Kibbutz Ulpan

The best program for Hebrew Studies

The most affordable long-term Israel program 

Live and work in a cooperative community while you learn Hebrew. 

To download the Kibbutz Ulpan application, please click here

To download the medical form, please click here

Basic Information

• The Kibbutz Ulpan is a work-study program based on a combination of Hebrew language study and work on the Kibbutz

• Intended for participants ranging in ages from 18 to 28 years

• The duration of the program is 5 months (155 days)

• Program cost is $4,000, which includes room, board, monthly trips around Israel

• Masa scholarships available up to $3,000 www.MasaIsrael.org

Eligibility

Young adults between the ages of 18 and 28, single or married without children, in good physical and mental condition and willing to work hard, are eligible.  The program is open to Jewish and non-Jewish participants.   

Choosing a Kibbutz

There are Ulpan programs on about 15 Kibbutzim throughout Israel.  They vary in size, location, climate, agriculture, types of industry and general character.  The ulpan program and general framework, however, are uniform.  The duration of the Ulpan Kibbutz is 5 months, a total of 155 days.  Participants may arrive four days before the start of the program and stay four days after the end of the program.  Placement is based on personal preference, availability, and the starting dates of ulpan classes.

For a list of Ulpan Kibbutz programs, their locations, and their starting dates click here

Ulpan Classes

The goal of the ulpan is to provide students with a working knowledge of conversational Hebrew, the ability to read texts and newspapers and build a foundation for further study.  Classes generally consist of 15-25 students and meet for total of 18-24 hours a week.  Most ulpan programs teach the first two levels of Hebrew, while some also offer more advanced levels.

Kibbutz Work

Participants work 24 hours a week.  The type of work one does depends mainly on the needs of the Kibbutz.  Participants are generally assigned to the fields, orchards, gardens, dairy barns, kitchen, dining hall, kindergartens, laundry or any other place where needed.  Work assignments are rotated whenever possible. 

Kibbutz Living
Living arrangements on kibbutz ulpan differ from kibbutz to kibbutz. Most are dormitory- style with two or three students to a room, and shared adjacent bathroom and shower facilities.The kibbutz provides full room and board as well as sheets, blankets, pillows, and laundry services, for a nominal fee.
Please note: non-religious kibbutzim do not necessarily provide kosher food.
Winters can be cold in Israel, so bring warm clothing.

Medical Care
Medical insurance for tourists is included in the program fee. The insurance covers participants while on the kibbutz, and while working. The insurance is identical to the coverage provided to all Israeli citizens. 

Culture and Leisure Activities
Ulpan members may participate in cultural activities held on the kibbutz, on the same terms as kibbutz residents. In addition, most kibbutzim have a library, clubroom, sports facilities (except gym)and outdoor swimming pool. The availability of these facilities to ulpan students varies from place to place. Ulpan students are free to use their off hours, when they are not working or studying, as they choose and allowed to leave the kibbutz during these times. They must however take into account that they meet the program's requirements and adhere to the laws of the kibbutz.

Adapting to Kibbutz Life
The demanding work ethic and tight camaraderie of the small rural environment can sometimes make it difficult for the newcomer, especially one coming with vacation expectations. However, participants who are open to new experiences and flexible to a different reality, will be pleasantly surprised at the warm relationships they can develop and the depth of the experience they can become part of.
It is important to keep in mind that kibbutz ulpan participants, despite having paid a participatory fee, are still guests on the kibbutzim. They therefore should be sensitive to the rules and norms of the kibbutz, and abide them.

Registration

If you are NOT a citizen of the US or Canada, please visit www.KibbutzUlpan.org

To download the Kibbutz Ulpan application, please click here

To download the medical form, please click here

Please e-mail, fax, or send the application and all necessary materials to the New York office. 

Kibbutz Program Center

114 West 26^th Street Suite 1004

New York, NY     10001

T (212) 462 2764

F (212) 462 2765

mail@KibbutzProgramCenter.org

Payments

Participants pay the $4,000 (US dollars) program tuition 4 weeks prior to the starting date of the Kibbutz Ulpan.  All payments must be made via check or money order.  The checks can be made out to Kibbutz Program Center. 

$250 registration fee is required to reserve the prospective participant a spot on the Kibbutz Ulpan.

Scholarships

MASA scholarships of up to $3,000 are available for this program.  Please download your application at www.MasaIsrael.org and send it in with your Kibbutz Ulpan application to the Kibbutz Program Center office in New York.   Please note that MASA scholarships are awarded at the completion of the program.

Rules and Regulations

All participants must attend classes regularly and to work the kibbutz assigns them. They must agree to comply with the rules of the kibbutz and the program. Possession or use of drugs, as well as excessive alcohol use is prohibited on the program, and violators will be requsested to leave. There is a required security deposit of US $100 (or the equivalent in Shekels) for damage of kibbutz property, which is refunded after the Ulpan, assuming no damage has been done. Participants are advised to bring sufficient funds to cover personal and travel expenses not supplied by the kibbutz. It is strongly suggested not to bring valuables, as the kibbutz cannot take responsibility in the event of theft. Pets are prohibited on the program.

After Ulpan Options
Two information days are offered during the Ulpan, where participants are given the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Student Authority, Jewish Agency, Army and Government Ministries. They offer assistance in making plans for future study, work and housing options in Israel, and provide general guidance for those interested in extending their stay beyond the kibbutz ulpan.

FAQs