Kibbutz Ulpan is a five-month multilevel language program sponsored by Masa Israel Journey that combines studying Hebrew, meeting amazing people from all over the world, and having the unique experience of becoming part of a rural Israeli community by living and working alongside locals on a kibbutz.

WHO IS THE KIBBUTZ ULPAN PROGRAM FOR?
Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who are single or married without children, in good physical and mental condition, and willing to study and work hard are eligible. Please note that the minimum age is strictly 18 years old.

In some cases, the age requirements may differ. For example, Kibbutz Tzuba accepts individuals aged 22 to 35 who hold either a college or university degree or a professional diploma. Please see the requirements for each specific kibbutz or consult with our program advisors before making a decision about which kibbutz is best for you. 

The program is open to those with either tourist status or new immigrant status (Olim Chadashim).

New immigrants (Olim Chadashim) may attend within one year of their Aliyah. They cannot apply through here and should apply instead through the Jewish Agency for Israel.

THE GOAL OF THE KIBBUTZ ULPAN PROGRAM

• Provide participants with a working knowledge of conversational Hebrew, the ability to read simplified texts and newspapers, and build a foundation for further study in the course of five months.
• Allow participants to live like the locals on the kibbutz by taking part in the daily work that needs to be done around the kibbutz and also enjoying the kibbutz facilities, taking part in festivals, etc.
• Enhance participants’ personal growth and well-being. These five months are impactful and meaningful! Although you would spend most of your time with your Kibbutz Ulpan mates, there’s also space for independence. If there’s anything you like to do, whether it be a certain hobby or profession, you may be able to incorporate it into your life on the kibbutz. Studying a new language and settling into a new country and community is challenging but also enriching and a great opportunity for you to grow and bloom.
• For people who are considering making Aliyah, Kibbutz Ulpan is a great opportunity to experience life in Israel and level up your Hebrew skills, as you may very much need them!

WHY IS KIBBUTZ ULPAN THE BEST GAP YEAR CHOICE FOR YOU?

• It is a truly unique, one-of-a-kind experience! Kibbutzim are a unique type of community settlement that are becoming increasingly rare in their original setting. So this is a chance of a lifetime!
• Kibbutz Ulpan is the only program that allows you to both learn Hebrew and work on the kibbutz!
• You will receive an official certificate upon completing the Hebrew Ulpan course!
• You will be able to meet a unique blend of people. If you like to meet interesting people from all over the world, Kibbutz Ulpan is for you!

MORE ABOUT HEBREW ULPAN STUDIES
The Kibbutz Ulpan program is recognized by the Ministry of Education of the State of Israel (Adult Education Department) and participants will receive an official certificate after completing the course.

Each Kibbutz Ulpan has its own director and staff who are at all times responsible for the participants, their behavior, and general well-being. Ulpan teachers are licensed by the Ministry of Education (one of our partners) and trained in teaching Hebrew as a second language to adults.

Classes generally consist of 20 to 25 students and meet for total of 18 to 24 academic hours (1 academic hour = 45 minutes) a week. Most Ulpanim teach the first two levels of Hebrew, while some also offer more advanced levels (up to FOUR!). The Kibbutz Ulpan program includes lectures on Israel and Judaism as well as one-day seminars on current Israeli and Jewish events.

Guided tours and hikes to historic and scenic sites are also included in the program and usually take place 3-4 times per Ulpan.

MORE ABOUT THE KIBBUTZ ULPAN PROGRAM
Another aspect that makes the Kibbutz Ulpan Program unique is that the participants belong to two distinct groups: tourists who come on a temporary basis, and young Olim Chadashim (new immigrants) at the beginning of their journey to make Israel their new homeland. The participants are regarded as one group by the Ulpan staff and are treated equally. The Kibbutz Ulpan program has been running like this successfully for many years, continually giving the participants wonderful opportunities to make friends from all over the world.

The Kibbutz Ulpan program is organized by PZC Hagshama, an NGO based in Seminar Efal, Ramat Gan, Israel. Among other things, it aims to promote the Kibbutz Ulpan program, register and work with candidates to the program, and work with all directors of the Ulpan Programs in the eight different kibbutzim. PZC Hagshama also functions as the liaison between the participants of the Kibbutz Ulpan Program and the Masa Project that provides grants and scholarships for Jewish participants to the program.

WORK AND STUDY TIME ON THE KIBBUTZ
The Kibbutz Ulpan program is based on the principle of study and work.
Participants work up to 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 gardens, dairy, fish ponds, kibbutz shop, barns, factories, kitchen, dining hall, kindergartens, laundry, or any other place where help is needed. Work assignments are rotated whenever possible, but be prepared for relatively menial work and tiring physical labor.

While the jobs given to you during the Kibbutz Ulpan program would not have necessarily been your first choice and perhaps will not be your favorite activity, please remember that they are not your jobs for the rest of your adult life and not necessarily for your future career.

ADAPTING TO THE KIBBUTZ LIFESTYLE
The demanding work ethic, early mornings, and tight camaraderie of the small rural environment can sometimes make it difficult for newcomers, especially ones coming with “vacation” expectations.

However, the Kibbutz Ulpan 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 the Kibbutz Ulpan program participants, despite having paid a participatory fee, are still temporarily living in the kibbutz. Therefore, please be sensitive to the rules and norms of the kibbutz and abide by them.

Kibbutz Ulpan students may participate in cultural activities held on the kibbutz on the same terms as kibbutz residents.

Most kibbutzim have a library, clubroom, sports facilities, and outdoor swimming pool. The availability of these facilities to Ulpan participants varies from place to place. If you wish to use them, make sure you receive permission to do so from the Ulpan director.

LEISURE AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Ulpan students are free to use their off time when they are not working or studying as they please and are allowed to leave the kibbutz during these times. They must, however, take into account that they continue to meet the Kibbutz Ulpan program’s requirements (such as being back in time for class or work) and adhere to the laws of the kibbutz and the country.

MEDICAL CARE
Medical insurance for participants in the Kibbutz Ulpan program lasts for its whole duration is included in the fee. Insurance coverage starts on the earliest possible day of arrival.

The insurance covers participants while they are on the kibbutz and working as well as while they spend their free time elsewhere.

The insurance provided is identical to that of the medical services on the kibbutz.

Each kibbutz has its own clinic and medical staff, and if necessary, participants will be taken to specialists or a hospital for more advanced medical care.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
The insurance covers pre-existing health conditions under certain conditions.
The insurance does NOT cover dental care, except for emergencies.
The insurance does NOT cover self-inflicted injuries and wounds. For example: infected wounds as a result of piercings or injuries resulting from drunken behavior.
Please note that the insurance does not cover time spent in Israel before or after the Kibbutz Ulpan program.

All medical information must be truthfully and fully reported.

To withhold medical information of any kind is reason for dismissal from the program without refund.

CHOOSING A KIBBUTZ
Kibbutz Ulpan operates on four kibbutzim throughout Israel. The kibbutzim vary in size, location, climate, types of industry, and general character. The program and general framework, however, are uniform.

The duration of Kibbutz Ulpan is five months for a total of 155 days. Participants may arrive two to three days before the start of the program and sometimes stay a few days after the end of the program.

Each kibbutz has its own unique characteristics. You may choose your kibbutz based on personal preference, location, availability, and the starting dates of Ulpan classes. 

Our friendly registration staff will be happy to help you make the right choice!

RULES AND REGULATIONS
All participants are required to abide by the rules and regulations explained at the start of the program in each kibbutz. Breaking rules and regulations may result in removal from the program.
Please read here

The information brought to you here is subject to change. We may make changes from time to time to any of our services, fees, schedules etc’. We try our best to keep the website up to date but there might be discrepancies from time to time between the information brought to you here and between what you may find or experience in the Kibbutz. We reserve the right in our sole discretion to edit or remove any documents, information or other content appearing on our Website or Service.