Program Logistics

Academics

All students must fully participate in the program for its seven-week duration. Attendance at all classes and many extracurricular activities is required.

Language classes meet for three hours a day, Monday to Friday, with homework assignments averaging two hours a night. Students are eligible to earn four credits through the University of Massachusetts Amherst for completion of the language course. 

Beginner students also take an Introduction to Yiddish Culture course, for which they can earn up to two credits through the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Intermediate students can enroll in the Introduction to Yiddish Culture course or work as interns on Center projects, such as oral history or collections curation. Intermediate students who choose the internship option receive a $1,500 stipend.

Sample Daily Schedule (Weekdays)

9 a.m.–12 p.m. Language classes
12–1:30 p.m. Lunch and Yiddish conversation hour
1:30–3:30 p.m. Culture classes/projects
4–5 p.m. Oral history workshop
or 3:45–4:45 p.m. Intermediate seminar
7–9 p.m. Potluck dinner

Outside of classes, Steiner students take part in a full schedule of social events, including hikes, film screenings, lunches, and potluck dinners. However, there are no program activities on Saturdays, and any extracurricular activities on Sundays will be optional.

Housing and Dining

Classes and program activities take place at the Yiddish Book Center, which is adjacent to Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Students are housed in gender-inclusive Hampshire College dormitories within walking distance of the Center. All students must live in the dorms while participating in the program, even if they live locally. Dormitories will have single bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and a kitchen/kitchenette. Please note: dorm food spaces are not kosher. 

Because of Hampshire College’s rural location, there is limited local bus service during the summer and few amenities within walking distance. We recommend bringing a car or a bicycle if you have one. 

Please revisit this page later this winter for more information about this year’s dining options. If you have concerns about severe allergies or dietary accommodations, please contact [email protected]. 

Program Costs

The Yiddish Book Center covers tuition, required textbooks, and the cost of program activities. Students are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the program. The cost of food will vary depending on the available dining options, but will likely not exceed $1,000. 

Beginner students are responsible for the costs of their housing (approximately $1,800), with subsidies available based on need. The Yiddish Book Center is committed to making the program accessible to every student regardless of financial circumstances.

Intermediate students who work as interns receive a subsidy to cover their housing cost, plus the $1,500 stipend. Intermediate students who enroll in the culture course, rather than the internship, do not receive a housing subsidy or stipend, and will be responsible for the cost of housing.

International students are responsible for their visa application fees (approximately $350) and SEVIS fees ($180).