Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU)

Actually, I would consider living off campus for the experience, but the dormitories are a safe and secure environment and also allow for easy participation in student activities.

The shekel (the Israeli "dollar") was only 1/5 of the value of the dollar while I was there; however, travel is cheaper in general because mass transportation is so popular and if you stay in hostels when traveling, you'll save a ton! Since I was only staying for one academic year, I didn't want the problems of installing a phone, so I got a cell phone. The cost to call home was, thus, more expensive, then from a landline.

You have to be flexible and understanding. With the security situation in Israel right now, the number of students studying abroad there is down from previous years, so the range of courses has been reduced due to inability to fill the classes enough. The teachers are high quality and challenging, but most realize that the students want more than just an academic experience in Israel. Grades for most courses are based on only two grades, midterms and finals. This is good because your time is not consumed with busy work everyday, but it obviously good have its bad side. The midterms and finals are either exams or papers or some combination of both.

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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!