Hebrew courses in Israel

Features of admission to language schools in Israel

Hebrew in Israel is studied in university courses, in kibbutzs, and in public or private ulpan schools. Ulpans are mainly intended for new repatriates who have decided to return to their homeland. However, many (most often private) ulpans accept students without Jewish roots, such as Ulpan Bayit or Ulpan La-Inyan. Education for repatriates is free, but foreigners pay the full cost of the course.

Tourists and repatriates come to kibbutzs to learn the language, as well as to work with the local population. However, because the work mostly involves physical labor, only people aged 18-35 can participate. After finishing the program, you can receive an official certificate of completion — but only if you choose a program that is recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Education, such as Kibbutz Ulpan.

Hebrew at universities is either taught in semester programs or summer courses. The semester lasts 4 months, and students devote 2-3 hours of the day to the course. Summer classes are more intense — 20-30 hours a week. In addition, you can study other languages at universities: Arabic and English. At the end of the course, you receive academic credits^[5]. When choosing a program, check the admission requirements: some universities only accept existing students and graduates.

Enrollment at university centers takes place during strictly set time periods: twice a year for semester programs and 1-2 times for summer programs. In ulpans, enrollment dates are more frequent — once a season (summer, winter, spring, autumn) or once a month, depending on the institution.

At every school, be it an ulpan, kibbutz, or university center, new students are tested online before applying. This is necessary in order to assemble a group with the same language level.

To enroll in an ulpan or kibbutz, fill out an application form on the official website and pay the full cost of the course. Registration for courses at universities is more difficult. You need to:

• Pass an online language level test
• Fill out an online application
• Attach copies of documents (recommendation letter, transcript with grades, medical form, photo, passport copy, hostel application, medical insurance)
• Pay the registration fee
• Receive registration confirmation and a payment receipt
• Pay the full cost of the course
• Receive an invitation from the university

When applying to an ulpan or university center, it is important to carefully read the contract, as it contains the conditions for a refund in case you decide to withdraw from the course. Most schools withhold a certain amount of money, depending on the type of program and date of the monetary return.

Learning process

Israeli ulpans use a communicative teaching method. This means that, regardless of your level, all teaching takes place in Hebrew. This approach helps even beginners immediately start speaking the language. However, some programs, such as Biblical Hebrew, are taught in English. In class, you will talk about art, emotions, music, sports, and movies. Some ulpans include topics about the history, culture, and religion of the Israeli people, but this is more common at public institutions.

Visa for language courses in Israel

It is necessary to obtain an A/2 student visa at the Israeli embassy to attend courses at a kibbutz or university center. It is valid for a year and allows multiple entries into the country.

When looking for a program, it is important to choose an accredited educational institution. Otherwise, the embassy may not issue a visa if the invitation is from a university or kibbutz that has not received state recognition.

Documents for a student visa:

• Completed application form
• 2 color photographs
• Invitation letter from an accredited university or kibbutz
• Proof of financial solvency
• Receipt of tuition fee payment
• Foreign passport
• Receipt of consular fee payment
• Medical insurance

Some universities, such as University of Haifa or The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, include medical insurance in the course fee, which is needed when applying for a visa^[6].

For courses at ulpans, it is necessary to obtain a B/2 tourist visa^[7]. It allows you to enter the country and study for 3 months. However, some countries have a visa-free regime with Israel — their citizens do not need a short-stay visa to take ulpan courses. In this case, the duration period is also 3 months.

Documents for a tourist visa:

• Completed application form
• 2 color photographs
• Foreign passport
• Receipt of consular fee payment
• Roundtrip airfare (or booking)
• Medical insurance
• Proof of accommodation (receipt from a hostel, room reservation, or invitation from an Israeli citizen)
• Proof of financial solvency (income statement from the last 3 months or a sponsorship letter)

The consideration period is 5-7 working days, but it is better to apply a month before departure, as the consulate may request additional documents^[8].

Citizens of countries with a visa-free regime should also have medical insurance, an invitation, and proof of financial solvency. The border control may request these documents when entering the country.

Most popular language schools in Israel

Rothberg International School

Rothberg International School is a branch of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The center was opened in 1981, specifically for foreign students. Students attend undergraduate and graduate programs, prepare for university admission (Mechina Program), and take courses in Hebrew, Arabic, and Turkish.

There are two formats of language courses here:

• Semester programs — 6-14 hours a week (Arabic, modern Hebrew)
• Intensive summer courses — 25-30 hours per week (Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, Modern Hebrew, Turkish)

On average, a semester costs 2,000 USD, but upon admission you will need to pay a registration fee. Registration fees can reach 1,150 USD, given that they include the cost of medical insurance^[9]. Summer courses are more expensive due to the high intensity — 2,400 USD per course, but the registration fee is lower — 120 USD without insurance^[10].

Rothberg International School provides students with dormitories and conducts excursions, hikes, workshops, parties, and lectures. Most of these activities are free, but some, such as museum visits and excursions, are not included in the course fee. You can pay for them not only with money, but also with activity points that you earn during classes. However, this is only available for semester program students^[11].

Ulpan Bayit

Ulpan Bayit is a private ulpan in Tel Aviv. Here, they offer basic Hebrew courses (level courses) that last 1-2 months. The monthly cost is 802 USD. For an additional fee of 8-11 USD, you can attend workshops on creative writing and pronunciation. Much attention is paid to the culture of Israel: literature, music, and cinema, and among the teachers are musicians, actors, and artists who have completed a course in teaching Hebrew as a foreign language.

In addition to classrooms, the ulpan has a kitchen and public space. However, students find accommodation themselves: they rent rooms or live in hostels.