University of Haifa is no stranger to a diverse array of students with ambitions that aim much farther than the pastoral northern Israel city. One such student is Asnika Kebede, a 27-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli from Jerusalem, who is forging her path in international business and Asian studies.
Now in her second year studying in the Business in Asia program at University of Haifa, Kebede is combining her love of languages, entrepreneurship, and international relations to prepare for a career in global project management. With her sights set on working with companies in Korea, Japan, and China, she is determined to create business opportunities that connect Israel with Asia.
On a personal level, Kebede’s journey is deeply influenced by her Ethiopian heritage and her family’s experience immigrating to Israel. Born just months before her parents made Aliyah in 1998, she grew up balancing Ethiopian traditions, Israeli culture, and a growing interest in the global business world. As the first in her family to attend university, she carries a strong sense of pride and responsibility—not only for herself but for her younger siblings who look up to her.
In her conversation with American Friends of University of Haifa, Kebede shares her academic journey, personal challenges, and how University of Haifa has become her home away from home.
Q: Why did you choose University of Haifa for your studies?
A: I was looking for a program that combines business and Asian studies, and University of Haifa was one of the few universities that offered exactly what I wanted. Their Business in Asia program not only focuses on language and culture, but also teaches entrepreneurship, startup management, and business relations with Asian countries.
Plus, the professors are amazing—our Korean teacher is a native speaker, which makes learning the language and culture more authentic. I also liked that the program offers exchange opportunities in Korea, Japan, China, and India.
Q: What sparked your interest in business and Asian studies?
A: I’ve always been passionate about languages, and I realized I’m good at learning them. At first, I was just looking for a degree that involved either Korean, Japanese, or Chinese, but I also wanted something practical. I didn’t want to just study a language—I wanted to apply it to real-world business opportunities.
When I found the Business in Asia program, it was a perfect fit! My goal is to work in international project management, specifically in companies that connect Israel with Asian markets.
Q: Have you visited Korea yet?
A: Not yet! I hope to go next year as part of the exchange student program. If I don’t get the chance during my degree, I might move there for my master’s degree. But first, I need to become fluent in Korean!
Q: What are your career goals after graduation?
A: My dream is to start a business in Korea that also has branches in Japan and China. I want to build strong business connections between Israel and Asia.
For now, I’m looking for internships and job opportunities in Israel where I can gain experience in international business and project management. I also want to expand my network with companies that work with Asia.
Q: You’re the first member of your family to attend university. What does that mean to you?
A: It’s a huge milestone for my family. My parents immigrated to Israel in 1998, and education was always important to them, but they never pushed me. They wanted me to find my own path in my own time.
At first, my dad was skeptical about me moving to Haifa. He thought I’d give up and come back home after a few weeks! But once he saw how passionate I was, he started to support me. My siblings are really proud too, and they say that when I talk about my studies, my eyes light up—like I’m talking about something I truly love.
Q: How has your experience at University of Haifa been so far?
A: Amazing. I live in the dorms, and my roommates feel like family. Every weekend, we sit together, share stories about our studies, and celebrate birthdays. It really feels like a second home.
The university also provides incredible support. I’m a recipient of the Movalim Atid scholarship, and the mentors in the program always check in on me. If I need to talk to someone, they’re there—even if they’re busy, they make time for me.
Q: How have the events of October 7 influenced your studies?
A: It was a really tough period. In the middle of my first semester, I lost my cousin, who was a soldier in Gaza. At the same time, my two brothers were serving in the military—one in Lebanon and one in Gaza.
I was constantly worried about them, and after my cousin passed away, I felt like I was bottling up all my emotions. The stress and grief made it hard to focus on my studies. But the support system at the University really helped me.
The staff at my scholarship program would check in on me, offer a hug, or just listen when I needed to talk. Even when I didn’t say anything, they could tell when I needed support. That really meant a lot to me.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are considering studying at University of Haifa?
A: If you’re looking for a place that feels like home, where people truly care about you, this is the place. It’s more than just a university—it’s a community that helps you grow both academically and personally.
If you’re interested in business, languages, or international relations, I highly recommend the Business in Asia program. It has so many opportunities and truly prepares you for global careers.