Leaving for Jerusalem

Location:
Jerusalem, Israel
Journal Entry:

I am in my third year of studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I am studying Environmental Studies and Global Studies. For Global Studies, it is necessary to study multiple languages and to pick a region of the world to concentrate in. I decided to study the Arabic language, and thus pick the Middle East as my region of concentration.

I quickly fell in love with the language, the culture, and the history of the Middle East and knew that I wanted to spend time there, if possible. Luckily, my school has three programs in the Middle East. One of those programs is at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Jerusalem, Israel.

Though Israel is not an Arabic-speaking country, I took a leap of faith and decided to apply. I was quickly accepted and began my preparation to move to Jerusalem for six months. I decided I would participate in the Arabic Immersion Program at Hebrew University, which would primarily focus on developing my Arabic language skills through real-world situations, like using the language at coffee shops and clothing stores. I also decided to participate in the 4-week summer intensive Hebrew course, so I would have some Hebrew skills to help me get by.

I was not sure how to prepare for Israel other than by reading guidebooks, so when the time came for me to board my flight, I was unsure if I was ready for the country and the culture shock.

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