When you make the choice to come and study in Israel, it’s hard to imagine being away from your family and friends. You wonder how you’ll fit into Israeli society, how you’ll deal with the Israeli administration, how you’ll manage at school, how you’ll make your own food, do your own laundry… The list goes on. Don’t worry and don’t panic! I’ve been there and I’ve learned quite a few things already, and I’m going to share them with you.
You may be beginning to adjust and calm down, and you may not be there just yet (which is also okay). You’re probably in disbelief that you’re actually here, in Israel, and that you won’t be home for months. You’re exhausted and you’re moody and that’s okay. We’re here to remind you that everything you’re going through is completely NORMAL. You don’t need to believe me just yet, but this really will be an incredible year. A year of fun, a year of laughs, a year of new friendships, and a year of growth. You definitely made the right decision by coming to Israel this year.
Here are a few tips and apps that will make your life easier so you can fully enjoy this amazing adventure you’re on.
Now that you’re more or less independent you get to take on the joy of how to get a Shabbat invite. People know that girls always need places for Shabbat and are always inviting them over for a meal or two. But, it can be really hard to reach out to people that you don’t know well and ask for an invite. It also doesn’t help that you need to have your Shabbat plans organized by Wednesday morning, which means in reality as soon as Shabbat is over you already need to begin to plan for the next week. Of course your seminary would never leave you to fully fend for yourselves, they keep a current list of families that have offered to host lovely girls for Shabbat. You can always stay at your dorm and cook for yourself, the catch being you must always be with a friend, and often they are always away for Shabbat.
I have heard many stories from many seminary alums that they always felt very welcomed and had amazing experiences meeting new people over these Shabbatot. But, there is always that rare chance that a host family takes advantage of you and tries to use you for household chores and childcare. While this can be a good life skill to help for the future, don’t feel obligated to do something that you’re uncomfortable with; Shabbat is supposed to be an enjoyable time. You should also check out a new program “Anywhere in Israel” that helps gap year students to choose places that interest them. You can pick communities and locations that they want to visit and the program takes care of the rest.
I also suggest to check out the following:
Overall though if you keep an open mind you can benefit so much from the hospitality of others. It is a great way to see how different families share Shabbat.
Nothing can possibly prepare you better for your future than what you’re about to do over these next few months. All of these gap year programs are designed to allow you to grow and learn in the most positive of environments. This isn’t school and won’t be graded or punished. It’s all up to you and attitude is everything. So push yourself. Seize every opportunity thrown your way.
Have deep conversations. Learn from the people around you- whether they’re your teachers, lecturers, peers, or bus drivers. Get to know the land, it’s yours. Be open to new ideas. And most importantly, let this year change you. That is what you’re here for, after all…
As always I look forward to hearing from you and stay tuned for my next blog, top apps for getting around town.
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Stress less — Here at TalknSave we offer outstanding American customer service is so you can focus on what really matters. We know your time is precious while you’re visiting Israel, so if you have a problem, we’ll do our best to get you a working phone as soon as possible. We have our full-service office in Jerusalem where you can walk in and walk out with a working phone in minutes.
Mobile hotspots are critical for anyone who travels or who needs to have constant access to the internet with multiple devices. Our mobile hotspot offers you to be able to surf the web at faster speeds, thanks to our LTE network. More than that, I think that the best advantage of using a hotspot, besides not having to worry about racking up huge fees is the convenience– WIFI all the time and anywhere you go. And a dedicated connection for your devices. Eliminating all of the worries of using an unsecured network and the annoyance of having to find a WIFI connection.
We are now offering unlimited calling to Canada for no additional fees. Forget about hidden fees or a massive bill. With TalknSave we strive to keep you connected while you can keep your bills down.
With our ”Stay Local” number, you can have a local US* number that rings on your phone in Israel. Parents love this feature – there are no codes to remember, no PINs, no need to top off minutes. We’re sure you’re going to love it too!
*Not from the USA? No problem – we have lots of other country choices too.
If you already own a compatible phone, you can just rent a free SIM card from TalknSave for short or long term use. If your a frequent traveler to Israel i.e more than once a year, check out our SIM for Life program which is the best way to have a permanent number in Israel. Invaluable for business travelers and immeasurably convenient for families; stop renting phones and save the most.
No need to return your SIM when you are done!
Use old SIM cards to sign up again!
All incoming calls are free with our unlimited talk within Israel. Isn’t that nice? Doesn’t matter where they’re from, local or international. With just a click you can instantly keep track of your phone usage, which will come in handy since you’ll for sure be making international calls.
A lot of them.
Right now, you probably almost never call another country from your cell phone. But when you’re in Israel, your family expects to hear from you! Make sure you check what you’re paying for int’l calls. It’s cheaper than you think!
We’re happy to accommodate tour groups, large family trips, missions, etc. Don’t hesitate to contact our amazing Groups Department for a custom solution just for your needs! Email groups@talknsave.net now.
We offer free sim delivery before you even arrive, just pop in your new sim and your rearing to go. No matter where you choose delivery, you can usually get your phone number in advance of your rental start date. At the end of your rental, there is no need to return your SIM card; you can save it for next time!
TalknSave’s “Stay Local” number will keep you connected with your top people back home. With our ”Stay Local” number, you can have a local US* number that rings on your phone in Israel. Parents love this feature – there are no codes to remember, no PINs, no need to top off minutes. We’re sure you’re going to love it too!
4G LTE™ is actually two different terms that are often combined into one. 4G is the fourth and latest generation technology for data access over cellular networks. LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, is a protocol for wireless high-speed data communications. Combined together, 4G LTE means you’ll enjoy the most advanced data speed available within the network.