Introduction
In considering going aboard to study, Israel is not a hot choice. The first thing that comes to mind about Israel is war, conflict and instability - this scares off many from looking further into positive aspects of having an education in one of the most vibrant and innovative countries in the world. Below are 10 reasons why you should consider studying in Israel.
Reasons to Study in Israel
1. It is safe – The safety concern of Israel is overstated. Everyday living is very safe – it is one of the very few countries nowadays that you can still hitchhike, and people stop and give rides. Personal crimes are rare, and occasional conflicts are not targetted at foreigners. One can travel alone or at night freely. Also, campuses are situated in good areas. Arguably, it is more safe living in Israel compared to some other major cities in Europe or in the U.S. these days.
2. You don’t have to know Hebrew – Some have the mis-conception that speaking Hebrew is a pre-requisite for studying in Israel. This certainly would help and open up more possibilities, but English is very common and there are a good selection of courses taught in English. And it is easy to get around in Israel without knowing any Hebrew.
3. Quality university education – Universities here are among the top in the world (depending on different rankings). In certain subjects they rank very high internationally (computer science, science, engineering, mathematics etc.). The quality of teaching staff is high – many were educated in the U.S. but chose to return to Israel. Not as well-known and with less research funding, still they produce a fair share of Nobel Prize winners and made breakthroughs in important research areas.
4. Lower entrance to quality universities – While competition for top universities in the U.S. or Europe is very keen, competition for entering quality universities in Israel is relatively milder. For undergraduates, they generally take students among the top 10% of their batch in their home country. For Master programs, they generally welcome international students with a good undergraduate education.
5. Learn from the “Miracle of Israel” – The struggle and success story of Israel by itself is worth learning. Against surrounding enemies and tough natural environment, the Israelis have no choice but to constantly innovate and overcome. In a matter of decades, Israel turns the wilderness into a land flowing with milk and honey. Now a world leader in water desalination, recycling, water and irrigation technology, with high rate of high-tech start-ups second only to the Silicon Valley. Many companies have set up their research divisions to tap on the spirit of innovation and change. A precious lesson for the young people that cannot be learned in classroom lectures.
6. Be exposed in a cultural “melting pot” - Israel is one of the most culturally diverse and history-rich region in the world. “Jewish people” have extremely diverse roots, a result of the long history of the diaspora. Jews from the U.S., Latin America, various parts of Europe, Africa and also from Asia bring their own unique culture to the newly born State. Alongside are the Arabs (~20%) and others (~5%) coming from all corners to this Land for different purposes. While a small portion of the population is very religious (Orthodox Jews ~10%), over 40% are “secular”. The whole country is a large historic site – with significant historic influence to
three of the most influential religions in the world (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). Just stay in one small country and be exposed to the whole world of culture, religion and languages.
7. Excellent living environment – Israel offers an excellent living environment: clean air and water; fresh quality farm produce; and convenience of modern cities. Plenty of healthy options to explore besides studying: mountains, country parks, the beautiful Mediterranean coast, fresh water lakes, the Dead Sea, desert explorations, and endless historic sites. For the young people city life is vibrant and colorful, yet within constraints and limits.
8. Affordable – The tuition for bachelor or master degrees is relatively lower compared to colleges in U.S., Australia, Singapore and parts of Europe. The general cost of living is high, but you can always find affordable options in this diverse country.
9. If you are Asian – Traditionally Israel has much closer ties with the U.S. and Europe. There is an increasing interest for Chinese and other Asian companies to invest in Israel – drawing synergies of Israel’s technology and innovation with the manufacturing and production capacity of Asia. Israelis also increasingly “look East”. All these developments open up new opportunities for students from Asia. Among other things, you will be very warmly welcome in Israel.
10. If you are a Christian – Where else can be more meaningful to spend your student life in Israel, where you can complete your education AND get to know this Land and the people first-hand, meet many seekers of the faith, and be the Lord’s testimony in this country? There are many foreigners coming to study here for these purposes, especially studying the Bible, the Hebrew language, Jewish or Middle-East studies. Christian population is about 2%, 160,000, including 127,000 Arab Christians. You can practice the faith and share the faith with fellow believers, so long as you are not trying to convert the Jewish people into Christianity.
In considering going aboard to study, Israel is not a hot choice. The first thing that comes to mind about Israel is war, conflict and instability - this scares off many from looking further into positive aspects of having an education in one of the most vibrant and innovative countries in the world. Below are 10 reasons why you should consider studying in Israel.
Reasons to Study in Israel
1. It is safe – The safety concern of Israel is overstated. Everyday living is very safe – it is one of the very few countries nowadays that you can still hitchhike, and people stop and give rides. Personal crimes are rare, and occasional conflicts are not targetted at foreigners. One can travel alone or at night freely. Also, campuses are situated in good areas. Arguably, it is more safe living in Israel compared to some other major cities in Europe or in the U.S. these days.
2. You don’t have to know Hebrew – Some have the mis-conception that speaking Hebrew is a pre-requisite for studying in Israel. This certainly would help and open up more possibilities, but English is very common and there are a good selection of courses taught in English. And it is easy to get around in Israel without knowing any Hebrew.
3. Quality university education – Universities here are among the top in the world (depending on different rankings). In certain subjects they rank very high internationally (computer science, science, engineering, mathematics etc.). The quality of teaching staff is high – many were educated in the U.S. but chose to return to Israel. Not as well-known and with less research funding, still they produce a fair share of Nobel Prize winners and made breakthroughs in important research areas.
4. Lower entrance to quality universities – While competition for top universities in the U.S. or Europe is very keen, competition for entering quality universities in Israel is relatively milder. For undergraduates, they generally take students among the top 10% of their batch in their home country. For Master programs, they generally welcome international students with a good undergraduate education.
5. Learn from the “Miracle of Israel” – The struggle and success story of Israel by itself is worth learning. Against surrounding enemies and tough natural environment, the Israelis have no choice but to constantly innovate and overcome. In a matter of decades, Israel turns the wilderness into a land flowing with milk and honey. Now a world leader in water desalination, recycling, water and irrigation technology, with high rate of high-tech start-ups second only to the Silicon Valley. Many companies have set up their research divisions to tap on the spirit of innovation and change. A precious lesson for the young people that cannot be learned in classroom lectures.
6. Be exposed in a cultural “melting pot” - Israel is one of the most culturally diverse and history-rich region in the world. “Jewish people” have extremely diverse roots, a result of the long history of the diaspora. Jews from the U.S., Latin America, various parts of Europe, Africa and also from Asia bring their own unique culture to the newly born State. Alongside are the Arabs (~20%) and others (~5%) coming from all corners to this Land for different purposes. While a small portion of the population is very religious (Orthodox Jews ~10%), over 40% are “secular”. The whole country is a large historic site – with significant historic influence to
three of the most influential religions in the world (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). Just stay in one small country and be exposed to the whole world of culture, religion and languages.
7. Excellent living environment – Israel offers an excellent living environment: clean air and water; fresh quality farm produce; and convenience of modern cities. Plenty of healthy options to explore besides studying: mountains, country parks, the beautiful Mediterranean coast, fresh water lakes, the Dead Sea, desert explorations, and endless historic sites. For the young people city life is vibrant and colorful, yet within constraints and limits.
8. Affordable – The tuition for bachelor or master degrees is relatively lower compared to colleges in U.S., Australia, Singapore and parts of Europe. The general cost of living is high, but you can always find affordable options in this diverse country.
9. If you are Asian – Traditionally Israel has much closer ties with the U.S. and Europe. There is an increasing interest for Chinese and other Asian companies to invest in Israel – drawing synergies of Israel’s technology and innovation with the manufacturing and production capacity of Asia. Israelis also increasingly “look East”. All these developments open up new opportunities for students from Asia. Among other things, you will be very warmly welcome in Israel.
10. If you are a Christian – Where else can be more meaningful to spend your student life in Israel, where you can complete your education AND get to know this Land and the people first-hand, meet many seekers of the faith, and be the Lord’s testimony in this country? There are many foreigners coming to study here for these purposes, especially studying the Bible, the Hebrew language, Jewish or Middle-East studies. Christian population is about 2%, 160,000, including 127,000 Arab Christians. You can practice the faith and share the faith with fellow believers, so long as you are not trying to convert the Jewish people into Christianity.