We recently received a letter from Shira to tell us what an amazing experience HU was. She loved it so much she is returning to live here.

“My name is Shira and I recently finished my freshman year at Rothberg International School (International part of Hebrew University). I am from Toronto Canada, and this was my first year out of high school, and my second time in Israel. I did not know any Hebrew, knew no one attending the school, had no family in Israel, and did not understand the culture at all. Arriving in a foreign country to begin university was very difficult, however there were many helpful staff at the school to assist us, such as the four madrichim (guides) that were put in charge of the international students. They were amazing throughout the entire year. Within the university program my year consisted of many great classes, incredible planned trips, several cultural dinners and lectures, and much much more. Two of these trips really stand out in my mind as a great memory. The first was the weekend getaway to Mitzpe Ramon, a trip in the middle of the desert where we did everything from intense hiking in the Negev to watching the early morning sunrise with a beautiful view on Shabbat. The second trip was Sea to Sea, in which we hiked from the Mediterranean sea all the way to the Sea of Galilee. Besides being able to further understand the land of Israel, discussing previous wars and conflict with personal stories from the madrichim who had all been in the army, I made some of my best friends on these excursions. My friends and I would also plan our own trips all around the country exploring everywhere we could, and every weekend was a new adventure, including the celebration of all the different holidays, cheap concerts, and Israeli lifestyle. Overall, I returned home with a high level of understanding of the history of Israel and the Jewish people, could speak Hebrew at a good level, made some amazing friends, and had a plan for the next year. I really fell in love with Israel, and am returning to serve in the Israeli army and live my life there. I am so happy that I did my year at Rothberg.”

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