During the past three weeks I’ve spent here, I have encountered many cultural differences between Israel and America. Although I love that I can be immersed in such a different culture, at times it can be hard to adjust to their manner in order to fit in.

One of the most pronounced contrasts I notice when going into town is that vendors are very open to negotiation on prices, and very few items have set prices. Often, if they can tell you are a tourist, they will give you a higher price, but you can refuse it and give a lower price and they might accept your offer.

Another observation I’ve made is that from the customer service I receive in the U.S. compared to here. In America, often the service is very kind and welcoming. So, from an American perspective, the service here is cold and rude. However, they are just being honest and direct. One example of this is when I was buying groceries. I was expecting them to bag my items but instead they pushed them to the side, along with my debit card, receipt, and a bag for me to put my items in. At first, I was confused, and then my cousin had to explain to me that in Israel they don’t bag your items for you.

Many strangers will approach you on the street just to have a conversation about anything with you, while in America people are very close minded to talking to people they don’t know. People are very welcoming and helpful to me because they know I’m a tourist. If I ever can’t figure out where I need to go, what something says, etc., there is always someone there that is happy to help me out.

I’m so happy I’ve had the opportunity to be in Israel and notice the differences between the States and Israel, and I can’t wait to observe more contrasts during the next twelve weeks I have left of this program.