I’ve noticed quite a few people finding their way to this site because they’re interested in more information about Ulpan Gordan in Tel Aviv, Israel. I’ll consider this post as part one of more to come.

As a student in Ulpan Gordon, I thought I’d post a few bits of information you might not find elsewhere.

Right now, the Education Ministry in Israel is attempting to shut down most of the ulpans across the country. It’s rumored that Gordon will stay active. See the article in Haaretz here for more information as to why they’re closing.

Gordon is starting to see an influx of students who are commuting into Tel Aviv because of the closures and therefore, I believe, the school should be providing clearer information about the school. Unfortunately, most of the information online is outdated.

Here is the most recent and accurate contact information:

Ulpan Gordon
7 Lasalle St, Tel Aviv 63409
Telephone: 03-5223095, Fax 03-5242884
ulpan.gordon@012.net.il
hadas.goren@012.net.il

The pamphlets provided by the school haved not been updated to reflect a change in the classes. Gordon has added a course of study designed for tourists or non-immigrants. All of the intensive classes currently offered are listed below:

Tourists/Non-Immigrant/Olim Wanting Short Study Grade A (aleph) (The class I’m currently enrolled.)
3 months, 4 days a week (Monday-Thursday)
9:00 am - 12:50 pm
Cost: 2100 shekel (Approximately $580 USD)

5 months, 5 days a week (Sunday-Thursday)
8:15am-12:45 pm
Grade A & B (aleph & bet)

6 months, 5 days a week
17:00-20:15
Grade A (aleph)

Beginners class (Level A/aleph) start every month according to demand. Right now the demand is very high at Gordon because of other ulpans closing.

If you need more detailed information regarding the cost of the longer classes, don’t be shy to call the office directly. I don’t think they respond to emails quickly (if at all) so it’s best to just dial the phone. They may be a little gruff but will relay all the information you need to decide which course is best for you. Don’t forget to adjust for the Israeli time zone!

Five Tips When Starting Kita Aleph At Ulpan Gordon

1. Learn the Hebrew alphabet before you arrive!

Do yourself a favor and start the course with at least this knowledge in hand. Be sure to learn the block letters and handwritten (or cursive) forms. You’ll only learn how to write in the handwritten form but will also be expected to read the block form too. Two websites demonstrating block letters are here and cursive is here.

2. Sign up for your class at least one month in advance.

The ladies on the phone might tell you that you can show up a week before the class starts and walk right in. This is true, ordinarily. But are you willing to run the risk of showing up and not having a seat?

With the ulpan structure changing in Israel, the classes are filling up FAST. If you have a friend or family member in Israel, provide them with your passport and credit card number to enroll you in advance of your arrival. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for someone to drop out of the course. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to wait for someone to drop out. If you’re starting with little to no knowledge of Hebrew when you arrive, you’ll need to start from day one. Missing even a few days of class will put you deep into the clueless zone.

3. The book costs extra.

Yeah. It irked me too. After two weeks, we were expected to purchase a workbook for 65 shekel. Don’t let this come as a shock (like it did for me). Every teacher has their own workbook preference so I won’t bother listing the name of mine here. I do know that the ulpan will sell the workbook to you much cheaper than a bookstore will. Don’t mess around and just buy it from Gordon.

4. Be prepared to study.

Just showing up to class isn’t enough. It’s an intensive course. The key word is INTENSIVE. The three month course is essentially a condensed version of the five month class. If you want to stay afloat, you’re going to need to study. If you already know how to read Hebrew, then you’re a huge step ahead of a lot of students. If you don’t know how to read Hebrew or have never spoken Hebrew, be prepared to clock some after school hours. For some it’s a piece of cake. For others (like me) it takes a lot more effort.

5. 30 minute break starts at 10:00 am. Bring shekels for coffee!

This may be the most important tip of all. By the time you reach your 10:00 am break, you’ll be feigning for more caffeine. Strangely, no amount of caffeine prior to class is enough to prepare your mind for the first hour of class. You’ll inevitably need more. There are two automatic coffee machines in the first floor. One is two shekels and the other is three shekels per cup. I suggest taking wich ever line is shorter as I haven’t found much difference between the two machines.

Write to me via the contact link at the top of this site or write me at jami0821 at gmail dot com with any questions you may have.

You can also subscribe to post updates via email here.

Popularity: 65% [?]

Related Posts You May Enjoy!