Rainbow parrot fish and many other natural and cultural marvels on this study abroad trip to Israel.
– Alexanderia Brandenburg, SPC Student, Israel Program, May 2019
The study abroad trip to Israel was a once in a lifetime experience. I have never traveled outside of the country before, and what better way to do that than with study abroad.
There were so many firsts for me with this trip. I’m a Biology major and was excited about the biodiversity of Israel for such a small country. Just like many other students I had my concerns–the long flight, the cost, the language barrier, the time change, and how the news portrays the country. When I got to the airport to leave for Israel, all those worries flew out the window. I was just so excited the day had finally come.
Fringing coral reef near Eilat, Israel. Photo by Mark A. Wilson, Public Domain.
The trip was long but nothing I haven’t done before in a car. The time change was 7 hours and I was surprised that it was a smooth transition. The food in Israel was much different than at home because most places are kosher. We switched hostels every two days or so, as we moved across the country and back.
My favorite part of the trip was snorkeling in the Red Sea. In Israel, they have a special kind of reef called a fringing reef, which is right off the shoreline. We literally walk right out to the reef, I was less than a foot away from beautiful coral species of fish like the clown fish. I even got to see a beautiful pastel rainbow parrot fish!
Photo by Alexanderia Brandenburg.
Our experiences on this trip were very diverse as we got to see historical, biological, and even biblical spots in the two weeks we were there. I had mixed emotions on the last day as I was excited to get back home but was sad to leave such an amazing place.
If you are on the fence about going on a study abroad program, I would recommend that you take the plunge. The programs at SPC were super affordable for a two-week trip out of the country. It was an experience I will take with me the rest of my life. It has even opened the possibility of future travels.
– Alexanderia Brandenburg, SPC Student, Israel Program, May 2019
Thank you for sharing Alexanderia!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us.We are here to help you!
blog.spcollege.edu/international | 727-341-4735 | studyabroad@spcollege.edu