On Orientation Day at Bar-Ilan University, a lively Q&A panel brought together seasoned international students to share their perspectives on studying and living in Israel. Hosted by Oz Nacker, Director of Student Exchange, the panel featured students from diverse backgrounds—including Turkey, Australia, Ukraine, Italy, and India—each bringing unique insights about the challenges and rewards of their time at Bar-Ilan.
Overcoming First-Year Hurdles
For many, the biggest hurdle was adjusting to life far from home. Hüsne Dereli-Begue, a sixth-year postdoctoral researcher in physics from Turkey, recounted the challenges she faced moving to Israel during the pandemic with young children. “The biggest challenge was finding a suitable apartment and daycare,” she said. With support from her supervisor and her local colleagues, Hüsne was able to settle her family and establish connections within the community. “My advice is to connect with local families and international students. They have insights that make adapting easier,” she added.
The panel. L-R: Oz Nacker, Hüsne Dereli-Begue, Dina Newstadt, Yevgenia Vodolazskaya, Francesco Berti, and Asha James
Dina Newstadt, originally from Australia and now a third-year student in political science and communication, emphasized the importance of resilience. “Living in Israel is challenging, especially now with the circumstances. Every day, you’ll encounter something new,” she shared. Dina advised newcomers to pace themselves and make time for personal well-being amid academic pressures. “Don’t get stressed out by the workload in the first year; university isn’t everything. Make time for yourself.”
Navigating Resources and Finding Support
International School resources proved invaluable for the students as they navigated the logistics of studying abroad. Francesco Berti, an Italian third-year postdoc in cryptography and engineering, found support from the International School’s staff, who assisted him with banking and visa arrangements. “They guided me step-by-step, even helping with communication since I didn’t speak Hebrew,” he said, emphasizing how such support can ease the often intimidating administrative processes.
Yevgenia Vodolazskaya, a second-year MBA student from Ukraine, pointed out the benefits of face-to-face classes. “Take offline classes whenever possible. It’s the best way to meet people and make connections, which is especially important when you’re in a new country,” she advised, reflecting on how in-person interactions helped her establish friendships and choose group projects.
Adjusting to Life in Israel
Students also shared the cultural surprises and heartwarming encounters they’ve experienced in Israel. Hüsne noted the warmth and willingness of the community to lend a hand. “People here are genuinely helpful. Once they see you need support, they’ll step in without hesitation,” she remarked. This sense of community support made a significant impact on her family’s transition to life in Israel.
Dina highlighted Israel’s strong sense of unity, which she found distinct from other places. “Israel is like one big community. It doesn’t matter where you go—there’s always someone to help, and you’ll always find support,” she explained. Dina encouraged new students to explore beyond the campus, noting, “There’s always something happening here; you just need to get involved.”
Resilience in Challenging Times
With Israel’s current climate, resilience and adaptability have been essential for students. “The resilience of people here is remarkable,” said Yevgenia, reflecting on how locals maintain their routines and social lives despite challenges. “People don’t let things stop them—they just keep going. It’s inspiring.”
Finding a personal routine also helps international students feel at home. Yevgenia explained, “Routine really helps. Establishing small rituals, like cooking familiar foods or finding time to relax, makes the distance from family easier to cope with.”
Bar-Ilan’s international students bring diverse experiences, yet share a common drive to thrive and adapt in a new environment. Their stories offer a blend of resilience, community, and insight—a testament to the enriching experience of studying abroad in Israel.
