Ulpan La-Inyan
I’d like to present an alternative to the traditional Israeli Ulpan like Gordon and provide information about a new kind of Ulpan evolving in Israel right now. I don’t have personal experience with them (yet) but I wanted to make sure I give the Hebrew learning population a chance to check them out and see if maybe they would work better for you:
From the Ulpan La-Inyan website:
At Ulpan La-Inyan, we combine the best methodology in language instruction with an exciting, refreshing blend of American customer service and Israeli camaraderie, to produce the most enjoyable and effective Hebrew language program you’ve come across in a long time – perhaps ever.
One of the long time gripes I’ve had with Ulpan Gordon is their absolute lack of any form of customer service and their almost abusive way of dealing with new students. Perhaps Ulpan La-Inyan is improving upon that?
From their FAQ:
Where is Ulpan La-Inyan located?
- Ulpan La-Inyan is more of a program than a schoolhouse – its curriculum can be taught at any location, as long as a small group of English speakers comes together with a competent instructor. We currently offer classes in several locations in Jerusalem (including AACI) and elsewhere in Israel. We also offer classes online for distance learners.
- If we are approached by a local group of eight or more people committed to a particular course, we will provide an instructor and course materials. Please use our contact form to get in touch with us.
- Our program has also been adapted as a school curriculum. It is currently being taught in schools in different parts of the world.
Is Ulpan La-Inyan free for new immigrants to Israel?
- Ulpan La-Inyan is a private program and is not funded by the government. Thus our classes are not free to new immigrants at this point in time.
- Since our classes last for an hour a day, new immigrants who qualify for free ulpan have attended Ulpan La-Inyan since it has allowed them to pursue other goals throughout their day.
- The specific cost of a six-week course depends on the location taught, but it usually falls around NIS 1000 (around $250 US).
Even though it’s not free to new immigrants like Ulpan Gordon, I find it refreshing that they’re posting prices directly on their website. It’s always been like pulling teeth with other Hebrew language schools to get the course fees even if it’s just an estimated cost!
Ulpan La-Inyan even posts an ONLINE calendar for what classes are available. I’ve become quite exhausted trying to get the class schedule from the office of Ulpan Gordon and I’m grateful that Ulpan La-Inyan is posting a calendar so there’s no more confusion about when courses start and stop.
Read more on the Ulpan La-Inyan website.
Have you experienced Ulpan La-Inyan? Do you have any feedback to add about this new Hebrew language school? Please post in the comments section!
Other Posts You Will Enjoy!
Related posts:
2 Responses to “Ulpan La-Inyan”
Leave a Reply
Hi! I really had a great time learning in Ulpan La-Inyan. (I’m going back soon!) I have taken about four classes, and every time I do speak much better with natives. What happends in ordinary ulpan-classes is that you spend a lot of time behind a desk, with 30 mates, and sometimes the teacher is able to calm down the lanuages you are NOT there to learn… You write a lot, and look forward to the break so you can speak english – or whatever…
When you go to Ulpan La-Inyan, there is just ONE hour to learn hebrew that day. So intence – and with a lot of humor/joy – and just up to 8 or 10 students in the class it’s a bit cozy too! It also means you can go to your job afterwards, or do what you want the rest of the day. AND the new words you’ve learned is summing in your head. Your homework is to use the words while you talk to other people!
I think this method of learning a new language is great, and I really recommend it to all immigrants to eretz Israel. Good luck!
היי (Hi),
I am studying אב level Hebrew from עבר’ת אן ההתחלה . In October 2010 I will be in Israël, and would like to take a 1 month intensive class. Are there Ulpanim that offer this for tourists? I speak 6 languages, so I figure a month should be fine to be able to speak.
תודה