My Journey at the an open University: A Candid Look at the Experience

My Journey with Israel’s Open University

Open Universities are unique institutions that combines a long history of remote learning with an open admissions policy. they offers people from all walks of life the chance to earn a respected degree and is a well-established concept worldwide.

In Israel, the Open University has been making waves. Its computer science graduates now earn the highest salaries in the country, even surpassing those from the prestigious Technion. However, a degree from the Open University is earned in a very different way than at a traditional university, and it’s not the right fit for everyone.

Before I enrolled, I looked everywhere for an honest account of what it was like to study there. Now that I’ve completed my degree, I want to share my story in the hopes it helps others decide if this path is right for them.

A Different Kind of Remote Learning

While the COVID-19 pandemic made remote learning feel like a new phenomenon, it’s not. The first remote university was founded in South Africa in 1873, and Israel’s Open University was founded in 1970.

Unlike modern remote learning, which often uses tools like Zoom to mimic a traditional classroom, the Open University’s model is built on self-study. Courses are based on detailed course books, with lectures and campus sessions serving primarily as support and review. The bulk of your learning happens on your own, guided by the materials.

The Good: Freedom and Quality

I took my first course in 2018 while serving in the army. I wanted a cognitive challenge and enjoyed it so much that I decided to pursue a full degree after my release. The onset of COVID in 2020 only solidified that decision.

The best part of my experience was the incredible freedom it gave me. Not being tied to a specific location allowed me to live where I wanted and pursue other interests. Alongside my studies, I worked, volunteered, learned to dance, sewed, designed clothes, and performed as a drag queen. Looking back, I’m amazed at how much I was able to do in parallel with my studies.

The quality of the Open University’s course books is also consistently high. While the quality of teachers can vary, the books maintain a high standard across the board. Every semester, I’d get a new batch in the mail. While a cheaper digital option is available, I highly recommend the paperbacks. They’re what I used to read outside, even while sunbathing. Reading was often faster than listening to a lecture, allowing me free time to pursue other interests.

The Bad: Isolation and Soft Skills

During my master’s studies at Ben-Gurion University, I noticed how different things were. The university made a real effort to help new students feel connected and supported through orientation and direct access to professors and teaching assistants.

At the Open University, I never felt that kind of support. While people were there to help, you had to seek them out actively. The same was true for peers; if you didn’t proactively connect with others, you would likely never know anyone else in your courses. This isolation can be a real challenge.

While the Open University gave me excellent technical knowledge, my collaborative skills had atrophied. I’ve had to put in the effort to rebuild them during my master’s program.

What I Wish I Had Known

Based on my experience, I have identified some key areas I believe could be helpful to others considering the Open University.

• Make friends. I’m an independent person, but not connecting with my peers was a mistake. Your classmates will notice things you miss, and they can be a great resource for working through difficult topics, even if you prefer to study alone. connecting with other remote learners or workers from different field in your town can be helpful too—you can sit and focus together.

• Take ownership. No one will remind you about forgotten assignments or deadlines. You must be proactive and stay on top of everything.

• Ask for what you need. The fact that you may not know your teacher personally doesn’t mean they won’t be flexible or helpful. Just be respectful and don’t assume they owe you something.

• Find more than one place to study. Remote learning allows you to sit at home all day, but you shouldn’t. Changing your study location is a great way to maintain your emotional well-being. Find a nice cafe, park, or viewpoint and spend part of your study time there. Just don’t study in your bedroom—it’s unhealthy.

• Practice discipline. You need both work discipline and break discipline. You should be passionate about what you’re doing, but some discipline is still necessary since no one will tell you when to study. Similarly, no one will remind you to take a break or eat. I take many breaks to maintain high focus. In high school, you might have been told that working many hours shows strength, and needing a break shows weakness. That’s a stupid idea. Your focus is limited, and if you don’t take enough breaks, you’ll be less efficient, not more.

Who is the Open University For?

At The Open University, I meet people who choose this option for many different reasons:

• Religious individuals who need a learning environment that respects their values.
• Young mothers who need the flexibility to study while caring for their children.
• Individuals without economic support who can’t afford to live near a traditional university or stop working.
• People who love to travel and don’t want to be tied to a single location.
• Students with low high school grades who are intelligent but didn’t apply themselves. The open admissions policy gives them a second chance.
• Social people who prefer to connect on their own terms, rather than in a rigid classroom.
• Independent learners who thrive on self-motivation, like me.

No matter your reason, the question you need to ask yourself is whether you’re a good fit for this lifestyle. Can you work without someone telling you to? Are you willing to take ownership of your studies and find your own way without a guide? If your answer is yes, then the Open University might be the right path for you.

and I think that no one explain the high demanding yet open to everyone nature of open universities then Anton Ego at the end of the movie Ratatouille

“In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for Chef Gusteau’s famous motto, “Anyone can cook.” But I realize, only now do I truly understand what he meant. Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist can come from anywhere.”