Israel is a little known gem. If you’re studying the language, well, you probably don’t have much choice in the matter of your year abroad. However, if you’re looking at your options, and a chance to go on an exchange programme or study abroad course in Israel is available, you’re in luck! A beautiful part of the world, for centuries an important enclave for Arabic, Asian and European civilizations for trade, culture and riches, Israel has had a colourful history. Disputes over territory dating back to pre-Roman times to this very day, the Holy Land has been fraught with tension and war. However, the other side of the coin shows a country that has fought back, building on its culture and mixing old habits with new; visit Jerusalem and you’ll see awe-inspiring religious and historic landmarks, travel onto Tel Aviv and you’ll experience the 21st century, with its cosmopolitan flair and party hard attitude. As students in Israel have to show a proficiency in English before attending university, don’t worry about language being a barrier. Of course, if you want to really get the true experience then go ahead and enroll in an ulpan (intensive Hebrew language course). So, if you fancy showering yourself in culture and customs (old and new), book yourself a ticket to a land like no other...

• Culture Shock: Israel
• A year abroad in...Israel