|
Do you want to know more?
|
Should I go in the summer or the winter?
There are many factors that may influence one’s decision when to travel. Your personal schedule, internships, jobs, spending time with family—all of these are important considerations. However, the climate is one factor that is often overlooked but should definitely be emphasized when choosing.
The summer was challenging in that it was extremely hot during the day and rather chilly at night—given the nature of deserts. It could get very exhausting during some activities from the sheer heat, so if you don’t tolerate heat very well- the winter trip may be a better option. The heat is dry with little to no humidity, which certainly makes the heat easier to tolerate than a stuffy Providence summer, but unfortunately the dry, scorching heat could be difficult on some days.
The summer I traveled I also worked an internship at Clinica Esperanza, served as a TA, and worked on an UTRA project and so it is possible to have a productive summer after your trip, but jut communicate with your advisors and employers about those scheduling changes. My employers were comfortable with it but I would definitely talk to them beforehand.
Where are the best places to eat?
The Shuks will give you a good sense of traditional wares. I highly recommend the baklava and similar-phyla dough style pastries at the Carmel Shuk in Tel Aviv. Right off of the Shuk there is a restaurant with delicious grilled octopus. it is right next to a large chess board on the ground and on the other end of the street there is a small blue pizzeria that is quite good as well.
Shakshuka, schwarma, and falafel are timeless middle-eastern classics that are a MUST taste. I ate Shakshuka nearly daily, with my favorite being at the restaurant chain Aroma. I also recommend the “iced coffee” there. Note-- that iced coffee in Israel isn’t coffee with ice, but a coffee ice slushy.
What if I don’t want to sign up by myself/don't have friends who want to join?
This is a super valid consideration and it can be intimidating traveling alone to a new country! I will say that most of the people on the trip are also traveling solo or at the very most with one other person so everyone is very friendly and ready to be social and make friends. I never found the people on the trip to form cliques and everyone was happy to invite everyone with them to different activities and outings. The concern is understandable but there will not be a point where you feel isolated or alone because everyone spends a lot of time together.
What are some things I should mentally prepare myself for?
Why should I go with Brown?
The advantage I saw with traveling with Brown was multifaceted. For one, Brown students tend to be very well informed politically and largely aware of current issues. I acknowledged the sensitive nature of politics in the region and wanted be spending time with people that were cognizant and aware and willing to discuss these issues as a group in a responsible and informed way. Brown students tend to have similar views in general, so I felt more comfortable traveling with people who largely see eye to eye on many issues and are largely welcoming to diverse populations, which made me feel more comfortable as a non-binary person.
Additionally, I wanted to make lifelong friends on the trip that I would be able to keep in touch with on campus and maintain ties with, have lunches, and talk to during the semester and attend various Hillel and Jewish events with. I traveled the summer after my sophomore year and so I had ample time left on campus to make friends and form lasting ties which I did with several people on the trip.
A final reason, is that by attending the trip with Brown, I was able to explore my Jewish identity further after the trip through continued involvement with Hillel. Te trip absolutely changed the way I rationalize my Jewish identity and helped me become much more comfortable attending ceremonies, prayers, and Shabbath dinners—all things that had never been a pat of my upbringing, but that I would like to bring to my life going forward.
There are many factors that may influence one’s decision when to travel. Your personal schedule, internships, jobs, spending time with family—all of these are important considerations. However, the climate is one factor that is often overlooked but should definitely be emphasized when choosing.
The summer was challenging in that it was extremely hot during the day and rather chilly at night—given the nature of deserts. It could get very exhausting during some activities from the sheer heat, so if you don’t tolerate heat very well- the winter trip may be a better option. The heat is dry with little to no humidity, which certainly makes the heat easier to tolerate than a stuffy Providence summer, but unfortunately the dry, scorching heat could be difficult on some days.
The summer I traveled I also worked an internship at Clinica Esperanza, served as a TA, and worked on an UTRA project and so it is possible to have a productive summer after your trip, but jut communicate with your advisors and employers about those scheduling changes. My employers were comfortable with it but I would definitely talk to them beforehand.
Where are the best places to eat?
The Shuks will give you a good sense of traditional wares. I highly recommend the baklava and similar-phyla dough style pastries at the Carmel Shuk in Tel Aviv. Right off of the Shuk there is a restaurant with delicious grilled octopus. it is right next to a large chess board on the ground and on the other end of the street there is a small blue pizzeria that is quite good as well.
Shakshuka, schwarma, and falafel are timeless middle-eastern classics that are a MUST taste. I ate Shakshuka nearly daily, with my favorite being at the restaurant chain Aroma. I also recommend the “iced coffee” there. Note-- that iced coffee in Israel isn’t coffee with ice, but a coffee ice slushy.
What if I don’t want to sign up by myself/don't have friends who want to join?
This is a super valid consideration and it can be intimidating traveling alone to a new country! I will say that most of the people on the trip are also traveling solo or at the very most with one other person so everyone is very friendly and ready to be social and make friends. I never found the people on the trip to form cliques and everyone was happy to invite everyone with them to different activities and outings. The concern is understandable but there will not be a point where you feel isolated or alone because everyone spends a lot of time together.
What are some things I should mentally prepare myself for?
- A lot of people casually carrying AK-47s and other large weapons
- Incredible food and very flavorful fruits and veggies
- Very arid environment
- Beautiful parks and wildlife
- Historic architecture and a rich history
- Some pro-Trump propaganda (signage)
- The best beach in the world with the cleanest, bluest, clearest water (Tel Aviv)
- Many stray cats
- The Dead Sea hurts…a lot
- Camels are mean
Why should I go with Brown?
The advantage I saw with traveling with Brown was multifaceted. For one, Brown students tend to be very well informed politically and largely aware of current issues. I acknowledged the sensitive nature of politics in the region and wanted be spending time with people that were cognizant and aware and willing to discuss these issues as a group in a responsible and informed way. Brown students tend to have similar views in general, so I felt more comfortable traveling with people who largely see eye to eye on many issues and are largely welcoming to diverse populations, which made me feel more comfortable as a non-binary person.
Additionally, I wanted to make lifelong friends on the trip that I would be able to keep in touch with on campus and maintain ties with, have lunches, and talk to during the semester and attend various Hillel and Jewish events with. I traveled the summer after my sophomore year and so I had ample time left on campus to make friends and form lasting ties which I did with several people on the trip.
A final reason, is that by attending the trip with Brown, I was able to explore my Jewish identity further after the trip through continued involvement with Hillel. Te trip absolutely changed the way I rationalize my Jewish identity and helped me become much more comfortable attending ceremonies, prayers, and Shabbath dinners—all things that had never been a pat of my upbringing, but that I would like to bring to my life going forward.
Calendar
Sorry the Calendar feed is currently unavailable. View full calendar directly.
