Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)

Don't expect anything and keep an open mind. There's no better advice than that when studying abroad. Don't hide among people of your own nationality, but meet the local residents as well as any other people of different cultures you can! This will make your experience life-changing!

Ben-Gurion University is known for having the best student life in Israel, but it is a still a very academic university of world-renown reputation. Some of Israel's most controversial historians call this university home. It's a beautifully designed university. There is even a movie theater on campus for students only at half price (these are brand-new American films most of the time, not stuff from the 80s!). There is a pub on campus and in the dorms, which surround campus. The security is always present, so feel safe! There is a beautiful fence surrounding campus, so you can only enter through guarded gates. The guards are students and very friendly, so don't worry! There are more than enough computer labs and the library is fantastic. On nice days, which is almost everyday, Israeli students sit outside in large numbers, so sit with them and you're sure to make some friends. During the summer months, there is a outdoor campus pool. Tons of fun!

It can get cold in the winter.

You have the most oppurtunities to meet and become friends with Israelis at Ben Gurion because everyone lives with Israelis! The class sizes are small and it's just an amazing experience! It's also VERY easy and SAFE to travel from BGU because of the accesability of the train (10 minutes walk).

How quickly the time would fly by.

I would suggest it as highly as possible. If you have the desire to experience new things, this is the greatest place to do so. You will not regret your BGU decision!

How quickly the time would go by. And of course, MDA!

I wouldn't hesitate to go again!

that I would inevitably want to stay for the year, as opposed to just the semester

truth in advertising. there were a few things people were disappointed about that they really would not have been if their pr would have been more honest. for instance, the guidebook says there's a Desert Adventure Club(or something of that nature), so we asked about it. when we did, we were told that if we wanted to form one, we could. realistically, all it was, was one of the madrachin giving advice & guidance for hikes and campping. it was not as established or organized as the guidebook had made it out to be.

I know there is stuff I have thought along the way that it would have been nice to know, but I can't think of anything specific right now.

I reallt love the location and atmosphere of the university, and the staff are wonderful! I strongly recomend BGU. You have the chance to study in a quiet atmosphere, but if you like to party, you also have the opportunity to do that every night if you want.