What is Ulpan?
Ulpan is the Hebrew word for… Hebrew classes. Not as immediately boring as that might sound, ulpan (ulpanim in plural) is often a fun-filled although sometimes intense experience.
No matter the level of Hebrew – absolute beginner to advanced – most people learning Hebrew will enroll in an ulpan to improve their Hebrew. For your teenager, Naale’s ulpan classes are the perfect way to learn Hebrew in the very heart of it all – Israel!
But… Languages are hard!
Many people think that languages get harder and harder to learn as you grow older. It’s true that your brain is less sponge-like with age (as we commonly say), but it’s also false that that makes it harder. It just means using a different approach!
As many researchers say, exposure is the best way to learn a language. Naale students study Hebrew approximately 20 hours per week in their first year, and Hebrew classes are slotted into the students’ timetable. That said, Hebrew isn’t just in class – it’s everywhere!
Why is Hebrew important?
While it is possible to navigate around Israel with English, learning the local language is vital to cultural and social integration. It opens doors to making long-life friends and understanding social nuances. Learning Hebrew is also a great way to connect with your Jewish heritage and traditions.
For Naale students, Hebrew is also crucial academically. They learn their school subjects predominantly in Hebrew, and some elective courses (separate to foundational courses) require a specific level of Hebrew.
But that doesn’t mean we throw you in the deep end! Naale students are tested in easier Hebrew, get more time in tests and Hebrew spelling isn’t graded.
It’s The Perfect Chance
Whether or not your teenager stays in Israel post Naale, the experience of learning Hebrew as a teenager will benefit them in many different ways. It does – after all – help the brain! They’ll have made new friends from all over the world by having Hebrew as a common language, and gained an additional cultural view on the world.
Ultimately, ulpan is key to experiencing Israel to the fullest!
