When the Coronavirus pandemic swept across the UK, my options looked bleak: Go to university and have a subpar online experience, or take a gap year and sit at home, waiting it out. That was until I heard about Aardvark Israel and the opportunity to travel abroad despite the current situation.

Every day here has offered something different from the last, and I’ve had so many unique experiences. Israel itself is a unique country, for better or for worse, and that has put me in many situations I would never encounter at home in London. Indeed, the Jewishness of the country never fails to escape you; there’s a certain charm in being sold a menora set at a bar in Eilat at 1 AM on the first night of Hannukah, and lighting the candles as if we were back at home.

But Israel as a country is so much more than just Jewish: it’s Israeli. People often equate the two, but really they’re so different. Israeli culture is a stark contrast to the western world, and I’ve loved every minute being immersed in it. Aardvark Israel has allowed me to feel like a true Israeli. Living near Levinsky Market, I have spoken to lots of locals who work in the area, establishing my daily routine like anyone else in Florentin. I even managed to befriend several shop owners, most notably my falafel guy Eli (who makes the best falafel in Tel Aviv…you should go check him out). 

 

Despite my primary residence being in Tel Aviv, I and others have taken to travelling around the country on weekends. Having the freedom to explore Israel has been amazing, with my friends and me travelling to a range of destinations from Acre to Eilat. 

The beauty of being a gap-year student is feeling like the world is yours for the taking. Unfortunately, many of my peers back home had their plans cancelled. However, I feel like I was still able to get that experience by being on Aardvark Israel, and for that I am extremely fortunate.