Why Study Languages?
- Immerse yourself in language study for a year, a semester, or during a short summer or winter session.
- Learn from experienced faculty in the field using English and your target language.
- Study in Jerusalem, a vibrant city with important linguistic, cultural, and historical ties to your target language.
Overview
Graduate students at the Hebrew University’s Rothberg International School (RIS) have the option to study a variety of languages. You can take these languages within the framework of one of our master’s degree programs or as part of our flexible, non-degree study abroad program. Non-degree students can choose to enroll in one or more language courses; they can also choose to study languages only or combine language courses with graduate seminar courses.
Curriculum
We offer the following languages:
Hebrew
Modern Hebrew
Note: Levels are offered based on minimum student registration. Levels with insufficient enrollment will be canceled. Students will receive ample notice of cancellation.
Biblical Hebrew
Arabic
Literary Arabic
Colloquial and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Note: You can enroll in the Arabic Immersion Program or add your name to a wait-list to enroll in stand-alone Modern Standard Arabic courses offered in the Division of Undergraduate Studies. Undergraduate students are given priority enrollment; remaining places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Israeli Student Union also offers language workshops as an extracurricular activity.
Please note that students enrolled in M.A. programs at RIS cannot earn credit for Colloquial or MSA courses.
Other Ancient Languages
- Akkadian (year – Beginner or Intermediate)
- Biblical Aramaic (offered biannually)
- Hittite (offered periodically)
- Ugaritic (offered periodically)
Other Middle Eastern & Islamic Languages
Additional Middle Eastern and Islamic languages are available through HebrewU’s Faculty of Humanities. The language of instruction of these courses is Hebrew. Offerings include languages such as:
- Modern Turkish
- Ottoman Turkish
- Persian
Relevant European Languages
Languages such as French or German are available through HebrewU’s Faculty of Humanities. The language of instruction of these courses is Hebrew.
Course Structure
We normally expect you to study your language(s) for a full academic year, but you may opt to enroll for one semester only if desired. Language courses typically begin in the fall semester; however, in certain cases, you can join us in the spring semester, pending proof of language level and permission of the Division of Graduate Studies.
Credits
We will provide you with a full transcript upon your completion of the program in order to facilitate the transfer of credit to your home university. If you decide to pursue a graduate degree at HebrewU, you may use your language courses to fulfill some of your degree requirements. Learn more about studying abroad or earning your master’s degree with us.
Faculty
Our faculty are internationally respected in their fields. You’ll be taught by both senior faculty members and adjunct lecturers. You will benefit from studying under established scholars and new researchers. Please see our faculty page to learn more.
Practical Details
Study Abroad
The language courses that you take as a part of your semester or year-long study abroad experience will simply be a part of your program. Please see our Study Abroad for Graduate Students page for more information.
Master’s Program
The language courses that you take as part of your master’s degree may be part of the program requirements. Please see your master’s degree program page for more information.
Summer & Short-Term
For information on short summer or winter sessions, please click on your course of interest from the list under the Curriculum section above.
Contact
Email the Division of Graduate Studies
Call us: +972 2 588 3482
Our Strengths
We offer courses and programs in a variety of fields, with a focus on social and political sciences, Israel and the Middle East, languages, religion, fine and performing arts, business and legal studies, and STEM.
