Ulpan Etzion is tucked in a corner
of Jerusalem's lovely neighborhood
of Baka, known for its quaint treelined
streets and its buildings of
gold-colored and pink Jerusalem
stone. Israel's first ulpan, Ulpan
Etzion was established in 1949.
Catering to young, single olim, the Absorption
Center halls are abuzz with the comings
and goings of busy professionals from around
the world. These new immigrants are given an
opportunity for social networking, Hebrew study, and a supportive
initiation into Israeli society.
The Ulpan serves residents and non-resident
immigrants. Students are divided into several
levels, and lessons are held for five hours a
day, five days a week for a period of five months.
Qualified Ministry of Education instructors
use technological aids and equipment, including
videos, computers and an audio laboratory.
Special units on Jewish culture and Israeli society
are integrated into the curriculum.
Ulpan Etzion is situated in Jerusalem, Israel's
capital and spiritual center. Convenient to the city's
commercial areas, popular entertainment venues
and institutes of higher learning, the neighborhood
of Baka also boasts its own lively social life.
Home to a large number of immigrants, many of
them academics, the area hosts cafes and clubs,
as well as synagogues catering to all religious
streams and ethnic backgrounds.
Ulpan Etzion offers regular lecture series, parties,
hikes, trips and other extra-curricular activities.
Residents may relax in the lounge, television
room, or take advantage of the internet access in
the computer room.
Residents, olim between the ages of 21-35
are university graduates. There
are two five-month sessions each year: January
15 - June 15, and July 15 - December 15. Students are accepted
only for those sessions and must pre-pay for accommodations
and board. With a charming old building
surrounded by trees and gardens at
its center, the complex consists of a dining
room, dorm rooms, classrooms and other
educational and cultural facilities. There are separate
men and women's floors, and two to
three occupants live in each dorm room,
which include basic furnishings. Bathroom
and shower facilities are located
on each floor. The dining room serves
three kosher meals and two snacks daily
at scheduled times, and vegetarian food is available.
Telephones, washing machines and a dryer
are available on the premises.
The Absorption Center staff is available 24
hours a day, and accompany the immigrant at
every stage of the ulpan. The professional
staff assist the immigrant residents
in such areas as finding a home, employment and
retraining programs.
Studying together in a Hebrew class.
In the computer room.
Studying in a two person dorm room.