#UDreamitDoit: Tel Aviv: The City that Never Stops

Guest post written by Nikki Gollomb

Nikki is a University of Delaware sophomore with a major in international relations and minors in Jewish studies and public policy. She is currently studying abroad in Tel Aviv, Israel. Learn more about her experience thus far below! 

It reached almost ninety degrees last week. I went to the beach with my friends and we alternated between running into the cold, turquoise water and reading on the sand. Palm trees provided some protection from the heat of the sun, and a group of friends not far from us played upbeat local pop music all day long.

This was just one day of my five-month long study abroad trip to Tel Aviv, Israel.

I have been to two other countries since I arrived in late January. After our month-long intensive HebrewGoogle images course, three friends and I took a trip to Istanbul and Athens. Each city provided a glimpse into other cultures which I never would have had the chance to experience had I not been fortunate enough to study abroad in the Middle East. Istanbul, though geographically more west than Israel, is the most culturally East city I have ever been to. Though they are a rapidly-Westernizing country, the vibe in the city was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Athens is similar to other ancient European cities, but the fascinating history and incredibly friendly atmosphere are unparalleled. Traveling with a small group of friends has provided me with an independence and appreciation for other cultures that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Tel Aviv, however, will always remain my favorite city—yet it is immensely misunderstood. Many people do not know that it is the culture, technology, and innovation center of the only true democracy in the Middle East. They do not realize that nightlife here is more vibrant than anything I have experienced in the states, but drive an hour to Jerusalem and religious holy sites are everywhere you look. Drive to the south and the sun is brutally hot, but up north it snowed not a month ago. Israel is about the size of New Jersey, yet has the cultural and geographic diversity of the United States.

Google imagesTraveling is crucial to understanding. Understand where people come from, and you will have a better glimpse into who we are and why we think what we do. A single trip to Israel is all it takes to learn that it is so much more than the war and conflict that Western media focuses on. Go as many places as you possibly can, and talk to everyone. Don’t say no to anything (within reason). Immerse yourself in society. Travel, not to escape UD, but to understand that there is so much more out there.

Guest post written by Nikki Gollomb




Keri Betters

Social Media Marketing Intern

University of Delaware Career Services Center

Follow her on Twitter: @BlueHenKeri


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