Since my readers might not know very much about Israel, here is a quick overview of where I'll be going and what I'll be doing:
What is an Ulpan?
An ulpan is a school for Hebrew and Israeli history and culture. In this context, it is also a kibbutz, a collective farm (usually a farm) where students live, work, and study.
You can find out more about the program here, if you want to go yourself. :)
Where Will You Be?
I will be attending the ulpan at
Sde Eliyahu. It's located between Jordan and the West Bank, which means quite a trip from Tel Aviv: students are not permitted to leave the country throughout the duration of their stay at the ulpan.
What Will You be Doing?
For three days out of the week, I will be working wherever I'm needed. Three other days will be devoted to classroom learning, and Saturday will be Shabbat, the day of rest. This is enforced throughout the country, and bus lines and highways shut down, as well as shops. Every two weeks or so, we are free to wander about on Saturdays. I will be spending some of those with friends of the family. There will also be 'field trips' to various sites all over Israel, including Haifa and Jerusalem.
Any further questions? Feel free to ask!