Tel Aviv

Throughout the adventure I was full. Full of happiness and full of hummus.

Living in Israel was an amazing experience. Israel has many layers to it, it can be complex, warm, fun, adventurous, fast or loud. More or less you could call it a complex country. 

The culture of innovation and the openness to adopt new solutions and technologies has put Israel at the forefront as global leaders of research and development. This is despite its small population – which made me realise how much potential Australia has.

The Tel Aviv Startup Adventure is an excellent opportunity for students to explore the fast-developing business world, learn essential networking skills and see an exciting new place. I feel very fortunate to have been on this fantastic adventure.

UQ has a consistent influx of student’s wide-eyed and fixed on the global startup scene. In fact, you don’t have to look far, especially in the Idea Hub, to find talented, eager and initiative students eyes peeled to every opportunity that could take them one step closer to creating the next Uber or Facebook.

From meet-ups with local entrepreneurs to a morning with the Australian Ambassador to Israel, there was never a dull moment.

You probably don’t know much about the little country tucked between Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan.

Save yourself an expensive plane ride (or travel with UQ Idea Hub’s Startup Adventure) and get a good taste (minus the hummus) of Israel with the top 10 things I have learnt during my time here on the Tel Aviv Startup Adventure.

The best way I can describe my Tel Aviv Startup Adventure is that it was like a giant, warm pita bought at the markets.

When I found out I was accepted to spend a month working for a startup in Israel, I had no idea what to expect. But, when the opportunity came, I cautiously accepted what would turn out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made!

How does a country with less than ten million citizens and no natural resources to speak of, go from inception to global innovative powerhouse in little more than half a century?