Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)

Gaos since it was close, chicka since it didn't have the little kids running around, and Interpool with the best pool tables in town!

As long as you keep busy and get along with your flatmates, there's really no problem.

Use and monitor your ATM use instaed of travel cheques which require a fee to exchange. Also, even though the exchange rate may benefit us from abroad, each item does add up! Try not to lose track.

Plan, plan, plan! Make sure you feel comfortable with your decision and go wholeheartedly. If you have never been to Israel before, look around the first couple of days and don't be judgemental, being American isn't being perfect! The most important thing though, is each person will take out a unique experience and you get what you make of it.

I was really excited to learn Hebrew when I was planning this trip. But became discouraged and frustrated when the teachers didn't have time to help you one on one and all the home assignments were never graded. THis makes it more difficult to have a continuing lesson in the subject. Also, I don't think there were enough levels that met the students' needs. Many of us that had some previous Hebrew were either put in the lowest or the middle groups were we were either too proficient or not enough to learn anything usable in the class.