My course in Arab-Israeli Conflict is an eye-opener because I am studying in the place where the conflict is actually taking place. Archeology of Jerusalem is a class I can only take in Jerusalem. Half the course consists of going on field trips around Jerusalem’s archeological sites, such as the City of David and the First Temple tombs in the Hinnom Valley. Next week’s field trip will be to the Israel Museum to learn about the Second Temple Period. 

Studying Hebrew has allowed me to become involved with a program called Chaverim through the university’s Hillel.  This program joins Israeli and North American students for the purpose of helping with one another’s language. I have only had one meeting so far with my Israeli chavera and, while my Hebrew is not that great yet, maybe by the end of the semester I will be able to carry on a complete conversation.  Since being in Israel, I have been on several organized trips: to the Roman ruins in Caesarea and a two-day hiking trip to the Judean desert, to name a couple. This is not my first visit to Israel, having been here before on four trips and missions, but as with each previous trip I am having a great experience.

This week has been even more special due to Purim.  The entire country seems to be in a whole party frenzy and I am here to celebrate this great holiday with everyone, but it has also shown me what studying abroad is really all about; experiencing your surroundings. I have seen how Purim, my favorite holiday, is celebrated by Israelis and also how people from the four corners of the world come to one very special city to celebrate Good Friday, one the holiest Christian holidays of the year. Hopefully, what I have written will enable you to get a sense of what I am experiencing. If I had to choose a Hebrew expression to describe my study experience in Israel, I would say sababa gamur - it’s totally great.  L’hitraot!