The Ulpan - institute for the study of Hebrew - has been active in Yotvata for 21 consecutive years.
The program is designed for young people, ages 18-28 [there have been exceptions], single or married without children.

The goal of the Ulpan is to teach the Hebrew language, and to acquaint the students with Jewish culture and Israeli society, and in addition to prepare the students who so wish for successful absorption in Israel.

An Ulpan course lasts 5 months, and the schedule is as follows:

There are 3 days of studies in the morning, 7:15 am to 12:30, and three days of work on the kibbutz. On 2 of the workdays there are evening classes, 17:00 to 19:30. Homework is assigned, and the students are expected to practice their Hebrew in their spare time. The program also includes seminars, lectures, trips and hikes, in which all the students are expected to participate.

Work: The students work in different branches of the kibbutz. The workday consists of 8 clear hours, and can be also in evening and night shifts.

The students in Yotvata's Ulpan are both new immigrants - olim - and tourists, and they come from all over the world, [our record is students from 19 countries in one course]. We also have students who come from neighboring kibbutzim. The Ulpan team includes a director, a housemother and 2 teachers, and they attend to each student from the time of arrival until the arrangement of future programs in Israel.

The Ulpan team is also the link between the students and the members of the kibbutz, and tries to represent the interests of both. We try to arrange a host family for each student.

Once a month the students get a long free weekend - from Thursday after classes or work, until Sunday evening. We expect the students to use these free days to visit friends and family, take care of personal arrangements, and travel around the country.

For more information, you can get in touch with us:
Phone: [08] 6357303
Fax: [08] 6357283