- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
- Messages
- 623
- Reaction score
- 7
For all those Sacklers starting in 2004, congratulations. Med school was some of the most fun I've had in my life (especially the trips to Europe). Some tips.
1) DON'T buy any textbooks on the reading list before you get to Israel. They are much cheaper in Israel, or you can buy them used from your older classmates. If you have to buy textbooks, buy review books like BRS.
2) DO bring your favorite medicines, cosmetics, or other items you can't live without. DO bring a computer (way more expensive in Israel).
3) Plan on buying a car. I never did and I regret not doing so. They don't depreciate much in value, so you'll spend a lot but you'll get a lot of that money back when you leave. DON'T take the bus. Taxis get expensive after awhile, especially in your clinical years.
4) Plan on learning Hebrew. Study Hebrew beforehand if you can, because the Hebrew lessons in Israel are decent but it's really hard to go to Hebrew class in the afternoon after 7 hours of lecture. Also it's good to learn 10-100 words of russian, mostly for the physical exam (breathe deeply, where does it hurt, etc) I learned some Hebrew and I regret not learning more.
5) Plan on taking trips to Europe. Yep, it's only a stone's throw away, and it's cheap to go, especially Eastern Europe. You can get three/four day packages that are dirt cheap, lots of fun, and don't interfere with your studies.
6) Plan on culture shock. Plan on old ladies pushing you out of the way. Plan on people being downright rude and obnoxious. Also plan on some incredible cultural experiences which you will never forget. Especially first year, half the time you'll love Israel and half the time you'll hate it.
7) Suck up to the office ladies (Ziva, Nira, etc). They're actually nice people, but sometimes it's hard to tell. Smile, say hello and ask how they're doing before asking for stuff. It's not only polite but it makes things happen a lot faster. Expect them to make mistakes (make copies of all important documents you give to them), and for the office to be closed most of the day when it's supposed to be open. You'll get used to it quickly.
8) Don't expect to become best friends with Dean Shenkman. He's basically a good, honorable person (with a terrible temper) but he's not exactly personable. He does try to get stuff done when you really need it, but don't expect anything to actually happen. It's a bureaucracy just like anywhere else.
9) Renting an apartment in Israel is a pain in the rump. Give yourself at least a week for all the contract details to be figured out.
10) Make contact with any friends or relatives in Israel ASAP. It's good to have friends that know how things are done and where to have fun.
11) Go on the student orientation trips. They're a blast, and a good chance to know your collegues who will be your best friends and strongest allies for the next four years. However, you're not going to like everyone.
12) Don't expect to make many Israeli friends. They all have friends from high school and the army, and don't open up to outsiders easily. Most Sacklers make friends within their class. Consider yourself lucky if you make a few Israeli friends.
13) Israeli girls may look good and dress provocatively but they are NOT easy (to date, to hook up with, etc).
Have fun. Any questions you can PM me.
1) DON'T buy any textbooks on the reading list before you get to Israel. They are much cheaper in Israel, or you can buy them used from your older classmates. If you have to buy textbooks, buy review books like BRS.
2) DO bring your favorite medicines, cosmetics, or other items you can't live without. DO bring a computer (way more expensive in Israel).
3) Plan on buying a car. I never did and I regret not doing so. They don't depreciate much in value, so you'll spend a lot but you'll get a lot of that money back when you leave. DON'T take the bus. Taxis get expensive after awhile, especially in your clinical years.
4) Plan on learning Hebrew. Study Hebrew beforehand if you can, because the Hebrew lessons in Israel are decent but it's really hard to go to Hebrew class in the afternoon after 7 hours of lecture. Also it's good to learn 10-100 words of russian, mostly for the physical exam (breathe deeply, where does it hurt, etc) I learned some Hebrew and I regret not learning more.
5) Plan on taking trips to Europe. Yep, it's only a stone's throw away, and it's cheap to go, especially Eastern Europe. You can get three/four day packages that are dirt cheap, lots of fun, and don't interfere with your studies.
6) Plan on culture shock. Plan on old ladies pushing you out of the way. Plan on people being downright rude and obnoxious. Also plan on some incredible cultural experiences which you will never forget. Especially first year, half the time you'll love Israel and half the time you'll hate it.
7) Suck up to the office ladies (Ziva, Nira, etc). They're actually nice people, but sometimes it's hard to tell. Smile, say hello and ask how they're doing before asking for stuff. It's not only polite but it makes things happen a lot faster. Expect them to make mistakes (make copies of all important documents you give to them), and for the office to be closed most of the day when it's supposed to be open. You'll get used to it quickly.
8) Don't expect to become best friends with Dean Shenkman. He's basically a good, honorable person (with a terrible temper) but he's not exactly personable. He does try to get stuff done when you really need it, but don't expect anything to actually happen. It's a bureaucracy just like anywhere else.
9) Renting an apartment in Israel is a pain in the rump. Give yourself at least a week for all the contract details to be figured out.
10) Make contact with any friends or relatives in Israel ASAP. It's good to have friends that know how things are done and where to have fun.
11) Go on the student orientation trips. They're a blast, and a good chance to know your collegues who will be your best friends and strongest allies for the next four years. However, you're not going to like everyone.
12) Don't expect to make many Israeli friends. They all have friends from high school and the army, and don't open up to outsiders easily. Most Sacklers make friends within their class. Consider yourself lucky if you make a few Israeli friends.
13) Israeli girls may look good and dress provocatively but they are NOT easy (to date, to hook up with, etc).
Have fun. Any questions you can PM me.
