Survey of Ulpan Experiences

For a comprehensive listing of Ulpanim throughout Israel, see the Nefesh B'Nefesh Ulpan Guide. For information about employment in Israel, see Employment Resources.

Ulpan Experiences in Jerusalem

Beit Hanoar | Etzion | Fanny Kaplan | Hebrew University | Har Nof | Morasha | Beit Mitchell | Milah | Or | Medical Ulpan

Ulpan Experiences Outside of Jerusalem
Ramat Bet Shemesh | Modiin | Tel Aviv: Ulpan Gordon | Netanya: Ulpan Akiva | Tiberias | Beer Sheva: Merkaz Klita Yeelim | Ofrah | Ashdod: Medical Ulpan | Haifa | Alon Shvut | Rehovot

Medical Ulpanim
Jerusalem | Tel Aviv | Ashdod

JERUSALEM

Beit Hanoar

Ulpan Level: Hey/Vav
Length of Ulpan: 5 months
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: September 05-January 06
What did you like about the Ulpan? I had great teachers who were very patient and answered any questions. There wasn't very much homework which is good because after 4 hours of straight Ulpan you need a break. My class was a good size so everyone had enough attention from the teacher. We read 3 novels in class which really improved my Hebrew. The teacher gave out a list of good books to read for anyone interested and she even gave me a book to borrow for 2 weeks.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? I was very happy there! --Malky Rosenthal

Ulpan Location: Beit HaNoar HaIvri Matnas; Tsomet Pat
Ulpan Level: Heh/Vav
Length of Ulpan: 5 months
Date (month and year) when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Sept 05- Jan06
What did you like about the Ulpan? Excellent teachers. Advanced, stimulating instruction. Teachers were open and friendly with students. We read three books over the course of the ulpan session, beginning with ~6th grade reading level to high school level. Great group dynamic; friendly students.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? Unfortunately, one of the two teachers became sick and went on medical leave for 2+ months. She was the more demanding of the two regular teachers, and our long-term substitute was highly mediocre. Supposedly, it is hard to find subs for higher level classes, and the principal was so pleased to find a sub she would not make any demands on her: like prepare lesson plans and spend our time productively. The sub who was sweet and kept us talking in Hebrew, but it was boring listening to classmates babble in Hebrew and she taught us very little. I feel like I lost two months of ulpan even though I woke up early every morning and showed up. A lso, the 8:00 am start time was rough. Due to travel I needed to be out of the house by 7:15 every morning, and I was only semi-functional in the afternoons. More sleep in the mornings would have helped me out... -- Efrat Benn

Ulpan Location: Beit Noar Haivri
Ulpan Level: Aleph
Length of Ulpan: 5 months 5 days a week. 4 1/2 hours a day - one 30
minute break, another 10 minute break sometimes.
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Nov 2005 - current
What did you like about the Ulpan? Very good teachers, very
intense. Even I learned. A lot of serious olim and you will meet good
people. All ages but in the upper levels its older.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? There was tremendous flux in
the class. Its not their fault but in the three months I have been
there we must have had more than 100 members. Our high was 30 of
whom half were Arab young men. Currently we have 15 enrolled and
because of the Moslem holiday last week we had 5 students all last
week. Also its not particularly Jewish and certainly not Dati (On Asarat
B'Tavet we had a trip to the Supreme Court). There are dati teachers
but I don't have them and my teachers don't always get their Jewish
history or minhagim right. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Hebrew in a serious committed atmosphere. The teachers are good and the students really exceptional. Note that we were told that they and the other Ulpanim run by the Iriyah are closing in June.

Where do you live? Ramot
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Upper beginner
What is your level of reading ? Medium
What is your level of comprehension? Medium
Where you happy with your ulpan ? I was very pleased. The classes are not overcrowded, the morot are very well prepared and most professional.  In the two classes I have been enrolled in (bet & gimel), there is a lot of emphasis on dikduk and structure.  As a result, by the time we began with syntax (lots of easy news articles and a bit of radio headlines), I had enough background to flesh-out most words from their appearance and shoresh.  Most important, the morot treat their talmidim like mature adults.  I would recommend this ulpan with no hesitation. --Alan Schleider

Which ulpan do you / did you attend?  Beit Hanoar 
Where do you live?  Yerushalayim 
What is your level of Hebrew writing?  intermediate 
What is your level of reading ?  advanced 
What is your level of comprehension?  intermediate 
Where you happy with your ulpan ? Please explain.  I was very happy with my ulpan.  The teachers really made the whole experience a lot of fun.  They were enthusiastic about what they were doing and it showed. --Greg Geller

I studied (Kitah Aleph) at Beit HaNoar for 1 month (September). The teacher was extremely rigid and the class was not enjoyable. Very little conversation took place & most instruction was grammer, grammer & more grammer. After 1 month I got a job and could not stay at Beit HaNoar (intensive), so I transferred to Beit Mitchell (evenings-twice a week). For the month of October I had a wonderful teacher, at the end of October, the teacher informed us that she had just celebrated 62 birthday & was being forced to retire (along with the ulpan's principal). I then was given a very nice Russian teacher (she was a good teacher) for November & December. In January we (the class) were informed that our class was closing; the Ministry of Ed. visited our class at the end of December (when many class members including myself were on vacation) and they decided to close the class. We were told we could either go to aleph plus (that was way ahead of where we were) or we could wait for a new class to be formed and start kitah aleph all over again. I tried the aleph plus ( & was lost) and ended up dropping out of ulpan. I am hoping to find another ulpan (I realize I really need to learn to speak Ivrit) in September. I want a conversational, functional course (not with the Ministry of Education).
-- Susan (Tova) Hirsch NBN 04---> Jerusalem

I attended Beit HaNoar on Rehov Herzog from February through today, June 30. The classes were Sunday through Thursday, 8 am to 12:30 with a half hour break at 10:30 and a 10 minute break somewhere between 11:30 and 12:00.  There was a concession stand in the building for real coffee, pastry and made to order 'toast'. There was almost always plenty of parking and the bus stop (31,32, +) was within walking distance.   I was in Aleph/Aleph plus.  My class was small, running from 10 to around 18 at the peak with people coming and going.  There was a good mixture of backgrounds, ages, and language experience.  Two teachers taught the class which was nice since we had to get used to two difference styles.   In the beginning the emphasis was more on conversation, however at the end it was more on learning grammar.    The class did start off a little on the wrong foot because there was not a workbook for almost the first month.  Students were asked to contribute to the cost of making photocopies of texts and exercises for use in the class.  This cost about 10 shekels a month per student.    I can recommend Beit HaNoar because of the fine quality of the teachers.  -- Janet Weiner NBN Winter 2004 Jerusalem  

I studied at Bet Hanoar HaIvri on Herzog near Tzomet Pat.  It's accessible from many bus lines.   It is a five month course and as I made aliya in March I joined them after Pesach for the last 2 months.  Hours are 8:30-12:30 with a half hour break, plus another short break.  It has levels aleph through heh-vav and is a happening place.  I took the daled level and loved it!  I hope to continue for another three months in September when it resumes.
-- Gittel Novogroder, Teaneck, NJ to Jerusalem March 05

I have been attending Ulpan Beit HaNoar HaIvri since January 30, 2005; my 5 months are over at the end of next week.  I've been in a combined level heh/vav. I thought Beit HaNoar was an excellent, excellent ulpan, and I can't say enough good things about the teachers and the level of instruction.  We learned tons of useful stuff, and we even got to direct the class a little according to our needs and interests.  Homework was always given for a clear purpose and in very reasonable amounts.  I had no problems signing up for the ulpan or being placed in the appropriate level.  Carmella, the woman in charge of logistics, was great.  I would recommend this ulpan to anyone who's serious about learning Hebrew. One word of caution, though: it's not a sociable ulpan.  Unlike Ulpan Etzion, which has a whole social scene and where people make good friends (so I hear from my roommates), Beit HaNoar was all about the Hebrew.  Most people had friends, family, jobs, army service, etc. already set up or behind them.  It's really an ulpan for people who already have a social network in place.  But it's great for Hebrew instruction, that's all I can say. Hope this is helpful!
--Michelle Gur Aryeh, NBN '04
Milwaukee, WI-->Jerusalem

I just completed ( actually i left eight days early ) Ulpan at Beit Hanoar Haivri on Rechov Herzog in Yerushalayim (near Katamon and Tzomet Pat on Level Hay/Vav. It was such a GREAT learning experience and expanded my vocabulary and correct usage of words ( everyday ones as well as higher level conversation for work, etc ) tremendously. I am reading a novel in Hebrew now and its pretty exciting.  I highly recommend this ulpan for the highest level, i dont know about the other levels. It was Sunday - Thursday 8-12:30. G ood luck.
--Zehava Witkin 

Etzion

Where do you live?   Mevaseret Zion
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Daled/Hey (Classes 14 and 15)
What is your level of reading ? Daled/Hey  
What is your level of comprehension? Daled/Hey
I was very happy with my ulpan. It’s a great environment with excellent teachers, thorough and very intensive. There were large amounts of work to do in a non pressured environment and thorough coverage of numerous different subjects (Dikduk, Reading, topics such as Medicine, Resumes, etc) that were constantly being rotated to keep
interest levels high. -- Elli Lifschitz

I went to Ulpan Etzion July 15-December 15, 2003. I lived in their dorm.
I currently live in Jerusalem, not far from the Baka. My Hebrew is at about daled level. I can understand most tv, radio. I can converse with people. I am able to understand others and get my point across. I was very happy with my ulpan experience. I met many friends, that I am still in close contact with. My Hebrew did really improve. I do have to say that by the fourth month, it was hard to go every morning but I stuck it out. As far as living there, it is definitely a communal setting. I had two other roommates in a very small room. At times it was loud at night and the food wasn't great. I definitely recommend it to other new olim. -- Debe Freidson NBN July 2003

I live in the Absorption Center (Ulpan Etzion)
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Between Beth and Gimel
What is your level of reading ? Between Beth and Gimel
Where you happy with your ulpan ?
Yes, it was a great experience living at Etzion and getting to meet people
that had made Aliyah from all over the world.  It was an amazing and special
experience to be part of the remnant of Israel returning and being an eye witness of the scattered being re-gathered from the four corners of the earth. There were about 100 internal students and 50-60+ external students who attended also.  Ulpan Etzion is a center for young people between the ages 21-35 who have college degrees.  We studied for 5 hours/day for 5 days/week.
I started in Kitah Alef and learned so much in the five months I was there. 
My teachers were excellent and put their all into teaching us.
While there, the Ulpan organized tours for the student body to go on, which
gave us the opportunity to see the beauty and diversity of the country.
I am still in contact with the friends that I made there in the first five
months of my arrival to my new home and country.  We all were going through
the same challenges and were able to understand each other despite cultural
and lingual differences.  We were all in the same boat together. -- Tiqvah Vita

What is your level of Hebrew
When I started ulpan: Level Gimmel/Daled
Now: Level Daled/Heh
What is your level of comprehension? Eh, enough to get around and communicate basically. I can hold a conversation in Hebrew if the person speaks slowly. And I'm *starting* to understand radio and TV. But that's harder.
Where you happy with your ulpan? Overall, very happy. I sure learned a lot!
Caveat #1: I had a problem because there was a lot of turnover with the
teachers. First, our once-a-week teacher retired two months into Ulpan -- how
can they let people retire after the semester has started?--and Second, our
main (four-times-a-week) teacher, whom I loved, got cancer, and we had
strings of substitutes, and then the class sort of fell apart. A lot of
people stopped coming to class. We were merged with the class below us quite
a bit. But I think this had mostly to do with the low morale because we kept
having substitutes.
Caveat #2: I hear that people in lower classes were unhappy because of the
"party" atmosphere. I was in the highest class and found the level of study
to be very serious. I think it was because very few of my classmates lived
on campus. At least at the beginning, when we had a regular teacher and
everyone was coming to class, it was very serious. -- Sarah Bronson

I was extremely pleased with Ulpan Etzion.  I made Aliyah as a 25 year old single.  Ulpan Etzion is geared toward young single professional olim between the ages of 21-35.  The staff and teachers were top notch and by living with olim from all over the world, it was easy to make friends for life and create a support group, an integral part of absorption.  I strongly recommend Ulpan Etzion for all single Olim, dati and chiloni alike. -- Warren Blumberg

I studied at Ulpan Etzion July - Dec 2004 in the highest class level (which was then called gimmel plus, but was actually about hey/vav level).  I did not live in the ulpan so I cannot comment on the merkaz klita aspect, but I thoroughly enjoyed the classes there.  Because my class was at a high level, we were all very serious and willing to work and I feel that I learned a lot.  I was very happy that I decided to do the ulpan because originally I thought that because my Hebrew was already pretty good, I might just skip it.  Our teacher was amazing and I am still in touch with her now.  I met some close friends, although the social aspect probably would have been better if I had been living there.  Still, I'm glad that I had my own place because it gave me an opportunity to get out.  I heard that a lot of people who lived there just felt like there were stuck in the same place all day.  Most of the people in the ulpan were relatively young (in their 20's) and represented America, Canada, France, South America and a few other European countries.  I would definitely recommend Ulpan Etzion and if anyone has any specific questions about my experience there, please feel free to pass on my e-mail address and I would be glad to help out. --Avital, NBN July '04 (almost one year!!!)

Fanny Kaplan

Ulpan Location: Shmuel Hanavi
Ulpan Level: Started Ulpan Aleph, finish Ulpan Bet (in two months)
Length of Ulpan: 5 months 4 days a week
Date hen you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Sept 05
What did you like about the Ulpan? The people in class and convenient location
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? Not being able catch up if I miss a day. If you don't grasp the material being covered (dikduk) then you are lost.

Ulpan Location: Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood, Jerusalem
Ulpan Level: We are currently in Kitah B Length of Ulpan: 4 houirs/day, 4 days/week.
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Started Sept. 2005
What did you like about the Ulpan? There is an amazing mix of nationalities, language groups, religious observance, and ages. The teachers are just lovely. They are supportive, fun, funny, kind, engaged and committed to our learning. The pace is reasonable, the workload is reasonable, and the learning is a holistic blend of reading, writing, speaking and listening. What it lacks in equipment and technical sophistication it makes up for in student-teacher contact.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? The facilities are not as up-to-date as they should be (the bathrooms smell really bad most of the time, it's cold in the winter, and the lights periodically go off and the building problably a renovation 20 years ago), but it doesn't sound much worse than others we've heard about. --Rachel and Joe Connelly

I went to Ulpan Fanny Kaplan.  I started 3 days after arriving and for me this was a mistake.  I still had too many other time comsuming things to do and if I had it to do over, I would have waited at least 2 weeks in order to become a little more established. I was put into a class that had started probably 3 months before, so I had far too much to catch up on.  There was one Spanish speaker from Mexico (where I had lived for 20 years) and the teacher had me translate from Hebrew into Spanish for him.  This was not only difficult because I really didn't know Hebrew that well yet, and it kept me from learning. Most of the students were from France and in the beginning I didn't know if the teacher was speaking French or Hebrew.  The class was totally slanted toward French speakers and I understand that after I left, the other non French speakers also dropped. After 6 weeks I got sick and had also found a permanent apartment in Ma'ale Adumim. This made a more difficult commute.   I had severe ear aches from the flu that I caught and could not make classes for 2 weeks.  I was so far behind at that point that I simple dropped out and have been studying at home. I need to add that I'm a senior (67 years) and probably the Ulpan is very good, but my age could have also been a hindrance. In the meantime, I'm communicating pretty well in the areas that I need to.  I wish I could understand more, but in 5 months I'm getting by.  Since I'm retired it is also a hinderance because I am not forced to speak Hebrew as one who is working would have to do.  I do watch TV in Hebrew to learn. I hope this is a help to you. --Yehudit Zeidler Winter 04

Shalom, I am currently attending Kitah Gimmel at Ulpan Fanny Kaplan in Yerushalayim, locatednear the intersection of Yechezkiel and Shmuel Hanavi. The teachers and other students are great, average age is ~30 and the majority of students and teachers are Dati. There is a large representation of U.S. and French Olim, with a sprinkling of Russian, South American and other European Olim, as well as some students/tourists that attend. It is a 4 hour x 4 day program, 8:45 to 12:45 Sunday through Wednesday. When new root words are learned, many times the words are quoted in context from Tanach. Likewise, Wednesdays we learn Parshat Hashevua looking at the grammer of the Pasukim and how it effects Pshat. Strongly recommend! --Avi Barr, Baltimore---> Kochav Yakov, NBN 2005

Hebrew University Summer Ulpan

I arrived in Israel on July, 23 2003 with the Nefesh B'Nefesh flight. I immediately began study in Hebrew University's Summer Ulpan program - I had already enrolled before I arrived. I am now continuing my Hebrew study through classes at the university while working on an M.A. (in Hebrew). I live in the German Colony/Katamon neighborhood. Though I did not particularly enjoy the summer ulpan - two extremely intense months in which I had an average of 5 - 8 hours per day of homework on top of 25 hours of classroom time per week - I learned more than I ever had and benefited in an amazingly short period of time. The Hebrew I was taught was academic and of a high level - not conversational, or 'street' Hebrew - and has given me an understanding of the language that I lacked after having studied at other ulpanim before my aliya.
Since October, I have been enrolled in graduate level classes in Hebrew. Most of the texts are in English so reading is a bit of a non-issue for me, except to say that I can read with good comprehension albeit very very slowly. My listening comprehension is such that I understand most of what is said in class. I do not often speak up in class because my confidence in my ability is weak when I want to be articulate about my academic subject. On the street however, I rarely have difficulties. I now am working at Yad Vashem in a position in which I speak and exchange emails with coworkers in Hebrew. -- Navva Milliken

I attended The ulpan at `Hebrew U, level bet.  I live in Nachlaot, my Hebrew
level is gemel, comprehension is daled.  I was very satisfied with
the ulpan and will be attending the Hebrew U ulpan this summer level daled. 
I think the best results are from these intensive ulpans, plus it is
at a university level. -- Yael Parker

Har Nof

I began Ulpan in Har Nof September and completed the course in April. I speak and understand Hebrew on an intermediate level now.  I began the course with reading level of basic fundamentals with a college level vocabulary due to studying Tehillim for 25 years. I write Hebrew on an intermediate level now. The course teachers changed, and some were superior. The course homework required very little time, but I supplemented the course by studying Hebrew at home two hours nightly, usually with an Israeli high school student.  I also worked with only Hebrew speakers about 5 hours per week, and I only listen to Hebrew speaking radio, tapes, reading most of the time only in Hebrew these nine months I am in Israel. --Mrs. Chana Tova Sokol

Morasha

Ulpan Level:   Alef
Length of Ulpan:  5 months (Sun-Thur 8:30-12:45) 
Date (month and year) when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Sept 2005 
What did you like about the Ulpan? Logical method of teaching, rotation of teachers daily (improves listening skills).  The most amazing thing is that every teacher really knows where each student is in the learning and they target areas in which the student(s) need help.  The program implemented provides the student with the foundation necessary for continued growth.  This is a 'hands on' program with lots of interaction between students and instructors.  They are excellent instructors.   
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? The physical building could use investment and improvements.  Already the old blackboards were replaced with new white boards.  The radiator in my classroom flooded the room on at least three occasions...which left the classroom cold and damp.  Even under those circumstances the director and teachers dealt with the situation and continued the classes.  They are amazing. --Shayna Letter

LOVE IT!!!   It started June 5. When I first heard about it, I wasn't too keen on it. They don't use a book and don't (necessarily) teach grammar in a linear manner. I went to visit and saw just how much people were talking.   I was worried about going there because they start at zero... Aleph - Bet and I thought it would be too slow. But the Aleph - Bet took a half hour and by the end of the first day we were saying things like "I want to pay", "I need to study." The school is excellent for speech; both building confidence and practice. A LOT of speaking is done in the class. There are five teachers who rotate through. Some days we have two teachers, sometimes more.   The ulpan is in Yerushalayim on Shivtei Israel, right behind the Iryia/Kikar Safra. I'd be happy to answer any other specific questions. I do not believe they teach a higher level, but at the end of five months, people are at an advanced stage... much higher than finishing Ulpan Aleph at other places.   --Jody Werner

Ulpan Location:            22 Shivtei Yisrael, Yerushalayim
Ulpan Level:                 Aleph / Bet (I think)
Length of Ulpan:           5 months
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan:   Sept. 2005
What did you like about the Ulpan?   Though the teachers were Israeli, they also knew English.  (And the Russian & French students also had teachers that spoke their language.) Their method is no textbooks needed.  Everything is very oral and written.  Though we did also get selected texts to read, memorize and understand.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan?    Pretty much nothing…The teachers and their methods are really excellent.  And they are very dedicated.

I switched to Ulpan Morasha, which is associated with Touro College--this ulpan was excellent.  It was a different technique in that it didn't focus on grammar, but focused on verbs.  By the first 3 or 4 weeks, we were already doing verbs in past, present, and future.  Also, there was no book, and the vocabulary and exercises were actually quite appropriate to daily life.  At Morasha, verbal communication is the most important, and the teachers, who switch off, are like drill sergeants. It is a very intense ulpan, but built confidence in talking to people on the bus or in the shuk after one week, where after 7 weeks of grammar at Etzion, I felt useless communicating to people. I live in Maale Adumim, and Misrad HaKlita, because there is no ulpan here, paid 80% of my bus pass. I didn't take the test, but I'm guessing I am at Bet level on everything.  I've been out for 3 months or so now, and speak English all day, so I feel like I've lost a lot. -- Dori Gould

Morasha in the city, by town hall, is excellent! Excellent teachers who really want you to speak Hebrew, mainly conversational (maybe 85%), no book, homework sentences to review daily lesson... --Jared Bernstein, Nbn 2004

Beit Mitchell

Ulpan Name: Ulpan Oleh
Ulpan Location: Beit Mitchell in Rechavia/Talbieh
Ulpan Level: Dalet
Length of Ulpan: As long as you want, no summers, though 3 days a week Aleph to Vav, conversation, reading all available when you get where you want Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: 12/05
What did you like about the Ulpan? People are friendly, you sense a commaraderie, class is enjoyable, teacher is great, always has a smile, connects to people, great facial expressions. Even though many had been together for 4 years, they have accepted the new people and welcome people back when they have been away for awhile. 3 days a week.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? So far, no complaints. --Debby Duitch

Ulpan Milah

I have attended both ulpan aleph and bet at Milah.  I attended the full-time morning course.  It's a great program that utilizes the same book, same structure, and same instructors as Hebrew U. ulpan- but it's much cheaper.  The full-time class runs 1740 nis, the part time evening course is 920 nis.  A variety of students attend- less that are immigrants and more that are here temporarily- either short or long term.  I highly recommend their program which emphazises grammer.  I do wish there was more conversation time in the class- but there are too many concepts to introduce to get much speaking time in.  You are expected to study and speak with native speakers on your own time. --Gavi Donati

Ulpan Or

Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan:   November, 2005-present

I've been taking Ulpan Or (www.ulpanor.com) and really enjoying it. It is a private ulpan (1 on 1 with the teacher), over the phone (while I was in the States) or in person (in Jerusalem). It's run by Orly Ganor. She has her own books, which contain small useful dialogues. And because it's one on one, it's a full conversation back and forth. You can't get away with hiding in the back of the class or mumbling through something. She's very good at pushing me, but not to the point of getting frustrated.

In two months, I went up about a level (maybe a level and a half)...and that was doing it over the phone for about 6 weeks (2 half hour conversations a week, about 3 or 4 hours of homework) and 2 weeks of semi-intensive in Jerusalem - all while I was still working full-time. I'm so glad that I'm doing this before I make aliyah!!!

She is also good at customizing the program (skipped the visiting the museum section for now, adding a section on looking at the ministry of environment website because that's related to my profession).

I also really appreciate how she teaches the verbs...I'm actually going back and reviewing the present tense, just because her layout is easier for me than what I learned at Hebrew University's summer ulpan.

ULPANIM OUTSIDE OF JERUSALEM

Ramat Bet Shemesh

Studied for 3 semesters. Started Aleph plus, now finishing (in 2006) what I thought was a Gimmel course that the teacher says was a Daled level.  Good teachers, give you a good grasp of grammar.  Classes are big and teachers tend to favor people who are best talkers (not me) and in classes that must be a minimum of 30, there's not a lot of chance to speak, compounded by not having a lot of chance to use Hebrew in RBS.  My husband, who has a good ear and speaks well anyway, found that when he transferred into a professional Ulpan, he was so well prepared that he went nuts waiting for the teachers to do a language review to bring the rest of the class up to a level that allowed them to tackle the professional vocabulary and training.  Some culture clash as the student body is 99% religious and the teachers are all female chilonim.  Not hostile but with a certain bias as to teaching materials and an unawareness of issues such as kol isha that they are only slowly learning to take into account when planning lessons. --Yehudit Rouzaud

I am at Level Bet. We had two teachers, one which was excellent & one which was not. I found it very hard to understand the grammer being taught in Hebrew. I'd rather have it explained in English. I learned more by studying for the test with another student in English than I learned at the whole ulpan! -- Miriam NBN 2003

I attended  Kita Daled + in Matnas Ramat Bet Shemesh
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Good
What is your level of reading ? Good
What is your level of comprehension? Fair
For the most part-the teacher cared but sometimes was not understanding about the olims schedules for the amount of work and tests given.  Also the ulpan focused on the exam and slowed down new learning towards the last month. --Richard Saffern

My level of Hebrew is poor, I was in the Bet  - Gimmel class. I was unhappy with the ulpan, I already knew how to read, so I wasn't ready to be in
an ulpan with people who don't know aleph beis.  But the ulpan emphasised grammatical (dikduk) rules without verifying my improvement. We had two teachers.  One was excellent and made sure we were all learning.  The other just seemed like she had material to cover. Anyway, I started in the middle of the ulpan, and gave up before the end to get a job at CSM.  I plan to take ulpan again when Nefesh B Nefesh arrives again. -- Randy Lazarus, NBN 2003

Which ulpan do you / did you attend? Level Dalad-Hey-Matnas-Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Where do you live? Ramat Beit Shemesh
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Fair
What is your level of reading ? Good
What is your level of comprehension? Good
Where you happy with your ulpan ? Please explain. Yes. Would have liked more typical conversational situations. -- Gershon Snett

Modiin

I was placed in Ulpan Gimel following a placement exam in Modiin where I live.  They offer Aleph and Bet, as well.  Gimel is offered three nights a week between 5 pm and 8:15 pm from October through June.  The teacher is very good, blending reading and verbal comprehension, with speech and writing during each session.  We use television, radio, newspapers, selected text, and a grammar workbook to accomplish our goals.  We have all been assigned and have personally selected various controversial topics to give lectures on throughout the second half of the year.  Much of the content of our readings have introduced us to Israeli society and Tzionut.  Ulpan was not just another language class, but a cultural experience, as well.  The students are from all over the world and all different religious backgrounds, making for an exciting intro to Israeli life.  My experience has been most positive and I'll be sad when it ends.  --Chaim Silva, nbn 2003

Tel Aviv
Ulpan Gordon

Ulpan Name: Ulpan Gordon
Ulpan Location: Tel Aviv
Ulpan Level: Gimel Plus
Length of Ulpan: I am taking two different courses each of which meet two times a week (until May).
Date when you were enrolled in theUlpan: December 2005 - May 2006
What did you like about the Ulpan? The teachers are
amazing, so are the students and everyone comes prepared and enthusiastic about teaching and learning,
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? It was all
really perfect. --Kim Bistrong, NBN 2005

Ulpan Name: Ulpan Gordon
Ulpan Location: Goldstein Center, Lassalle St. TA
Ulpan Level: intensive aleph and normal evening bet
Length of Ulpan: 9 months total
Date when you were enrolled: Jan 30, 2004 - Jan 30, 2005 with a break
between
What did you like about the Ulpan? Miri the director is very involved in cultural events and contributes to the cohesiveness of the student body.  Since over 50% of the student body is not Jewish there, she makes every effort to educate them about Israel in a neutral way and ensures the best possible experience.  The Passover seder was outstanding and we are taught songs by a very nice
woman named Noga, who plays the guitar.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? What I dislike about ALL Ulpanim is their lack of structure.  The teachers NEVER teach from the book. They stand up in front of the class and teach verb conjugations and new nouns.  There is little if any dialog memorization and a chance to speak.  It's not true that one can do it on the streets.  If one is an English speaker, at least in TA one is answered in English.  It's probably worse in JLM with all the native English speakers. It gets very frustrating being an English teacher for Israelis.
Additional Hebrew Study Tips: I have written many in-depth adamant articles about Hebrew learning here.  I speak several languages fluently and they were never taught like in Hebrew Ulpanim.  But I must say that the method is left up to the teacher.  To be fair to Ulpan Gordon, it is NOT the ulpan, but rather the individual teacher who can make or break it.  Remember that always, and also, how much the student puts into it. Just remember, keep answering back those Sabras in Hebrew until they tire of it.  They'll get the message! Behatzlecha! One thing I have done to be creative and supplement my Hebrew studies is to trade Spanish or German for Hebrew.  This way I am guaranteed one hour
of uninterrupted Hebrew from a Sabra.  An outstanding feat unto itself!  So bottom line is, if you can trade languages or other skills with Sabras, go for it!
--Mark Schwartz

Ulpan Name: Ulpan Gordon
Where do you live? Modi’in
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Bet-Gimel
What is your level of reading ? Bet-Gimel
What is your level of comprehension? Bet-Gimel
Where you happy with your ulpan ? Please explain. Yes. Though I would have preferred Ulpan Etzion in Jerusalem, I was told that only J’lem residents are accepted. Ulpan Gordon is very good if you live in the Tel Aviv area. --Ilan Meister

Ulpan Name: Ulpan Gordon
Ulpan Location: 7 Lasalle Street, Tel Aviv (near Ben Gurion Blvd & Ben Yehuda)
Ulpan Level: I am in Bet but they offer all levels, and have lots of aleph-bet (daily/morning and multipleX/week) levels starting every few months based on demand and others (gimmel +) starting on demand.
Length of Ulpan: Full morning intensive course is 5 months
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Dec 2005
What did you like about the Ulpan? In general I liked the teachers and thought they were very dedicated and cared a lot about the students learning Hebrew (kind of important in an ulpan).
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? My interaction with the secretaries has been disappointing at best. They seem to be rigid and unfriendly and not there to help you out. This can be very hard to deal with for people from North America who are not used to dealing with such a non-customer service attitude. If you push them (or get a nice pushy Israeli friend or relative to push them) they will budge but it is not a fun situation. Despite them, I would still highly recommend the ulpan as it has a good reputation overall.

Netanya
Ulpan Akiva

Ulpan Level: Aleph
Length of Ulpan: 5 months
Date (month and year) when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Jan 05
What did you like about the Ulpan? Offers afternoon activities and trips all in easy Hebrew so that the learning experience is not simply passive classroom exerience. Most activities were for no additional cost beyond the 100 NIS per month that olim pay for this private ulpan. Also they have music and other unique ways of helping Hebrew to sink into the brain, so you never have time to get bored with one way of doing things. Students are all ages, all occupations and are there for many reasons, not just aliya. Makes for very interesting class discussions.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? Because this ulpan is private, they do not "accomodate" Aliyah needs per se, like scheduling time for students to meet with absorption counselors. There is no one on campus who can help you deal with Aliyah related issues. You simply have to take the initiative your self and go find the offices yourself & take care of it all yourself. (The ulpan teachers are very understanding when you miss class, if it is legit, and not excessive, and if you plan in advance will give you the homework so you can be prepared for when you return.) -- Shira Stepansky

Ulpan level: Gimel Plus through Dalet
Started: October '05; will do four months
Liked: Very professional, very organized, wonderful atmosphere, unabashedly zionist. Teachers love the language and show it.
Dislike: Difficult location unless you live there or take a cab/car.
commuting from R'anana by bus can take 2 hours. But, well worth it. This is an outstanding Ulpan. --Nathan Szajnberg

Ulpan Level: Bet plus through Dalet plus
Length of Ulpan: 5-6 months
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Oct 2004
What did you like about the Ulpan? Excellant teachers, nice communal setting, not a lot of English speakers.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? A lot of homework, but obviously that's a necessity for success. --Naomi and Eli Kalfon

I attended three different ulpans since my first visit to Israel in 2002.  I did kita alef in spring 2002 at Hebrew University.  I made aliyah in July 2003.  For two months I learned at Ulpan and worked at kibbutz Sde Eliyahu.  Then I switched to Ulpan Akiva in Netanya, and finished in February 2004.  I now live in Bat Ayin, Gush Etzion. My Hebrew writing level is mediocre kita gimmel. My reading level is high gimmel- low daled, with some yeshiva learning having improved my ancient Hebrew and Aramaic reading as well. My level of comprehension and speaking are probably solid kita daled, considerably better than my writing and reading. The ulpans at Hebrew U. and Ulpan Akiva were excellent.  I did not find the Sde Eliyahu ulpan intensive enough, also it had a wide range of abilities and thus did not serve my level of Hebrew needs well enough. --Matthew Mausner

I attended from Oct 2004 to Mar 2005, started in Gimel + and proceeded up from there.  This is an excellant ulpan with very talented and engaging teachers.  I learned a tremendous amount and also became more confident in my speaking, reading and (somewhat) writing.  Unfortunately most of the time they don't have the numbers of higher level students needed to officially open level hey and up, so I had to do dalet + 4 times.  I learned something new every day, however, and didn't really care what the name of the course was. --Naomi Kalfon, NBN 2004, Denver to Netanya to Maalot

There have been several postings about Ulpan Akiva in Netanya, the latest saying that they do not have housing. We stayed there 3 weeks during the weekdays (Shabbat at our yishuv) when we came in 2003, so unless they have closed it, they do have housing. It is very rustic though, and I would not recommend the "housing" (bunk-type hard beds) for a new olim family, tired from the packing and moving. It was really, really, rustic. Actually, it was horrible. Also, they told us they had phones and internet access in the rooms which was completely untrue, so if you need this be aware that they have only two places on the entire facility grounds that you can use for a computer and you have to wait in line. The only time my husband could use it was after midnight. The ulpan material is good, so if you are living in Netanya and not bunking there it's fine. However, it's clearly not for observant people (we unfortunately found out the hard way). I would really check on the rates. The person who was told it was 100 sheckels a session should re view with them exactly what they mean by session, just to make sure there are no misunderstandings. We paid great deal for the package, and the family next door to us (a family of 5 from Sweden) paid even much more than we did. Good luck. --Rachel Reeder

Tiberias

Where do you live? Mitzpe Netofa, near Golani Junction
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Fair
What is your level of reading ? Fair
What is your level of comprehension? Fair
Where you happy with your ulpan ? I attended Ulpan Aleph in the Mercaz Klita in Teveria (20 minutes drive). It was 5 days a week (8:00 - 12:30) for 5 months. I got a part-time job and was able to get permission from the menahelet to complete the Ulpan even though attending only 3 days per week. The teacher was OK, although had a tendency to waste a lot of time trying to transcribe songs from a very poor tape recorder. We didn't ever translate those songs, nor learn them by heart - so it felt like a waste. We had a large class to start (35) which dwindled to 15 by the end. The teacher was quite political and often embarked on monologues so between that and the large class there was little opportunity to practice speaking. Nevertheless, we got a good grounding in grammar and written Hebrew.  I now attend ulpan Bet at the same place. It's also part-time, two evenings per week. The pace is much faster, the material challenging and the two teachers much better. The class is still very large though (~30), although they seem to be more interested in learning Hebrew than Kita aleph was. --Keren Ship

Beer Sheva
Mercaz Klita Ye-elim

I have since moved to Tel Aviv, during my Ulpan, I lived in Beer Sheva.
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Medium
What is your level of reading ? Medium
What is your level of comprehension? Good to excellent
I was happy with my ulpan, I learned many grammar and verb rules that helped me understand how the Hebrew language works. I also improved and expanded my vocabulary, but there is no better way to learn hebrew then interacting directly with Israelis. -- Abeer Cohen

Ofrah

Where do you live? Kochav Yaakov
What is your level of Hebrew writing? not bad, but not great
What is your level of reading ? I can read most newspapers with minimal difficulty making out the words
What is your level of comprehension? I can understand most articles in newspapers, but not every word, more general idea.
Where you happy with your ulpan ? yes, it was very intensive...I was in Kitah Deled and we were constantly given targilim and conversed most of the day in Hebrew. No English or French was allowed to be spoken for the most part. We also, learned a lot about how the country works and how to put together official letters. It was a very thorough ulpan. Our class had excellent final grades.
-- Shlomo BenZaken

What is your level of Hebrew? Eliyahu - Gimmel; Julia - Daled 
Where you happy with your ulpan? Eliyahu - I would prefer an ulpan that uses a text book, as opposed to Ophra which uses newspapers and other other media. Julia was happy with it. -- Eliyahu and Julia BenTal

Emek HaYarden

Where do you live? Mitzpe Netofa, near Golani Junction
What is your level of Hebrew writing? Good
What is your level of reading ? Very good
What is your level of comprehension? Good
Where you happy with your ulpan ? It was part time, two evenings (4:30 - 7:30) per week for 4 months. I enjoyed the ulpan very much and found the teacher to be very competent. We live in Mitzpe Netofa (near Golani Junction), so it was about 1/2 hour drive. --Harold Ship

Haifa

Ulpan Naamat only had Russians in my class, and the teacher explained the lessons in Russian...so the students could understand.  There is another ulpan, on Lamed Nun Peretz Street, a library in Hadar, which was OK, there were a few English speakers when I attended. Friends have had great success with the Hebrew classes at the University of Haifa, but it is $600 per semester.  Oleh rights of funding can not be transfered to this program. We tried and said we would pay the difference. They refused. --Michelle Garland

I had a wonderful time learning Hebrew at Ulpan Beit Erdshtein on Y. L. Peretz in Hadar (Haifa).  I had an excellent teacher for ulpan alef who was also a lovely, sweet person.  We had a lively, fun class and all grew to love each other and we learned a lot.  I was the only English speaker in my class, there was one woman from Uruguay who spoke Spanish and everyone else spoke Russian.  I preferred it that way.  It was very good for me because if I wanted to talk to someone I had to use Hebrew!  I also drove my teacher home a lot and got more practice speaking Hebrew with her in the car. There are classes there that are mainly English speakers, mostly not one alef level, but I wouldn't look for that.  We go to the Conservative shul in Haifa, in Achuza, and almost everybody there speaks English, so we have that too.  My kids go to Dati schools and we know a lot of people in the Orthodox community also who speak English. Getting back to ulpan, I didn't pick my ulpan.  I went to Misrad Haklita and Jana gave me a piece of paper and told me to go there Monday at 8:00 AM.  I think you can choose an ulpan if you ask before you're assigned. Good luck with your Aliyah.  Haifa is a beautiful city.  If you have any questions or need any help, please give us a call. --Adina/Andrea Giventer NBN 2003

Alon Shvut

Ulpan Level:  Bet and daled
Length of Ulpan:  Sept. - Feb.
Date (month and year) when you were enrolled in the Ulpan:  Sept 12, 2005
What did you like about the Ulpan?  Friendly, great teachers, easy commute, all Jews, primarily North Americans.
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? Not as intensive, smaller number of participants meant classes had wider range of student abilities,   In addition, the closeness of the English speaking Gush and the majority of North Americans in the program, means that it took longer to gain mastery of Hebrew. --Shmuel and Shana Hook

My Ulpan experience was very positive. I took Ulpan in Alon Shvut from Oct. 2004 through Dec. 2004 (it did not finish then, but I was in a car accident and could not complete). There were two levels of Ulpan: aleph/aleph plus and bet/gimmel. I was in bet/gimmel. The teacher was excellent. The hours were long, but I really learned a lot. She made us speak and write dialogue and taught us grammar, which I needed a lot more than vocabulary. We even did the news, which was helpful. We even sang, because what would it be without a kumsitz! All in all, I'm sorry that I didn't get to complete it, because it was quite worthwhile and very convenient being in the Gush area. --Marci Tirschwell, NBN August 2004 From Teaneck, NJ to Efrat

The Ulpan in Alon Shvut started today. It is a fantastic opportunity to have 150 hours of Ulpan. There are two classes - one is for level Bet and will meet from 8:30-12:45 on Mondays and Wednesdays. The other is for level Gimel/Daled and will meet 8:30-12:45 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The entire 150 hours will only cost 125 shekels! This is an amazing gift from Misrad Hachinuch! It is open to all and will run through the summer. --Romi and Josh Sussman

Rehovot

Ulpan Aleph, 5-days/week mornings, Sept-October 04, excellent teaching with "Shosh" and overall. -- Kevin Akiva Werbalowsky

MEDICAL ULPAN

Medical Ulpan in Jerusalem

Ulpan Name: Tikvatenu
Ulpan Location: Rechov M"G Jerusalem
Ulpan Level: Daled - Vav
Length of Ulpan: 3 months
Date when you were enrolled in the Ulpan: Sept-Nov 2004
What did you like about the Ulpan? Teacher, chana shapiro, was phenomenal!!
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? Would have liked more concentration on medical terminology, but nevertheless, learned quite a bit.--Mia Tepper

I'd like to share with everyone the contact info for the medical ulpan in J-m I have been attending. The program is free for olim and some students even qualify for a stipend from the Misrad Haklita. The teacher is Chana Shapira and she is excellent. I was hesitant to enroll because of feedback from others that the level was not high enough and that only vocabulary, without sufficient focus on usage, was presented. This was not the case! To take the course, one must first complete Ulpan Alef (levels 1-3) and take a placement exam.The course runs several times a year, when there is sufficient interest. The teacher's # is 02 679 8370. -- Avi Barr

I am writing to second Avi's recommendation of the ulpan. I attended this ulpan with Chana last year and we all LOVED it. There were quite a few of us from NBN attending. She is an excellent instructor and really tried to gear the course toward our specific needs. If you are in a medical profession and need the terminology, this is a great opportunity. Avi, please tell Chana regards from Atara Weiss! Thanks! -- Atara Weiss, NBN August 2004, NY to Modiin.

Medical Ulpan in Tel Aviv

Date of Aliyah: July 2004
Ulpan: Medical Ulpan in Degania aleph/bet, Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv
Date of Ulpan: Sept 04-Feb 05
What did you dislike about the Ulpan? Just to let nurses know that if you plan to make aliyah, it is a very long process, 8 months of ulpan, six weeks of medical terminology and another 4 and a half months of a professional nursing course. The latter two are only offered once  a year. I had to wait 8 months to start the terminology course.  It feels like there is no end. --Rachel Maybri

Medical Ulpan in Ashdod

I went to an ulpan  geared for people with medical professions in Ashdod, for 3 months. The teacher was excellent, she took her job very seriously, she gave tons of homework. It was probably a good way to start life in Israel. It turned into a nice support group with people to relate to, even though I was the only one from the US. The famous question was, ”why did you come here from America?” My Hebrew skills are fair to good, accent stayed, oh well!  --The Linden Family