4-week Middlebury/Israel

Join our new summer program located in both Vermont and Israel that combines the expertise of Middlebury Language Schools, the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning, and Melton World Travel.

Format

This three-and-a-half-week program combines 2-weeks of intensive language study at the School of Hebrew in Middlebury, Vermont, with a 10-day immersive journey through Israel. 

Your studies at Middlebury will prepare you to meet and interact with diverse groups within Israel and to view the culture in a new light, all through the lens of the Hebrew language! 

Anchored by Middlebury’s Language Pledge®, you’ll read, write, listen, and speak exclusively in Hebrew throughout the program—accelerating your linguistic and cultural fluency in a supportive, dynamic learning environment.

Eligibility

Participants should have an intermediate or advanced level of Modern Hebrew. 

If you are a beginner student, you can qualify for the program by completing Middlebury’s 3-week Immersion Program (June 26 - July 17) before the start of Hebrew by Heart.

Dates

• July 20 - August 13, 2026

Participants will arrive to Middlebury’s campus Monday, July 20th. July 21st will be an orientation day in English. Students will join the School of Hebrew from July 22 to August 2 and depart for Israel on August 3rd. The Israel portion of the program ends with a closing ceremony on August 13th.

Cost

• Tuition, Housing, & Food (Middlebury): $4,075*
• Israel Trip: TBA**

*Applicants not eligible for Middlebury’s financial aid.

**We are finalizing pricing and will post soon. The total price will include lodging, most meals, activities, and events in Israel. Airfare, additional travel expenses, and some meals are not included.

Overall Program Highlights

• Benefit from the combination of Middlebury’s expertise in second language acquisition and Melton’s experience in leading worldwide educational trips
• Intensive language learning guided by expert instructors
• Full Modern Hebrew immersion through the Language Pledge®
• Partnership with Melton World Travel to put your learning into practice in Israel
• Cultural experiences that bring Hebrew to life and expose students to diverse cultures and viewpoints within Israel
• Build friendships with students who are passionate about Hebrew

Middlebury, Vermont

• Two weeks of focused Hebrew study located on the Middlebury College campus
• Small classes and personalized instruction with accompanying co-curricular cultural activities
• A vibrant community of language learners

Israel

• Daily interactive Hebrew lessons with trained faculty
• Five-star hotels and planned travel
• Authentic cultural experiences, including:
  • Conversing with different local groups in Hebrew
  • Exploring markets, villages, cities, and local businesses
  • Connecting Hebrew learning in class with real-life in-person experiences
  • Savoring diverse culinary, artistic, and musical traditions
  • And much more!

Registration 

Students register and pay for “Hebrew by Heart” through Melton World Travel. Registration link will be posted soon.  Admissions Steps:

1. Submit the online application through the Melton World Travel Website (see above)
2. Melton and Middlebury will each reach out to you for introductory conversation about the program
3. Middlebury will schedule a brief Hebrew language interview with each applicant for level placement
4. You will receive an email either confirming your acceptance into the program or asking follow-up questions to clarify your participation.

Contact

If you are interested in receiving more information and being on our mailing list, please reach out to Elizabeth Gerner.