Backpacking and travel in Israel

• Traveling through Israel is a journey with many faces. Besides all the beauty - from delicious food and open, friendly people, to beautiful nature and an awful lot of religious highlights, there is also the other side of Israel. A side that will not escape you if you really travel around the country and immerse yourself in the lives of the locals. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful country to travel around in, for both the seasoned backpacker and the vacationer. 
• Activity spotting: the nightlife of Tel Aviv; the mix of religions in Jerusalem (the Wailing Wall, Holy Sepulchre Church and Dome of the Rock); discover Nazareth and Bethlehem; enjoy the view from the ancient fortress of Masada; float on the Dead Sea; go on a desert hike in the Negev Desert; dive and snorkel in the Red Sea; visit the Bahai Gardens and beaches of Haifa.
• Cities and culture spotting: Jerusalem, Jericho, Yad Vashem.
• Animals and nature spotting: underwater world at Eilat, Negev desert, dead sea.
• Food spotting: hummus, hummus, hummus, as well as falafel, the all-day dish Shakshuka, sabich, Jerusalem Mixed Grill, Knafeh, Jachnun, Cholent and a whole lot more. 
• Details: Israel and the Palestinian territories are regularly (politically) unsettled. Tip: check the current situation before planning your trip.

Studying in Israel

• Israel has some of the highest regarded universities and research institutions in the world. The universities have strong programs in science, engineering, tech, medicine and social sciences. While it can be relatively expensive to study in Israel, at the same time it is also quite a cross-cultural experience with students from many different backgrounds. 
• Studies: basically all subjects and forms of education can be found.
• Student life: vibrant, cultural, lots of festivities and a thriving art and music scene. 
• Study cities: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Rehovot. 
• Language: Hebrew, but also many opportunities in English. 

Internships in Israel

• Internships: there are many interesting internships to be found in Israel. From internships at start-ups and tech companies to internships at NGOs trying to improve cooperation between Jews and Arabs or in the field of human rights. You can also find internships at theaters, newspapers, universities and so on.... 
• Competencies: technical and professional competencies, problem-solving skills, entrepreneurship, cultural and intercultural communication, language skills, etc. 

Volunteering in Israel

• Volunteer projects: all kinds of things are possible in Israel. Think about working at a stray animal shelter, marine conservation, protecting wildlife in the desert.... In the social sectors, for example, you can work in kibbutzim, as an English teacher in isolated communities or in agriculture.
• Special features: some volunteer work focuses on the war and supporting communities during the war. 

Working in Israel

• Israel is the land of start-ups while having booming technology and economy sectors. Still, it can be difficult to find a job there because there are many qualified Israelis, who naturally have priority. It is best to search in advance, build a network and learn some Hebrew in advance. Many expats work in health care, law, business, marketing, education and tech. Some English-speaking expats find work as English teachers, and the most sought-after expats are those working in high-tech. 
• You may be able to find temporary work in a kibbutz.
• Features: the work culture can vary considerably from kibbutz to kibbutz, make an Israeli CV, make sure you have a good network. 

Working as a digital nomad in Israel

• Since Israel is known as the Startup Nation, you can enjoy the best technological facilities. So the Internet is super and you will find many co-working places. There are also many remote workers and networking opportunities. And... as a true digital nomad how not to get bored besides your work. From lovely beach visits to great parties. It's pretty expensive compared to other popular digital nomad locations, though. 
• Favorite locations: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa. 

Living in Israel

• Living in Israel is a very interesting experience. It is unique, fascinating and at the same time it brings many challenges. 
• Life is definitely not cheap, especially if you live in the big cities, while incomes are often not that high. But should you earn enough you can enjoy a very good quality of life with everything you need. 
• As a single you can live a rich social life, as a family you have access to very good education and good facilities. 
• Culture: Israel is a melting pot of cultures and religions, which makes life as an expat enriching. Expats can enjoy a wide range of cultural events, cuisines, and traditions. Israelis are known for their directness, which can sometimes take some getting used to for expats. The culture is generally informal, and there is a strong focus on personal networking.
• Security: The country faces a complex geopolitical situation, which means security can occasionally be a concern, especially in certain regions. In general, cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, and most of Jerusalem are safe, but it is important to stay abreast of the current situation.
• Health insurance: Israel has very good, modern health care, but make sure you have your own well-covered health insurance.

Stories, tips and experiences from Israel