Startup Adventure

A bustling metropolis with over 1800 startups, we couldn’t have been in a better place to learn firsthand about international startup culture and integrate into the local environment.

A bustling metropolis with over 1800 startups, we couldn’t have been in a better place to learn firsthand about international startup culture and integrate into the local environment. While this was an amazing and unforgettable experience that I will treasure, there were definitely some unexpected moments that helped me to broaden my mind and develop my cultural awareness.

We all hear about the tremendous growth China has had and the opportunities that have been created, but it’s another thing entirely to experience this first hand, and it is fascinating to compare the West’s rhetoric to the reality of what can be observed on the ground in Shanghai.

The past six months have seen a complete transformation of my thinking, aspirations and opportunities. 

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.

Sunday morning sleep-ins, catching up with friends and lazing by the pool were activities I assumed my mid-year break would consist of.  Instead, I found myself exploring the bustling streets of the world’s most populated country, meeting successful international entrepreneurs and building a strong network of new friends. 

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.