By Andria Kaplan Aylyarov
Studying abroad is a magical time. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expose yourself to new cultures, languages and most of all meet new people. Whether you’re venturing on this semester abroad with a gang from your home university or flying solo put meeting these 11 people at the top of your to-do list. It’ll make your Israel experience well worth it.
1. The Kibbutznik
A kibbutz is a place you heard your parents or grandparents speak about; it was the “birthright” experience of the 1960’s. The people living on the kibbutz, known as the kibbutznik shaped your parent’s vision of Israel. Meet someone who lives on or is from a kibbutz and learn about the kibbutz life and its contribution to Israel. (source: youtube.com/etian666)
2. The Falafel or Pizza Guy (a.k.a. your go-to food person)
You’re going to be out late while studying abroad in Israel and the best way to end your night is a greasy piece of pizza or a cheap falafel. Find your go-to food guy and make friends so he knows your order as soon as he sees you. If you’re in Tel Aviv I recommend the pizza shop on King George and HaMaccabi (1212 Rehov HaMaccabi ).
3. People from around the world
Israel is an extremely diverse country that welcomes students, travelers. and tourists from every corner of the world. Be sure to meet someone from an exotic country like Brazil, South Africa or Ethiopia!
4. The Cofix or Aroma Barista
Israelis drink a lot of coffee, and since you’re in Israel why not act Israeli and befriend your local Cofix or Aroma barista so you won’t have to wait in line. You’ll be lucky if you live next to a Cofix bar and the barista is a bartender at night!
5. A Super Intellectual Professor
Most of the professors in Israel are the world’s leading innovators in their specific field. Be a good student on your semester abroad and take the time to learn how their minds work. It will shock you how much your brain will expand from these conversations!
6. The Startup Guy or Girl
There’s a good chance that in the Startup Nation you’ll frequently meet entrepreneurs. It’s like every person on the street in Israel has a startup. Meet them and see if you can crack the code of how Israeli startups are so darn successful.
7. Olim Chadashim
An olim chadash is someone who has moved from their native country to Israel, otherwise known as making aliyah. Learn about how others from different parts of the world come to Israel to seek employment opportunities and benefit from Israel’s growing economy.
8. The Local
You need to have that special person to give you the not-so-secret, top secret advice on restaurants, bars and things to do that aren’t going to pop up in a Google search. You’ll meet them in class or they’ll live next to you in your dorm. Look to them for everyday advice.
9. Your Crush
The boys and girls of Israel are amongst the most beautiful in the world. It’s without a doubt that’ll you have a tincy wincy crush on at least one person while studying abroad – it’s okay. A little crush never hurt (and you never know, that person could end up being your crush for a lifetime).
10. The History Buff
There is about an 80% chance you won’t be paying attention to the organized tours through your study abroad program, which is why you need to befriend the history buff. They know all the history of Israel and will tell it to you in a way you’ll understand.
11. Your Best Friend
The best thing about studying abroad is growing as a person and discovering who you are with people you care about. You will need a shoulder to cry on when you are homesick or frustrated by new customs. That shoulder you will lean on is your new best friend abroad.
You’ll spend weekends exploring and before you even leave Israel you will already have plans to meet when you’re stateside. No one but this person will understand the experiences you’ve had and how life changing spending a semester in Israel really was. You’ll be friends with this person until you are old and gray and most importantly you will constantly relive the incredible times you shared in Israel.
Andria Kaplan Aylyarov is a Masa Israel & Career Israel 18 Alumna. Andria works as the content marketing specialist for Masa Israel Journey. She loves a good glass of white wine and wishes she was 85-years-old and living in Boca, but she currently resides in Brooklyn.
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