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.

Hebrew/Ulpan

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.

Culture/Recreation

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.

Accommodations

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.

Services

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.

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Last updated: Thursday, September 25, 2003