Meet the Community Leaders Supporting International Students at TAU

In just under two weeks, the Lowy International School will welcome a new cohort of international students starting their undergraduate and graduate degrees at Tel Aviv University. Supporting them throughout their journey will be the School’s Community Leaders, offering guidance, organizing events, and immersing students in Israeli culture while helping them become active participants in the international campus community.

Orr Abergel, the head of the community team, encapsulates the spirit of the team: “Our goal is to help international students integrate into living and studying at TAU and empower them to start their own community initiatives that will enrich their experience while in Israel.” 

Orr Abergel, the head of the community leaders team

Abergel, who has extensive experience working with international students at the Lowy International School, believes that enabling students to start their own community-building projects, such as clubs or various events, is key to having a successful and enjoyable student experience: 

“When students get to develop something they feel passionate about, it gives them an absolutely amazing feeling of being heard and being involved. They become active members of the university community.”—Orr Abergel, the head of the community leaders team

Let’s meet the team, who will be by your side on your exciting journey.

Reut Madion: Community Leader for Undergraduates

Reut, with her background in creating and nurturing groups on social media, focuses on building both online and offline communities, understanding that today’s students live in both worlds. A passionate advocate for bringing people together, Reut shares, “We may live much of our lives online, but the need for offline, in-person communities hasn’t gone away.” 

“That’s where we come in—to help students step out of their digital world and engage with the real-life experiences that make studying in Israel so special.” 

For those concerned about culture shock, Reut offers reassuring advice: “Culture shock is something that goes away after a while.” She highlights the importance of understanding Israeli directness, which can feel overwhelming at first but isn’t meant to be aggressive. 

By inviting open conversations about these experiences, Reut plans to help students adjust to Israeli life. Her suggestion is to embrace the loud and energetic environment of Israel, where “no one holds anything in,” and to look forward to authentic interactions that define the country’s unique charm.

TAU international students enjoying a nice day at the beach

In addition to guiding undergraduates, Reut wears another “hat” as the leader of hobby and wellness activities for all students. Whether it’s crafting, singing, or photography, Reut is ready to help you discover new ways to unwind and connect. Her own hobby is furniture restoration, by the way!

One activity you can’t miss in Tel Aviv, Reut adds, is going to the beach. to swim, sunbathe, and play the traditional Israeli beachside games of matkot [beach paddle game] or shesh besh [backgammon].

Reut’s love for Tel Aviv shines through in her recommendations. For free time, she suggests the Suzanne Dellal Centre for Dance and Theatre, known for its beautiful architecture and artistic vibe, or Park HaMesila, which was built along the oldest railroad in Israel—the line between Jaffa and Jerusalem. It’s a perfect spot for cultural events and, according to Reut, where you’ll find the best banana bread in Tel Aviv!

“I want to help students fall in love with Tel Aviv, just like I did.” 

Tamar Solange Shalem: Community Leader for International Researchers (PhD students and Postdocs)

Solange brings a wealth of experience in social impact development, community engagement, and cultural diversity. An anthropologist by training, Tamar loves studying people and cultures. She views Israel as a ‘beautiful garden of human diversity’ where different cultures come together. Having worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as a higher education counselor, Tamar is no stranger to guiding people through transitions. 

“I’ve always been interested in working with young people and diverse populations. For me, it’s about creating meaningful change and social impact.”

When it comes to navigating Israeli culture, Tamar offers valuable advice to incoming researchers: 

"Being open-minded to a very dense and dynamic culture is key."

She also emphasizes that flexibility and acceptance of Israel's fast-paced, often chaotic environment can help you adapt more smoothly. 

International students on a field trip

Tamar is keen to encourage everyone to explore Israel beyond Tel Aviv, recommending places like the Israeli Valley, Beit Govrin, Lachish, and the Dead Sea for those seeking a deeper connection with the country’s rich landscapes. 

For an authentic Israeli culinary experience, Tamar suggests trying local foods, especially the iconic Israeli breakfast, which she describes as "the most quintessential part of Israeli cuisine, filled with fresh vegetables, spreads, and cheeses."

Usu Baraka: Community Leader for Graduate Students

Originally from Darfur, Usu’s journey to Israel has been one of resilience and perseverance. After arriving as a minor and completing high school in Israel, Usu pursued a BA in Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy and an MA in Public Policy. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love for learning (he speaks eight languages!), Usu is dedicated to helping graduate students feel at home in Israel.

“I love interacting with people, hearing their stories, and building communities from the ground up.” 

He is passionate about creating social opportunities that mix academic life with cultural experiences. From tours of South Tel Aviv to trips to the Dead Sea, Usu’s focus is on exposing students to the rich diversity of Israel while building meaningful friendships.

Another aspect Usu is going to actively work on is integrating international students with their Israeli peers and building bridges across cultural lines. 

“I want to create opportunities for students to connect with each other, learn from each other, and form lasting bonds.”

Whether through cultural exchanges or casual meetups at the local market, Usu is always seeking new ways to enrich the student experience. “In Israel, you have to try falafel,” he recommends, adding that knafeh from Jaffa is also a must: “It’s amazing, perfect, and delicious.” For those interested in something more unique, he suggests trying injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread popular in Israel.

At the Levinsky market

Usu’s favorite spots in Tel Aviv for hanging out and meeting new people are the Abraham Hostels, which have "a bar where you can enjoy live performances”, and Teder.fm, a venue that’s “open 24/7 and always full of people and events.” Be sure to check them out after classes!

As you prepare for your flight to Tel Aviv, Usu has one important tip to share: if you’ve never been to Israel before, take some time to learn a bit about the country and pick up a few Hebrew words.

"Shalom" [Hello] is known to open the hearts of Israelis in an instant!

If you're an international student about to join the Lowy International School, the community leaders will be your first point of contact at TAU. You’ll meet them during the orientation week, which begins on October 27.

Whether you’re exploring Tel Aviv’s streets, learning about Israeli culture, or simply needing a supportive ear, our community leaders are here to ensure you feel welcome, supported, and ready to move forward.

We cannot wait to see you on campus!