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 those with either a tourist or new immigrant (oleh hadash entitled to Israeli citizenship according to the Law of Return) status. Olim may attend within one year of their aliyah. Note: Although participants may be accepted up to the age of 28, it is worthwhile to note that the overwhelming majority of participants in the program will be younger.
 Choosing a Kibbutz
 There are ulpan programs on about 20 kibbutzim throughout Israel with variations 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.
 Ulpan Classes
 The goal of the ulpan is to provide students with a working knowledge of conversational Hebrew, the ability to read simplified texts and newspapers and build a foundation for further study. Ulpan teachers are trained in teaching Hebrew as a second language to adults. Classes generally consist of 20-25 students and meet for total of 18 to 24 academic hours a week. Most ulpanim teach the first two levels of Hebrew, while some also offer more advanced levels. The program includes lectures on Israel and Judaism, one-day seminars on current Israeli and Jewish events, and guided tours and hikes to historic and scenic sites. In addition, on most kibbutzim a five-day Gadna (experiential I.D.F acquaintance) seminar is offered.
 Kibbutz Work
 Participants work 24 hours a week, and study 18 to 24 hours a week. Specific schedules differ on each kibbutz. The type of work one does, depends mainly on the need of the kibbutz. One may be assigned to the fields, orchards, gardens, dairy, barns, factories, kitchen, dining hall, kindergartens, laundry or any other place where needed. Work assignments are rotated whenever possible, but be prepared for relatively menial work and tiring physical labor.
 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, towels, work-clothes and laundry services, for a nominal fee.

Meals - the tourists get a budget for 3 full meals a day.

This budget is equal to the one of the Kibbutz members.
Please note: non-religious kibbutzim do not necessarily provide kosher food.
Winters can be cold in Israel, so bring warm clothing. If you prefer to bring you’re on work shoes, make sure they are sturdy and reach above the ankle.

 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 that of the medical services on the Kibbutz.
Tourists are required to take out a standard, comprehensive medical insurance upon arrival at the kibbutz .
 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.
 Religious Kibbutzim
 
If one is observant or interested in becoming acquainted with religious life, one can choose to study on a religious kibbutz. On a religious kibbutz participants are expected to conform to certain standards of behavior, and should be aware of these before committing themselves.
 Registration
 
To register abroad see the contact list for your regional Shaliach or Israel Center. If you can not find your country on the list please register through the main offices in Israel. All forms are available on this website and should be filled out and sent in in order to start your application process. If you have further questions regarding the program you can E-mail the main offices at info@kibbutzulpan.org
Note: During the registration process, candidates will receive an oral and written explenation of their rights and responsibilities on the program and will be requested to sign their acceptance of these conditions. In addition, a letter of recommendation will be requested. Placement on a specific kibbutz cannot be guaranteed, as it depends on availability and starting dates.
 deposit & Regulations
 
Participants who are tourists will deposit a program deposit of 4500US dollars .Olim should contact their shaliach regarding their payment. Fees are subject to change, therefore updated and exact information will be supplied by your local shaliach or aliyah representative. The program is under the auspices of the Jewish Agency and the Kibbutz Movement and partially subsidized by the Jewish Agency. 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. Upon arrival at most kibbutzim, participants must undergo an HIV test to be conducted by the kibbutz medical staff. Possession or use of drugs, as well as alcohol abuse is prohibited on the program, and violators will be requsested to leave. There is a required security deposit of U.S $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.
MASA scholarships are available for this program. You can downloads the forms on this website and send them to the main office in Israel
fax: 972-3-635-2961
E-mail: info@kibbutzulpan.org Scholarships are awarded at the completion of the program. All participants must pay full fee in advance.
 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.
Basic information to note:
  • The Kibbutz Ulpan is based on a combination of Hebrew language study and work.
  • Intended for participants ranging in ages from 18 to 28 years.
  • The duration of the program is five months .
  • You need to come with an A2 visa that you can get in every Israeli consulate with your MASA letter
    Acceptance is limited to those both physically and mentally fit, and willing and capable of demanding physical work.
  • The tuition fee does not include flights or transportion to/from the airport.
  • Upon arrival participants will be required to pay a U.S $100* security deposit (or its Shekel equivalent) which will be returned at the end of the program on the condition that no property damages were caused.
  • Drugs and alcohol abuse are prohibited on the program.
 special programs
 
Chivalry:
A special and unique program that combines Ulpan and Volunteering with children in a therapeutic horse back riding farm near Jerusalem The program will take place at Kibbutz Tzuba.
 For more information, please click on the North American flags on our homepage
 This Summer I'm on Kibbutz...
 

 Summer Ulpan dates for 2010
Mishmar Hasharon: July 6th - August 18th
Participants cannot arrive before July 4th.  Arrival times each day are 7am to 10pm.  All participants must leave the program on the last day and cannot stay past the end date.

 

 
Naan: July 15th - August 13th
Participants cannot arrive before July 13th.  Arrival times each day are 7am -10pm.  All participants must leave the program on the last day and cannot stay past this date. 

 
The tuition covers room, board, health insurance, Hebrew instruction, trips around the country, and all programming.

Summer Kibbutz Ulpan- Mishmar HaSharon *06.07.10- 18.08.10 
This 6 week Summer Ulpan Program takes place on beautiful kibbutz Mishmar Hasharon.
Located half-way between Haifa and Tel Aviv, this Kibbutz is situated in a central location and near the Mediterranean coast.

What to Expect? In addition to the learning Hebrew and working on the Kibbutz, this program also includes: - Organized trips to Jerusalem, Massada, Dead Sea - Workshops and seminars about Israeli society, Jewish identity, and social action - Snorkeling in Eilat - A jeep tour in the south - Tour of Tel Aviv: Past and Present - And much much more! Ulpan Classes The goal of the Ulpan is to provide you with a working knowledge of conversational Hebrew.

Each class meeting will last 5 academic hours a day (45 minutes in class, 15 minute break) for a total of 60 hours throughout the course of the 6 weeks. Work You will have the opportunity to work alongside Kibbutzniks in one of the manual labor jobs on the Kibbutz. Accommodations The rooms are dorm style, 3 people to a room. **you may arrive from 04.07.10 not before!) If you are a US or Canadian citizen, our contact information is: Kibbutz Program Center 114 West 26th Street, Suite 1004 New York, NY 10001 Phone (212) 462 2764 Fax (212) 462 2765 e-mail: mail@KibbutzProgramCenter.org If you are interested in Kibbutz Ulpan, and you live OUTSIDE of the US or Canada: info@kibbutzulpan.org Summer Kibbutz Ulpan- Naan *15.07.10 -13.08.10  This 4 week Summer Ulpan Program takes place on beautiful kibbutz Naan. Located by the city Rechovot, this Kibbutz is situated in a central location. What to Expect? In addition to the learning Hebrew and working on the Kibbutz, this program also includes: - Organized trips to Jerusalem, Massada, Dead Sea - Workshops and seminars about Israeli society, Jewish identity, and social action - Tour of Tel Aviv: Past and Present - And much much more! Ulpan Classes The goal of the Ulpan is to provide you with a working knowledge of conversational Hebrew. Every week there are 18 lessons (each lesson is 45 min). Work You will have the opportunity to work alongside Kibbutzniks in one of the manual labor jobs on the Kibbutz. Accommodations The rooms are dorm style, 3 people to a room. **you may arrive from13.07.10(not before!) If you are a US or Canadian citizen, our contact information is: Kibbutz Program Center 114 West 26th Street, Suite 1004 New York, NY 10001 Phone (212) 462 2764 Fax (212) 462 2765 e-mail: mail@KibbutzProgramCenter.org If you are interested in Kibbutz Ulpan, and you live OUTSIDE of the US or Canada: info@kibbutzulpan.org

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