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 kitchenette. All students are enrolled in the Hampshire dining hall meal plan. Please note: dorm spaces and the Hampshire dining hall 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, the cost of program activities, and subsidizes the mandatory meal plans. Students are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from the program. Beginner students are responsible for the costs of their housing, approximately $1,800. The cost of the Hampshire dining hall meal plan is approximately $1,200.
The Yiddish Book Center is committed to making the program accessible to every student regardless of financial circumstances. Housing and dining subsidies are available based on need.
Intermediate students who work as interns receive a subsidy to cover their housing cost, plus the $1,500 stipend.
International students are responsible for their visa application fees (approximately $350) and SEVIS fees ($180).
