I have been in Israel for roughly two weeks, and I have already witnessed countless differences between Americans and Israelis. For starters, the people in Israel are EXTREMELY friendlier than the locals in America.

In the two weeks I’ve been here, I’ve noticed lots of changes, differences and inconsistencies in the culture from home in Seattle. For example, the workers are inconsistent in the sense that some are really nice. Such as, when I go out for dinner some waiters will give us free stuff. Whereas, at other places they will just be Israeli’s plotting to scam their next American customer in need. This is unlike America because most people will just be mean in general and not care as much about the sale depending on where you are.

For me, America this past year has been very disappointing, to say the least, Israel, on the other hand, is not.

After three weeks of living in Israel I am really starting to get into the swing of things.

Besides that point, using Israel as my classroom has already been a life changing experience. I have seen the world from an entirely different point of view. It is one thing to sit in class and read your history book, but when you physically are at the place you are reading about, you imagine it differently.

Each Tiyul takes place at a site with historical significance, and we are educated about it there. If anyone is looking for teaching strategies, Tiyulim are my best recommendation, the visuals of being there help or I should say make the information stick in my head and make processing it way easier.

The beginning of the hike was daunting because when you looked up all you saw was this huge mountain that we knew we would have to climb up. The first few minutes were easy, but after some time I started to become extremely tired and my legs started to burn. We kept climbing until we had eventually reached the top. When we did I had a great sense of accomplishment knowing that I had climbed all the way up the mountain.

One of the biggest parts of the adjustment has been the change to the school schedule. It’s not a difference such as having classes for longer its the difference of my super interesting Israel Studies class. We have the class every Sunday through Thursdays for almost three hours. We are taught by a super passionate and energetic Scotland man named Aubrey.

Thanks to my amazing Jewish studies teacher I’ve been able to explore so much of my Jewish identity and helped me learn about the meanings and origins of this religion. The class field trips we partake in make school more interesting and fun than I thought learning could ever possibly be.

Last week, I returned home to New York after two months away studying in Israel. I can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that it’s over. I no longer wake up to the knock of the Toranim on my door, I no longer grab some Offers before running off to my next class, and I no longer live in the same building as twenty of my best friends.

Israel is amazing, but coming here I didn’t realize how drastic the differences between the two countries are and what to bring.

After being in Israel for two months now I have started to become accustomed to the new environment. Things are not the same as they are in my home in the US.

This coming week will mark our one-third of the way done anniversary. We are going on a 4-day hike this week starting at the Mediterranean Sea and ending at the Kineret. I’m excited to do this because I’m hoping I will become closer with everyone I have not talked to that much yet. I’m also not excited because I will not be able to shower for those 4 days.

Israel has very special moments but the only one that really feels like won’t happen in America is the yeshiva during Simchat Torah.

Almost hitting the two month mark; crazy to think that we are already here. I cannot even think about going back to Seattle and leaving Hod Hasharon. I truly cannot think about leaving all of my favorite people and all of my favorite food. My biggest tip on attending HSI is to come with low expectations but big dreams.

This week brings us to our halfway mark, we have been here for a little more than two months and we have a little less than two months less. Last blog post I was preparing for Yam Le Yam a four-day hike from sea to sea. It was our longest two and it was really cool because of how proud we were when we finished that Friday afternoon.

Officially been in Israel for 9 weeks, what a journey it has been so far! Over these two months, I have traveled to various Israeli cities and landmarks with the same kids and same teachers.

My favorite Tiyul was our Yam Le Yam trip, which is 4 days of hiking across the country. As we concluded our 4-day journey together all I could think was “I can do anything!” That was the thought running through my mind as I charged into the Kinneret with my amazing, strong, accomplished and new friends.

Although we have gone on many Tiyuls over the past two months I personally have found that the hike from Yam le Yam was the most personally amazing and very meaningful moment I’ve had on this program.