"It's the Place Where You Can Experience It All"
Meet the Class of 2025 graduate who found her path through Tel Aviv University's double-major BA
When Tyla Shur first arrived in Israel for her gap year, she had no intention of staying longer than planned. But something about the energy of the country, the warmth of the people, and the opportunities that lay ahead convinced her to extend her adventure. Now, three years later, she's graduating as part of the first cohort from Tel Aviv University's BA in Management and Liberal Arts, and she couldn't be happier with her decision.
"Israel is the best place to study," says Tyla. "It's the place where you can experience it all. You can have the student life and the parties. You can have a good education. You can meet people from all over the world. You have the beach right here. And of course, there are a lot of opportunities to give back."
The Perfect Academic Balance
Coming from Johannesburg, Tyla knew she wanted to continue her studies in English but wasn't entirely sure which direction to take. The unique structure of TAU's International BA program proved to be exactly what she was looking for, a degree that wouldn't force her to choose between her interests.
"I really didn't know what field exactly I wanted to go into, so I felt like this was a good, broad way to approach it," she explains. The program combines business fundamentals from the world-class Coller School of Management with liberal arts courses from the Faculty of Humanities, allowing students to take courses in economics, marketing, and entrepreneurship alongside psychology, philosophy, literature, and Middle Eastern studies.
"What's unique about this degree is how it allows you to mix the arts and the business side. It gives you a broad background to go into the business world with a good understanding of other areas."
"I did psychology, for example, and that's really helped me understand the way people function. I think this understanding adds to my management skills," she says.
The academic rigor of a double major BA might seem daunting at first glance, but Tyla found her balance. "It's definitely a challenging degree, but it's manageable," she comments. "Every semester, we only have three management classes, and usually a maximum of two of those will be numbers-heavy, while one will be more management-oriented. With the liberal arts side, you're using a different part of your brain: it's more essay writing and assignments.”
“The balance makes it doable and fun."
Applications for Management & Liberal Arts BA for 2025/26 academic year are open!
Various scholarships are available for international students. New olim are eligible for tuition scholarships from the Israeli Student Authority.
Visit the program website and contact the program manager at mgmtla2@tauex.tau.ac.il for more details.
A Global Classroom Experience
Students in the first cohort come from Russia, Germany, the Netherlands, the USA, Italy, England, South Africa, Brazil, and beyond.
Class of 2025: The first cohort of Management & Liberal Arts BA
"For a lot of people English isn't even their first language. At the Lowy International School, we're all learning in English together, gives us this natural common ground and allows us to connect so well," Tyla reflects.
"What stood out most is how amazing it is to be in a class surrounded by people from all over the world, getting to know their different backgrounds and cultures, and finding out how much we actually have in common."
Expanding Horizons with Study Abroad in London
The program's international focus extends beyond the diverse student body. Tyla took advantage of Tel Aviv University's extensive partnership network to spend a semester at NYU London.
"I did three management classes—International Economics, Money and Banking, and Operations Management—plus one psychology class, Social Psychology," she recalls. "I only took four classes so that I could have free time to explore and get to know London."
"It was an amazing experience academically, but also an opportunity to experience exciting life in London, which felt like the center of the world."
The experience of commuting via the London Underground during rush hour gave her and her TAU roommates "the feel of a local," while university-organized activities like hiking in Surrey Hills and West End theatre trips enhanced the cultural immersion.
A Supportive Community Away from Home
Living independently for the first time, thousands of miles from family and friends, could feel isolating. But Tyla found that Tel Aviv University and its surrounding community offered multiple layers of support that helped her not just survive, but thrive.
The Jewish Life organizations on campus played a particularly significant role. "The JLIC community became a second family. Eitan and Elana, TAU's rabbinical couple, have created a warm community with Shabbat dinners and activities," she explains.
"When I was living in dorms, I could go there any Shabbat, and now they do kiddush on Saturdays too. There are lots of different talks and events going on throughout the week, so you get to connect with other people that aren't necessarily in your degree.
“It forms a base of consistency that really makes you feel at home."
These connections proved especially meaningful during challenging times. Tyla recalls powerful speakers who visited through JLIC and Thrive, including discussions about anti-Semitism on university campuses and deeply moving presentations from individuals directly affected by recent events in Israel.
"I miss my family and friends back home, but being in Israel, everyone's so open and welcoming," she concludes.
Practical Independence and Learning Life Skills
The transition to complete independence wasn't without its challenges. "At the start, it's definitely an adjustment. You learn that you need to spend a lot more time doing chores and cooking," Tyla admits. But like many aspects of her university experience, she found her rhythm.
"Eventually, you work out a balance. One day you make school lunch in advance, the next day you buy on campus, and the next day you go to a JLIC event where they're giving you dinner," she explains. "I've also started doing online grocery shopping, which is much easier and a time saver."
"I wouldn't trade the independence I've gained for anything. Living here has made me more resilient and more grounded."
Along the way, Tyla has also discovered several favorite spots on campus and in Tel Aviv that have become integral to her daily routine and sense of belonging. "Aroma is definitely a favorite," she says of the popular campus café. "I love the vibe there. It's always full, there's good music, and it's just a good place to study."
Tyla Shur (on the right) and Ariella Roitman, also a Management & LIberal Arts BA graduate, at a student meetup
Beyond campus, she's found her rhythm in the city's diverse offerings, from studying at Cafe Daisy in Tel Aviv ("a very good spot to work and just order a coffee") to dining at Pankina for Italian food and Kanki for sushi. Her absolute favorite spot remains the Tayelet at Gordon Beach, where she goes both to relax by the water and attend Zumba classes. And when she's craving the acai, she heads to Fruit Kingdom, "right outside the Shuk on Shenkin," which she insists serves "the best acai" around.
Real-World Applications with Internships and Career Preparation
Internships are an integral part of the program, connecting students with Tel Aviv's startup ecosystem and offering workshops on CV writing, networking, and career planning.
"After doing internships in both large and small companies, I realized I prefer more structure, but I also loved the creative aspects I found in startup work. Now I'm looking for something that combines both," she says.
Currently, Tyla's interning writing for a newsletter called The Relisher, crafting articles about Michelin-starred chefs and their favorite restaurants, a role that combines her improved writing skills from liberal arts coursework with her management studies.
As graduation approaches, Tyla feels confident about her prospects:
"Tel Aviv University is very well recognized. I'm glad to have this degree behind me.”
Her post-graduation plans involve staying in Israel and finding work that incorporates her diverse interests. "I would like something that incorporates a bit of psychology and creativity, while still in a business environment," she explains.
Message for Future Students
For students from South Africa, the US, UK, or Latin America considering a similar path, Tyla's advice is unequivocal:
"Don't hesitate. You'll grow so much academically and personally. It's a journey worth taking."
Applications for Management & Liberal Arts BA for 2025/26 academic year are open!
Various scholarships are available for international students. New olim are eligible for tuition scholarships from the Israeli Student Authority.
Visit the program website and contact the program manager at mgmtla2@tauex.tau.ac.il for more details.
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