Raiani Sibien

I started my master's degree in security and diplomacy at Tel Aviv University last year and did not know what to expect. The first semester was intense, full of activities, security field trips, ambassador forum and classes on the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, cyber security, international system, strategic theory and military doctrine. In the second semester, which has just ended, we learned about diplomatic matters with subjects that include modern diplomacy, international law and a seminar on moral dilemmas, where we discussed moral challenges within situations of war and conflict. Each class taught me something new and helped me understand key aspects and current challenges of diplomatic practices, international law and humanitarian dilemmas. We are a group of 35 students, mostly from the United States, but we also have students from France, Albania, Portugal, Germany, Hungary, Singapore, China and Palestine. In total, there are more than 10 nationalities united by the same interest and purpose. Despite cultural and linguistic differences, we have a great relationship, go out together from time to time, and help each other to prepare for exams by sharing notes and audios of classes and discussing subject topics on our Facebook group chat. In addition to what I have learned in the classroom, studying in Israel allows me to understand the world of security and diplomacy in a practical way through the day-by-day interaction with people from various communities, different political and religious views. Studying at Tel Aviv University has been an enriching experience in all senses; in my academic education, in my personal life, in the interpersonal relationships and in the way I see Israel and the world.