How to balance studying abroad in Israel and travelling Europe (on a budget)

Travelling is a way to jump out of your comfort zone, experience different cultures, and is a way to learn more about yourself and the people you travel with. You know that you should study abroad in Israel to learn more about the country, to increase your knowledge on Judaism, and to meet people with similar values to you -- but you also want to have spaghetti in Italy, watch an opera in Vienna, and take a selfie on the Eiffel Tower. I will give you some tips to balance both studying abroad in Israel and travel Europe, even while on a budget.

Someone once asked me “what are you running from? Why do you have such a desire to travel?”. The answer for me is a no brainer. I love the feeling I get when I travel — the thrill of exploring a new place, walking through history, trying local dishes, and really speaking to locals about politics and life in their country. I love wandering around a cool city and visiting cafes and local grocery stores. I also enjoy staying at hostels where you have the opportunity to meet individuals from all over the globe. Throughout my year abroad, I spent a total of six and the half weeks in Europe. I had the best time and took some incredible photos. Here are some tips I picked up along the way:

1. Take the time to research: Pull out a map of Europe and mark down the places you want to visit. Want to visit your friend studying abroad in Copenhagen? Circle it. Want to go wine tasting in Southern France? Circle it. Your parents want you to visit your great-aunt’s ex-boyfriend’s cousin in Sicily? Mmm...I would write “maybe”, but still mark it down. Compared to North America, Europe is a pretty small continent. If you fly first class and check-in six pieces of luggage, your trip is going to be pricey. Each country in Europe is so diverse and flying to your destination is often cheaper than taking a train. Check out budget airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet, Israir, and El Al Up. Moreover, if you have an Israeli credit card, check out the website daka90.co.il and the app Hulyo. They have awesome deals which will make you want to travel to every single European big city and small town.

2. Backpack: Bringing enough clothes to supply Milan’s Fashion Week models is just unnecessary. Most of us tend to wear the same pair of leggings every second day anyways, so lighten your load and pack the essentials! Budget airlines charge for checked luggage (that’s the catch). If you bring a travel backpack, airlines will allow you to bring your backpack on-board. Plus, you won’t need to wait for your luggage once you land! If you do need more clothes or have forgotten any essentials, you can stop by the nearest corner store, Tesco or laundromat.

3. Walk: The best way to learn a city is to walk! You will notice unique architecture, people watch, get a nice tan, and learn the streets! While travelling, you will be challenged physically (your feet will kill from so much walking), and you will be challenged to think differently about the new cultures you will be exploring. Plus, you’ll save money on subway fares.

4. Sit in a café and speak to locals: When you need to take a break to either people-watch, warm up or cool down, head to the nearest café. Try the local cup of Joe and speak to locals! My best conversations while abroad have been with waiters -- whether it is standing at a “bar” in Rome sipping a ginseng cappuccino and learning about the lack of jobs in Italy or enjoying an apple iced-tea in Istanbul and learning about the political system. I promise you will learn more at a coffee shop than trying to understand your history textbook.

5. Stay in hostels: Meeting passionate travelers at hostels is the best way to meet new people, share your experiences, and swap tips. Every individual you meet will pose questions about Israel and your experience while abroad. You will get the question “is Israel safe?” wherever you go. At hostels you can eat meals with the people you meet, take day trips with them, keep in touch, or move on to the next hostel -- it’s up to you! Always make sure to book in advance and to check online reviews, you don’t want there to be no room in the hostel or for there to be a bed-bug infestation (two minutes of research can go a long way).

6. Visit shabbat.com: Spending shabbat in a new city? Shabbat.com sets you up with locals in the area for a free shabbat dinner! It is so magnificent to experience shabbat abroad and to learn about all the similarities and differences among different Jewish communities. This could be celebrating shabbat with a family in Budapest or attending synagogue services with the Dublin Jewish community. Just a click away!

7. Bring your student card! Often, there are great student discounts for train tickets and at museums. It never hurts to ask.

8. Travel with someone you click with: You will be spending 24 hours with the person or people you are travelling with, and I can guarantee you will be going through every single emotion with them. Plans don’t always work the way you want them to, so travel with someone flexible and someone you can have endless conversation. Remember, a person can truly make or break your trip -- so pick your travel partners wisely, and make sure to take breaks from each other (whether it is a wifi break or a day a part), it’s healthy.

9. It’s okay to travel alone: “..but who’s going to take photos of me?”. Travelling alone is actually a really great experience -- it’s a time where you can learn about yourself, analyze your life, meet new people, and do what you want when you want. Travelling with friends is fun, but travelling by yourself is different. Plus, there’s always the selfie-stick.

10. You will find a piece of Israel all over the world: Whether it’s the post-army guys at the same bar in Amsterdam, or the hummus restaurant run by Israelis in Budapest, you will find a taste of Israel all over the world -- and you’ll love it. You will miss Israel no matter where you are, I promise.

Studying abroad in Israel is a very special experience which is unlike anything else. With all the Jewish holidays and long-weekends comes lots of vacation time. I think celebrating the Jewish holidays in Israel is essential and should not be missed, as there is always time to escape for a weekend or to spend time abroad between semesters. Moreover, the Thrive alumni are always here to help. Travelling is unique as it is an investment -- something you pay for which makes you richer!