gap year in israel

My name is Annabelle Farris and I’m from Colorado Springs, CO. This is my first semester on Aardvark, and it has been a blast so far! I chose to have a gap year because I wanted to take some time before school to really focus on my passions and experience living in a different culture.
Through Aardvark, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at two different jewelry manufacturers, Talale’s Wood Jewelry and Noam Nadiv Gold and Silversmith. At Talale’s I help with the final production process, which has to do with polishing and assembling the jewelry pieces, and with Noam I am learning the ins and outs of fine jewelry making and witnessing her creative process. It is amazing to have an inside look at this industry.

I love living in Tel Aviv, there is so much to do and see, and it forces you to widen your outlook. On Aardvark, I have been encouraged to participate in much of Israeli culture, whether that be through practicing my Ulpan skills at local coffee shops, going out to one of Tel Aviv’s many arts attractions, or through my training for the Tel Aviv half marathon. I feel right at home in Israel!

I am looking forward to learning and growing this semester!

Annabelle farris