Tell Us About You!
Where did you study abroad?
Tel Aviv, Israel
How did you choose your study abroad location?
I have family and friends there, I know the language, and there were good volunteering opportunities for me!
Had you been out of the country before studying abroad and did you speak the local language?
Yes and yes!
Did you plan anything ahead of time?
I brought allergy cards and showed them at every meal, researched places beforehand, and ate mostly things I had eaten before
What are your best tips for studying abroad with food allergies?
Familiarize yourself with the language and words in that language that you think are necessary—I memorized “peanuts” and “tree nuts” in Hebrew just in case I didn’t have my card on me and still wanted to express my allergy—never be afraid to ask for someone who speaks English!
Did you have any concerns about traveling with food allergies?
I was worried about how businesses in Tel Aviv would deal with cross-contamination and that they wouldn’t understand the severity of allergies, but was very explicit when speaking with waiters, and didn’t eat anything that was without labels or packaging.
What airline did you fly? How did you handle accommodations and airplane food?
I flew El Al! They were really helpful letting me pre-board and giving me alcohol wipes for the seats! They provided Kosher meals that all had ingredients listed on each item so I felt safe eating! Staff was accommodating, but no announcement was made.
Where did you live and how were meals handled?
I stayed in an apartment and bought my own food at the grocery store.
What were your 3 favorite places to eat in Tel Aviv?
Hamitbahon
“Delicious home cooked food in a really nice environment!! Peanut-free (except one of their desserts, which they keep separately) and other nuts are limited!”
Arte Italian Ice Cream
“Absolutely the most delicious gelato I’ve ever had!! Completely peanut-free—they even make their own chocolate so it’s not made in a facility with peanuts. Tree nuts were present in kitchen, but staff was very knowledgeable and used clean scoops!”
Kiortosh Bakery
“Amazing baked goods!! Highly recommend the chocolate rugelach! Completely peanut-free—just be careful to ask which products have other nuts, but they are super knowledgeable and have all ingredients labeled on packaging!”
What other places did you visit during your trip?
London!
Besides the food, were there any fun experiences or favorite things you did?
Watching sunsets on the beach every night, salsa dancing/lessons, karaoke nights, runs along the boardwalk, going out to bars at night!
