Independence - עצמאות

Before attending Alexander Muss High School I had always wondered what it was like to study in a different country. Specifically, I had always thought about what it would be like to learn and live in Israel. I loved Israel so much and always imagined what it would be like to learn in an environment in which I am surrounded by similar Jewish people and Israelis who speak Hebrew like me. In reality, it was so much better than I ever dreamed it would be. My Hebrew improved so much simply by speaking with locals in the city. Also, I made so many new Jewish friends who loved learning new information about Jewish history and culture just like I did! I met amazing individuals with similar interests who I know will be my lifelong friends. Additionally, I learned so much more about Israel than I had ever learned in any organization I am involved in at home. This is because we learned all the information first hand. When we learned about the judges, we sat exactly where they fought and lived. When we learned about the temple destructions, we sat directly under the Western Wall right next to the fallen rocks. When we learned about the conflicts in Israel, we sat facing the Gaza Strip. Even when traveling alone to Israel, these are opportunities that I never could have taken alone. I was provided with information in exciting ways that will stick with me forever. Another reason I decided to study abroad was because I wanted to experience what it would be like to live in a college dorm.

Going in, I was a little nervous. Would I like my roommates? Would I get distracted doing homework? However, living in a dorm was a great way to socialize and a nice way to live. The Alexander Muss High School Dorms prepared me for having roommates which was an amazing experience. We all bonded so much and became the best of friends. This experience completely prepared me for college in this sense. Now, I am actually looking forward to living in dorms and not worried a bit! In addition, through this program we were given so much independence, which should be a major factor in deciding whether to study abroad. From free time in the city, to managing our homework times. The independence we were provided allowed me to spend more time in the city and fully immerse myself in the Israeli culture. Studying abroad was when of the best decisions that I have ever made and I have now become even more eager to experience college life, continuing to learn, and independence.