1. Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu Ulpan and Optional Beit Midrash

We at Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu offer a unique kibbutz experience. We are a religious (kippah se'rugah) kibbutz. We have one of the largest fields of organic agriculture in the country. As oppossed to many other kibbutzim in Israel, we have not gone to privatization and offer a true kibbutz experience. We do not have foreign workers, only Israelis and those who come on the ulpan or volunteer programs. Our ulpan is a true representation of the diaspora with students coming from all over the world--USA, Mexico, Australia, France, Russia, Ethiopia, Brazil, Iran, Germany, and almost everywhere else where there are Jews.

Our program operates the same as the other kibbutz ulpan programs with working one day and studying the next. The theory is that you learn Hebrew in class and then use it at work. You also hear things at work that you can ask about in class. In addition, we offer limoodai kodesh withing the framework of the ulpan. There is also the option of organized Torah learning in the evenings. The ulpan framework offers a number of seminars on various aspects of life in Israel and excursions around the country. The cost is the same as for all the ulpan programs (listed also at number 6 below, $550 per person for the program, $250 registration fee, and $100 medical insurance).

Registration is through Tal Lifshitz of the Kibbutz Program Center in New York. Her email address is ulpankad@aol.com. Our website, for further information, is www.seliyahu.org.il . I can be contacted at ulpan@seliyahu.org.il .
Thank you and good luck,
Shalom,
Beni Gavrieli
Admissions Co-ordinator

2. The WUJS Institute: International Graduate Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies

The WUJS (World Union of Jewish Students) Institute, Arad, offers young Jewish graduates and professionals seven months of intensive Hebrew language instruction as well as an amazing range of courses in Jewish History, Judaism, Modern Israel, The Middle East, Contemporary Jewry, and Hebrew and Jewish Literature. The program includes extensive hiking, mobile seminars and a three-week volunteer experience. WUJS also offers a one-semester program of three months' duration.

One of the great advantages of this program is that it offers intensive Hebrew, and two that it presents you with the opportunity to work in your respective profession in Israel. You must have a university degree (or equivalent) to be eligible. The cost is 2,200 dollars for tourists and 1,500 dollars for new olim. The only real downside, and that is a mixed bag, is that it is in Arad Israel, which is an isolated community east of Beer-Sheva. The upside to that, is it makes it easier to learn and use the Hebrew you are learning, and Arad is supposed to be a beautiful and friendly city of 27,000 Jews.

For further information visit the WUJS website. You can also contact them through email: wujsarad@jazo.org.il

3. TAKA (Tochnit Klita Academit) Academic Absorption Program

Located at Emek Yizrael Academic College and at the Ashkelon Academic College. The program runs from September/October - March/April. You are eligible if: You must be exempt from the Mechina, or have at least 2 semesters under your belt, or are going to study for a graduate degree. Curriculum includes: Advanced Hebrew, English, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, and others. The cost of the program is covered by the Student Authority (but is not considered part of the 3 years' assistance). You must pay 330 NIS per month for rent, 450 NIS for exams, 220 NIS for program cost, and living/transport expenses.

TAKA High-Tech Jerusalem

Pre Academic Program to prepare students for high-tech studies in Jerusalem, at the Hadassah Academic College. The program runs from January to July. Eligible students are those who: exempt from the mechina, or have 2 semesters of science or engineering under their belts, or are going to graduate school. Students live at the Bezek Absorption Center at Ramat Bet HaKerem in Jerusalem. Cost is same as previous program, except that rent is 450 NIS per month.

4. The Sapir Program "Ulpan and More"

Located at the Sapir Academic College of the Negev, the program runs from January - June/July. If you have finished high school and need mechina or preparatory programs to attend university/college, then you are eligible for this program. The program consists of an initial Hebrew Ulpan, followed by the mechina (preparatory program). Students live at the Ibim Student Village at Sha'ar Hanegev. The cost of the program is covered, with students having to pay: 300 NIS rent per month, and 300 NIS for the exams.

5. The University Preparatory Program for New Immigrants: "Mechina"

The goal of this program is to prepare students for academic university studeies. Preparatory Programs are conducted at the following universities: Hebrew University, Tel Aviv University, Ben Gurion University, Haifa University, Bar Ilan University, Technion.

Duration of the programs is one academic year (8-11 months). You must do mechina if: You have a high school certificate that is not considered equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut (matriculation). Students who wish to study at a university or academic college which requires mechina before you may register.
You are exempt from the mechina if you already have 2 semesters of study at a university, or if you are going to graduate school.

This is a wonderful way to adjust to Israeli society and learn Hebrew at the necesarrily high level required for academic work. The cost is covered for new olim as part of the three years entitlement, with students having to cover rent and living expenses.

For more information on any of these programs contact the Student Authority at 02-6214589 or by email: naomis@moia.gov.il

For those in Chicago contact your local Aliyah Representative, Maurice Singer, at: 847-674-8861

6. Student Kibbutz Ulpan

Located at Kibbutz Bet HaShita and Kibbutz Ein Charod (both are in the Yizrael Valley). The program runs from February/March-August/September. The program is geared towards young adults and students interested in higher education in Israel. The special and unique experience of living on a kibbutz, combined with studies and work, includes full board and lodgings. Both are non-religious kibbutzim, and Beit HaShita currently specializes (but is not exclusive to) teaching Hebrew to Russian immigrants and Ein Charod to Latin American immigrants. Hebrew studies - 24 hours per week. Work on the kibbutz - 24 hours per week. Program cost: $550 per person for the program, $250 registration fee, and $100 medical insurance.