Finding Home Abroad
By my junior year at Yeshiva University, I found myself wanting a break from my usual routine — looking for a chance to step outside my comfort zone and experience something entirely new. I was overwhelmed by an extremely busy and repetitive schedule and knew I needed a change. The idea of studying abroad felt like the perfect opportunity, and this became a dream I was determined to pursue. Initially, I envisioned traveling to a place I had never visited before, learning a new language and being exposed to a different culture. However, after Oct. 7, and as rampant anti-semitism increased on college campuses all over the world, Israel stood out to me as a safe and worthwhile country to study abroad in.
After deciding that Israel was the right place for my study abroad experience, I began researching different universities, speaking with advisors and carefully weighing my options. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem quickly stood out to me, not only because of its internationally acclaimed academic reputation but also because of its unique location and historical significance. By choosing to study at Hebrew U, I knew that I would be academically challenged, while also immersing myself in Israeli culture, all within an incredible environment.
I arrived in Israel a month before the semester began, and for two weeks, I participated in a meaningful volunteer program where I was able to personally contribute to helping the nation of Israel. I worked in schools, participated in agricultural volunteering, cooked meals for soldiers and spent time in kibbutzim. Every day was a new experience, and the gratitude expressed by the Israelis we encountered made me feel like we were truly making a difference. Then, I learned at Yeshivat Aish HaTorah and attended insightful shiurim from the dynamic rabbis there. These experiences helped me adjust to the culture shock, and at last, the new semester was about to begin.
When I arrived on campus, I was excited but also unsure of what to expect, especially since I did not know anyone in my program or at Hebrew U. Orientation kicked off with a group of friendly faces, many of whom I would soon share classes and experiences with. We were guided through the beautiful, vast campus, and we visited the international school building, the botanical garden and a stunning lookout spot facing the Old City of Jerusalem. I was pleasantly surprised by the size and beauty of the campus. Coming from a small New York City campus, I was excited about the change in environment. During the first few weeks, I spent my time getting familiar with the campus layout and adjusting to the new academic atmosphere.
As classes began, I soon realized that although I was at a different university in a new country, the professors at Hebrew U shared the same passion for teaching as those at YU. I was looking forward to taking a wide variety of elective classes in subjects I was curious about: Bible, geography, Israeli art and music, philosophy and law. These classes were new and intellectually stimulating and gave me a broader perspective on issues that I had not considered before. I explored subjects that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to learn about because of the unique viewpoints I was exposed to at Hebrew U. Through my classes, I broadened my academic horizons and made new friends that I got to know better throughout the semester.
Living in the student village — the dorms at Hebrew U — was one of the most memorable parts of my time abroad. The dorms were home to students from all over the world — Russia, France, Germany and many other countries. It was a very diverse group of students, and I made many new friends and heard a variety of worldviews and perspectives. Everyone brought a unique experience and background to life at Hebrew U.
But adjusting to life in Israel wasn’t easy. The ten-hour time difference made staying in touch with my friends and family challenging; I often had to call at inconvenient hours. The cultural differences were also significant — Israelis are very direct and blunt, which took some getting used to. Even though I speak a little Hebrew, there were moments when communication with locals was difficult. However, the most challenging part of being in Israel was the ongoing war and the tension it created across the country. While I knew I was safe, there was a somber atmosphere everywhere, and it was unsettling to be there during such difficult times. The only time that I felt afraid was in early October when Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel. I was in a supermarket near the Hebrew U campus when suddenly, everyone started shouting in Hebrew. Confused, I followed the crowd as we rushed underground, where we sheltered for over half an hour. At first, I had no idea what was happening until someone explained to me the situation, and I received texts from my friends and family checking if I was safe. Finally, it was over, and we were allowed to go outside again. Despite these challenges, I learned to adapt and make the most of new situations.
Something that helped me to acclimate to life on campus was the various events and clubs available. The student life office hosted numerous activities, such as trips, movies and cultural events throughout Jerusalem. It was a helpful resource whenever we needed someone to talk to or had any questions. We visited Masada and the Dead Sea, toured Jerusalem’s City Center and many other fascinating places. Additionally, Jewish organizations provided a home away from home for international students such as myself. The couple who led this organization were extremely welcoming and ensured we felt cared for throughout the semester. They hosted Shabbat meals and exciting weekly events, which created a sense of family and community. One moment that stood out to me was a solidarity shabbaton at a kibbutz in southern Israel. We visited an army base, had a tour of Sderot and stood at the devastating Nova memorial site. It was an incredibly emotional experience, but it was important to be there firsthand. Then we had a lively Shabbat with divrei Torah, singing and dancing, allowing us to process the events of the previous day and find comfort in the sense of community. Bonding with friends, exploring the kibbutz and sharing meaningful moments together was an unforgettable part of my time in Israel.
Beyond campus, I am fortunate to have many family friends across Israel who welcomed me into their homes for Shabbat. I went to Givat Shmuel, Binyamina, Talpiot, Modi’in and other neighborhoods. No matter where I was, I felt a strong, unified and caring presence, knowing there were people who cared for me. This helped my transition to Israel become much more manageable.
Once settled in, I felt entirely at home in Israel and genuinely grateful to be there. I loved meeting new people, enjoying Israeli food and experiencing the spiritual connection of being in Jerusalem. Walking through Hebrew U’s beautiful campus and its botanical gardens on my way to class was always a highlight of my day. Studying abroad from Yeshiva University is not a common path, but I was determined to make it happen — and without a doubt, it was a memorable, worthwhile and deeply rewarding experience.
Photo credit: Gavriel Factor
Photo caption: View near Hebrew University of Jerusalem
