Language Studies

Students sitting on lawn at HebrewU

At Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS), we believe that language is the key to understanding a civilization and its society. We are top providers of instruction in Modern Hebrew, Modern Standard Arabic, Literary Arabic, Colloquial Arabic, and Biblical Hebrew and other ancient languages of the Biblical world.

Hebrew

RIS is world-renowned as a pioneer in the teaching of Modern Hebrew through the use of ulpanim (intensive language study programs). The techniques and methods developed here allow you to obtain a high level of language proficiency in a relatively short amount of time. After completing our Modern Hebrew ulpan levels, you will be able to follow Israeli news media and read academic articles in Hebrew.

Arabic

Hebrew University houses one of the top Literary Arabic (Fusha) departments in the world. You can study Literary Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) intensively from the beginner to the advanced level. Colloquial Arabic is offered to undergraduate students.

Ancient Languages

We also offer courses to graduate students in ancient languages of the Biblical world. Biblical Hebrew, Akkadian, and Greek are offered each year, while Aramaic, Ugaritic, and Hittite are offered every few years.
Click here to learn more about language studies at Rothberg.

Other Programs

Additional Areas of Study

Take a look at our pages for prospects, students, faculty and staff, alumni, and parents – or contact us!

TrackSAT ACT Psychometric Test
(General or QE)
Business & English1310 28629
Business & Liberal Arts131028629
English & Liberal Arts102019516
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Spring
Practical Hebrew Beginners 4 credits
Israeli Society3 credits
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Autumn
Practical Hebrew Beginners4 credits
Modern Standard Arabic Beginners 5 credits
Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time and Space3 credits
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Autumn
Practical Hebrew Beginners4 credits
Modern Standard Arabic Beginners 5 credits
Jerusalem: A Journey Through Time and Space3 credits
Pre-Semester Program: “Encountering Jerusalem” 2023-24
Spring
Practical Hebrew Beginners 4 credits
Israeli Society3 credits