Hebrew Language Schools and Courses in Israel

 

 

Israeli academic institutions, yeshivas and even several Kibbutzim offer intensive Hebrew courses for new immigrants (Olim Hadashim) as well as for visiting students and tourists. Whether you consider a long visit in Israel, studying a semester or more or perhaps aiming to work during your stay, Hebrew classes will help you make the most of your stay in Israel.

 

The major benefit of studying Hebrew in Israel is that you will hear it and have to use it outside of class. The cashiers at the local store or movie-theater will ask you for money in Hebrew. If you are lost and in need for directions you will have to ask for it in Hebrew, and when you will meet new people, at least some of the conversation will probably be in - you guessed it - Hebrew.

 

 

In Israel you can find courses for beginners and advanced students. The introductory courses require no prior knowledge and focus on basic reading and writing skills, basic grammar and vocabulary. In the advanced classes students improve their listening and reading comprehension skills by watching Israeli movies and listening to Hebrew music. Students at the advanced level will also study grammar and thoroughly practice their speaking skills.

In addition to studying in class, all programs include field trips, movie screening, parties etc.

 

 

 

As mentioned, there are many programs offered by various institutions located all over Israel. There are several programs that are open only for new immigrants such as courses at absorption centers, and other courses on which new immigrants can get full refund on by the Jewish Agency or the Absorption Office, such as Ulpan Gordon in Tel Aviv. Two most popular options for participants who are not Olim Hadashim are at universities or in kibbutzim.

 

 

Most students who consider studying a semester or more in Israel, attend Hebrew courses at universities. Students may choose intensive 4 to 6 weeks Hebrew classes, or semestrial tracks. In the intensive tracks, students attend class 4 or 5 times a week and study at least three hours each day.

 

There are three main benefits of studying in universities; the first is the fact that they offer several levels of Hebrew courses. Each university offers five or six Ulpan programs from levels aleph to he/vav to suit the specific needs of each student. All students take Hebrew proficiency test prior to their studies in order to determine the best course for them. In addition, some universities offer biblical or rabbinic Hebrew classes. In case students stay in Israel for more than one semester they may take several sequential courses. In contrast, most other Ulpan programs are less flexible.

 

Secondly, students attending college or university may get recognition for the credit points earned at their Hebrew class at their home college.

 

The third major benefit is that students may take Hebrew classes while taking courses in various faculties in other languages (mainly English, French, Russian and Arabic). You may take courses in history or biology, psychology or computer sciences as well as in various other areas while taking a Hebrew course. Each university offers different courses and degree studies in English.

 

 

Besides studying at a university or college, the most popular programs are probably at the Kibbutz Ulpan. Eight Kibbutzim around Israel host the special 5 month program in which tourists and Olim Hadashim get to live, work and study at a kibbutz. The unique way of life in a kibbutz and the chance to meet people from all around the world as well as Israelis, together with the chance to learn a new language made the track very popular. The program is open for 18 to 30 year olds. However, most participants are between the ages 18 and 23.

 

 

 

Below you can find a table with a list of Hebrew courses around Israel with their location, duration of the course and tuition fees.