Schools

Students Leave Deerfield Behind for Israel Experience

DHS seniors embark on study abroad program.

With graduation right around the corner, two Deerfield seniors have decided to do something a little different before they head off to college.

Best friends Ryan Brown and Joey Shapiro recently departed for an eight-week study abroad program; they’ll be spending their second to last quarter of high school in Israel.

“It’s just a whole new culture,” that Brown said he was excited to experience especially since Shapiro signed up for Alexander Muss High School in Israel as well.

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The Deerfield duo shipped out a couple of weeks ago and will spend the next two months learning about Israel’s past and present in and outside the classroom.

“He just said it really changed his perspective,” Brown recalled of his brother’s AMHSI experience a few years ago, which is what he thinks is going to happen to his best friend too. 

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“If the media didn’t only show you bad things, then I’d probably wouldn’t be half as scared, but it’s somewhere I’ve never been, it’s completely new to me,” Shapiro mentioned about his initial apprehensions with the program. “It’s just cause he doesn’t know any better,” Brown quickly chimed in, adding he’s already visited several times. “You just don’t know what it’s like.”

“Learning about Israel through first-hand experience” is one of the program’s top priorities according to the high school’s website. Brown and Shapiro will enjoy courses on the beach, on top mountains, and inside ancient fortresses with about 50 other students from around the country.

“It’s a lot of freedom but the program’s also really structured,” Shapiro noted. He’ll be taking a mix of general classes while also completing an independent study.    

After eight weeks Brown and Shapiro plan to rejoin their Deerfield peers and enjoy their final quarter at DHS. 


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