1) Things are open all the time--24/7, there are loads of art museums and artists, it's a "newer" city less history than Jerusalem, but I find it every bit as interesting.
2) Tel-Aviv is host to far less tension than Jerusalem!
3) TAU is world-class, as are Haifa, BGU, and the Hebrew U.
4) Tel-Aviv is more relaxed, with beaches, beach bums, and people sitting in cafes for hours gabbing.
Why I Chose Haifa's Ulpan:
1) I'd heard that Haifa's a difficult city to visit as a tourist because there are few affordable (for college students) places to live. Having a place to live, and a month to get used to Haifa, was great!
2) Haifa is an amazing city--lined with flowers, trees, and next to the sea. Mount Carmel, with the Baha'i gardens at its base, provided an incredible view!
A few things about Ulpans:
-Ulpans are Hebrew-language courses.
The TAU Ulpan has been going well so far, but I've found myself missing the organized, more rigid atmosphere of the University of Haifa where there were so many activities that were structured. Haifa took their students on amazing--free-"tiyuls" to places like Nazareth (which can also be a bit daunting to visit on your own), around Haifa, Caesaria, Acco, and Jerusalem.
Haifa's dorms (Talia) were amazing! I lived in a condo-esque apartment, with a private bathroom, and five wonderful roommates. Except for another American, all were Jewish Israelis, one from Jerusalem, three from the North. Now, I'm living in the middle of the city, with dogs barking, babies crying, and next to HaYarkon Park (one of the most beautiful places in T.A.)
