Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Israel is an uncommon choice for a study abroad program, especially opting for Beer Sheva as opposed to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. I am so glad I chose the Negev though, because I feel that I was able to see how normal suburban life is in another country, and the city's rather neutral political leanings provided a haven for those of us that felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the Israel-Palestine conflict at times. It was humbling to be so close to the desert landscapes that in one way or another inspired the three Abrahamic faiths, and also to be only an hour south of Jerusalem. The ease with which we could access some of the world's most important historical and religious sites still astounds me. I will say that academically, I was hoping that I would be able to participate in more rigorous environmental research; that was eventually available to me, but it started late into my program. The program is truly what you make of it, as you have a lot of freedom and the classes themselves are not demanding. I am really grateful to have been able to live in this space, even despite the frustrating times where we were caught in Jerusalem after Shabbat began and the last bus stopped for the weekend, and we had to spend money on a hostel. These are all adventures unique to Israel, and I left the Negev with a greater understanding of many things, myself included.

When I first decided that I wanted to study in Israel, I didn't do it because I had a university in mind. My university hosted a study abroad fair, where all the major contenders lined up - Hebrew University, Technion, Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan... but Ben-Gurion was absent.

Which in a way is a blessing in disguise, because it made me all the more determined to find out more about the illusive Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

Having some family friends in Israel, I was told that Beer-Sheva, as a city, is not the most beautiful or glamorous of Israel. It turns out that this was true, but I enjoyed my time here immensely. As someone who has spent a lot of time in between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, I found that it was a nice measure of 'normalcy'. This is to say that I didn't feel the religious tension one might feel in Jerusalem, and I also found it was more relaxed than Tel Aviv - both of these things were a huge bonus for me.

I absolutely loved doing the Ulpan here. Our professors were the best and it was a lot of fun learning Hebrew that we could use while we were there. I plan on coming back to do the higher level Ulpans as well.

There are many interesting courses to choose from, tons of trips that you should definitely take part in, all made possible by the amazing OSP staff. I made at least two life-long friends while abroad here, and I think it is a great program.

Knowing what I know now, and given the chance to go back in time, I wouldn't change a thing.

Israel is an amazing country. It creates U-Disk which people all over the world use every day. It established the first Firewall. It is the cultural center of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It exports agriculture products with land area 2/3 of Taiwan. (And 60% is covered by desert.) It is a great opportunity to explore Israel and especially get a deep understanding about Cyber Security. BGU is a great university located in the desert. There is a high-technology center near the university. In the 30-day program, we took courses on introduction of Cyber Security and how machine learning can be applied in Cyber Security. All the tutors are professional, patient and willing to help us. I got deep understanding and interested in such area. Also, I got great academic training here. ALso, there are two field tours during the program to help us to learn the latest problems rasing in the real world. And OSP Coordinator organized two tours (Masada and Jerusalem) to help us know the history and culture of Israel. Besides, there are many activities held twice a week, like pub night, concert night, dancing night and so on. All the staff are so nice and willing to help us get to know Israel and try their best to offer us comfortable and colorful life. Besides cyber security program, there are much more excellent programs for you to explore!!! I really enjoy my days in BGU. I really appreciate every people here. You give me the wonderful experience here.

This program gave you an insider's eye into the highly innovative business world we live in. I met some extremely successful entrepreneurs, VCs, and specialists. I enjoyed the beauty of this culture and all the knowledge they had to offer. I came to fall in love with another country through this experience!

The classes were very informational. I took one of favorite classes in my college career thus far, while participating in this program. You learn to be a leader in the circles you interact in.

Touring Google's campus in Tel Aviv, along with snorkeling in Eilat were some of the highlights of my trip!

A very vibrant campus, hospitable faculty and staff, and a more local feel than a 'large' city like Tel Aviv. A wide variety of people to meet and places to see. Traveling is constantly encouraged, and their 'study abroad /foreign student' office is always helpful in giving tips, helping translate, or assisting in trip logistics (critical for those trips over Shabbos).

The local students are very active both in Beer Sheva and other cities, so there's always something to do if not 15 minutes away, an hour and change into Tel Aviv.

I can't leave 5 stars due to issues during my last month and half, which is a shame since everything was great for the first few months. The dorms are also lacking (and more expensive than) renting or rooming off campus. If you are quite social definitely look for somewhere to rent instead of dorming.

Aside from this, I believe most will love their experience as much as I did if not more so.