It really is officially less than a week before the trip.

I was born in Israel and visit every summer but studying in Israel is something that I have never experienced. I’ve always loved Israel, it’s always been my home.

I have recently received a scholarship to study abroad at Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI). During this course my main focus will be Jewish history and various leadership intensives. It starts in about three weeks and I am very excited, here’s some of what i’m thinking.

The definition of an expectation is a belief that someone will or should achieve something.

Expectations You would think that after going somewhere almost every summer for the last 15 years you would get tired of that place… Not me. I am itching to finally start my adventure in Israel.

I was unstoppable in my decision. Soon I will embark on my journey to Alexander Muss High School in Israel. I am beyond excited and cannot wait for this life changing experience. I am mostly packed but I still have a little more to do. This trip has come up super fast, and I have been looking forward to it since I got the call that I was accepted into the program.

In my first week at AMHSI, I have set a few goals for myself.

New experiences lead to new aspirations As I’m reaching the end of my 4th full day at Alexander Muss High School in Israel my list of goals has grown. I feel like I have been here for so much longer than just four days. So much has been thrown at me in these past few days and that is why my list has grown.

My goals for my time at AMHSI are to explore my Jewish identity and learn the geography of Israel. I have been to Israel multiple times but I have never seen it from the perspective of an exploring student.

Here at HSI, I hope to accomplish many things. First off, I would love to form an amazing bond with the rest of my classmates which will stay with me for the rest of my life. These friendships will help me to feel more at home, and I will begin to enjoy the program much more once I learn everyone’s true personality. I hope to gain a much greater understanding of the Jewish history of myself and Israel.

I made goals in my head before I left home to come to Israel about what I wanted to get out of this trip, but it’s very different when you are actually in the experience.

Some of the differences between the US and Israel, as documented by an Israeli expat in the States.

The first time I experienced the cultural difference between America and Israel was on the plane to HSI.

When I think about the cultural differences in Israel compared to America it makes me aware that my “normal” is not similar to an Israeli person’s “normal”.

A phenomenon that is commonly referred to as “culture shock” is something that I imagine almost every student coming to AMHSI (who has not come to Israel in their lives before) is feeling about right now or at least sometime last week. There is a fine line between what is seen as normal/ respectful in America VS what it’s seen like in Israel.

Denver is nearly seven thousand miles away from Hod Hasharon. This leads to a great difference between cultures. J

To me a living classroom is being outdoors while studying. But it is not just about stepping foot out of the physical classroom it’s about going to unique and significant locations.

In my mind, a living classroom is a classroom that is striving to have hands on and unbiased teaching methods. A hands on class is a class that is not always just sitting in class and taking notes, but seeing things for ourselves and being able to participate in real activities that apply to what we are learning.

One of the main pulls to Alexander Muss High School In Israel is the opportunity to learn in many different environments. One “living classroom” that has stood out to me the most up to this point has been our tiyul to Mount Masada.

I’ve been on plenty of field trips in my life filled with fun excitement, and soon after the impact ends. Until Alexander Muss, I have never had to bring notes or books with me on one.