???

If I could design a new study abroad trip, it would be to one of the most contested areas in the world, ever since Biblical times, my trip would be to Israel. Besides being one of the greatest hubs for three religions, the culture and history behind the young state of Israel is rich. The three major monothestic religions hold stake to some part of Israel, which I think could expose students that haven't been in such a diverse area before, while also making personal connections to their religions. However, as a Jewish person, I'd love to experience the rich Jewish culture that isn't seen as much in the United States, and I'd make my pilgrimmage to Jerusalem, the Temple Mount, and pray at The Kotel. Regardless of religious affiliation, there is also art, music, and Israeli literature to enjoy, which many students may be taken aback by, especially the street art murals in Tel Aviv. The State of Israel offers options for multiple internships for many majors. Tel Aviv, for example is the finance capital of Israel, and could provide great internships for finance, business majors, and any relative administration work. The research also being commenced in Israel in the fields of science, such as cancer research, would be attractive to any science major looking to go into the medical field.  If I personally was going to Israel, what I'd love to do is live with a host family that spoke both Arabic and Hebrew so I could become fluent in two languages instead of one, while also going around the country surveying and compiling data on political thoughts, such as Netanyahu's leadership, the building of settlements within Palestinian areas, and the general level of safety citizens of Israel feel. I'd publish a study on it based on the regions of Israel, and research into religious, socio-economic, and family dynamic factors, and how they affected the Israeli citizens political thought. For those interested going into the military post university, the Israeli Air Force, and military as a whole, is one of the best in the world, and have a history of successful campaigns in previous wars. They have programs for US citizens to transition into the Israeli Defense Forces, so if a student were to fall in love with the country of Israel and also want to serve, it could easily be done. Israel is an area we as Americans don't like to speak of, but if we were able to send more of our young adults to an area with such a stigma around it, we may be able to destigmatize Israel, and have love and respect for the State of Israel, and support it, unlike the current political trend in America.