide among people of your own nationality, but meet the local residents as well as any other people of different cultures you can! This will make your experience life-changing!

Ben-Gurion University is known for having the best student life in Israel, but it is a still a very academic university of world-renown reputation. Some of Israel's most controversial historians call this university home. It's a beautifully designed university. There is even a movie theater on campus for students only at half price (these are brand-new American films most of the time, not stuff from the 80s!). There is a pub on campus and in the dorms, which surround campus. The security is always present, so feel safe! There is a beautiful fence surrounding campus, so you can only enter through guarded gates. The guards are students and very friendly, so don't worry! There are more than enough computer labs and the library is fantastic. On nice days, which is almost everyday, Israeli students sit outside in large numbers, so sit with them and you're sure to make some friends. During the summer months, there is a outdoor campus pool. Tons of fun!

It can get cold in the winter.

You have the most oppurtunities to meet and become friends with Israelis at Ben Gurion because everyone lives with Israelis! The class sizes are small and it's just an amazing experience! It's also VERY easy and SAFE to travel from BGU because of the accesability of the train (10 minutes walk).

How quickly the time would fly by.

I would suggest it as highly as possible. If you have the desire to experience new things, this is the greatest place to do so. You will not regret your BGU decision!

How quickly the time would go by. And of course, MDA!

I wouldn't hesitate to go again!

The shekel (the Israeli "dollar") was only 1/5 of the value of the dollar while I was there; however, travel is cheaper in general because mass transportation is so popular and if you stay in hostels when traveling, you'll save a ton! Since I was only staying for one academic year, I didn't want the problems of installing a phone, so I got a cell phone. The cost to call home was, thus, more expensive, then from a landline.