Hebrew 3-week Immersion Program
Our 3-week Program at the School of Hebrew is designed for learners who want to fully immerse themselves in Hebrew through Middlebury’s intensive language environment for three weeks instead of seven.
Hebrew Lifelong Learners Program
It’s fast, I mean the best thing about the program for me (other than the fact that I love the people and it’s fun) is it’s fast, you learn fast. And again, I spoke no Hebrew and now, I can have conversations in Hebrew and that’s three weeks…
יום אחד, אני לא מדברת עברית, עכשיו אני מדברת. לא טוב, [אבל]… אני מדברת כל יום. כל יום, כל יום, כל יום, מדברת, מדברת, מדברת. מדברת ברדיו עם גיא, מדברת בקפיטריה, מדברת [עם] חברים שלי, מדברת [עם] המשפחה שלי בלוס אנג’לס. ואני אוהבת [את] בית הספר לעברית במידלברי. אני אוכל בעברית, אני כותבת בעברית, אני [עושה] יוגע בעברית. אני dance ישראלית בעברית.
In Los Angeles, I’m a television comedy writer, and I was afraid when I came that I wouldn’t have any words because I knew how to say “ken,” “lo,” “kelev” and “tuki” and I thought, “I’m not going to have a lot to say about dogs and parrots.”
So, I was nervous but my teacher was so great (I have two teachers) and the people are amazing. Everybody is so patient. I think it’s a great program for all people, but especially people my age. Because, again, I’m a writer for t.v. and I started to worry that my brain wasn’t what it was when I was 20. And I called my husband from here and said, “Oh, it’s still there!” I just needed to sort of take it to the gym and really exercise it. And the funny thing is - I speak French and Italian - and the part of my brain with language opened and for some reason, I had forgotten a lot. All of my Italian and French came back. Truly. I don’t know why. It’s just all connected to the language. And I would be frustrated, because I would want to say “Ma nishma” and I’d go, “Ciao bella, come stai?”. It’s amazing. It opens up your brain. And it’s a huge relief.
It’s busy. You never have to worry, what am I going to do next? I’m either in class or doing homework or having a great time, honestly. And I haven’t worked this hard or danced this much since I was in elementary school.
אני חוזרת שנה הבאה with בעל שלי.
Curriculum Options
3-week students at the School of Hebrew may choose from two different curriculum tracks:
- Traditional Track: students in this curriculum track take classes with the 7-week immersion students, which are designed with college and graduate students in mind, though learners of all ages are welcome to join this track. This track is for those who would like to cover as much material as possible in the shortest amount of time in a traditional classroom environment.
- Lifelong Learner (LLL) Track: The LLL track provides adult learners with experiential, hands-on language learning in a dynamic environment. This track is geared towards adult students who are looking for an immersive, intensive experience that makes Hebrew learning both enjoyable and rewarding. The LLL curriculum is designed for adults and our class materials and activities focus on everyday communication and practical, real-life language acquisition. Our goal is to provide relevant material for adult learners that accelerates fluency with the expert guidance of our dedicated faculty. Examples of classroom activities include navigating daily conversations, reading articles and discussing news and current events, and participating in cultural activities.
Students in the 3-week track will study in classes taught by Middlebury’s experienced School of Hebrew faculty, using curriculum and class materials that are designed to expedite language acquisition. All 3-week students will participate in Middlebury’s renowned Language Pledge® and will study all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. When applying, students from both tracks should choose the 3-week program option on our application and will have the opportunity to discuss their track choice with the School of Hebrew after they are accepted to the program.
Dates
- June 25 - July 16, 2027
See more information on dates and fees.
A Typical Day
All students participate in the full immersive life of the School of Hebrew. Throughout the day, students and professors interact in the classrooms, dining halls, and during cocurricular activities. Daily classroom instruction takes place during the morning hours. In the afternoon and evening, students can attend lectures, performances, and films, all in Hebrew.
Class Placement
Class placement is determined by both an online placement test (taken before arrival to campus) and the student’s previous experience with the Hebrew language. It is recommended that all learners discuss their optimal class placement with the program director.
Application Information
Admission is for one summer and cannot be deferred to a future year. See application information. Please note that academic transcripts are not required for the Lifelong Learner track and you may bypass this requirement on the application, however a letter of recommendation is required. All 3-week students earn one unit of credit (three credit hours) in this program.
Alumni
Joel Green
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Current: Retired
When my wife Rani (who was with me in the Program) came to Middlebury, we thought it would be something special. And as much as we thought it would be special, it was even more wonderful! What we learned in class - what we did outside of class – all in Hebrew - yoga, community storytelling, choir, sports, field trips, and more. And even more wonderful were the people. We came into the program at Level 4 – and tested at an intermediate level. At the end of the 3 weeks, I found my ease and fluency with speaking and engaging, as well as reading and writing, was significantly enhanced. This was also reflected in end of course testing.
Sean Krulewitch
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Current: Security Program Manager
The program gave me a huge boost in my confidence and comprehension skills. Even now, weeks after the program, without actively studying, I’ve noticed a big jump in my listening skills and ability to follow conversations. If you have the opportunity, and can commit the time, just do it! I’m not sure there is a better alternative for the unique and immersive experience at Middlebury. The Language Pledge and the immersive, supportive environment is a really unique experience.
Belinda Lerner
Hometown: New York, NY
Current: Retired attorney
After more than 30 years with the National Football League, I was ready for a new challenge. As a complete beginner, I enrolled in Middlebury’s three-week Hebrew Immersion Program to prepare for future travel and pursue a personal passion. The experience pushed me outside my comfort zone, strengthened my confidence, and gave me memories of Vermont that I will never forget.