Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the Uriel Weinreich Program in Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture?
The Uriel Weinreich Program (also known as the zumer-program) is a six-week intensive program in Yiddish language, literature, and culture that is sponsored by New York University and YIVO Institute for Jewish Research.

Where and when does the zumer-program take place?
The core program will take place from Monday, June 30 through Friday, August 8, 2008 on the Manhattan campus of New York University in New York, NY, USA.

How do I apply to the program?
To apply, download an application form from our website, fill it out, and mail it to the address indicated on the application form. If you have questions or want to receive the application in another format, please contact us.

I do not live in the U.S./ I am not a U.S. citizen. May I apply?
Yes. We have a number of foreign applicants and participants each year, who greatly enrich the program with their presence. Please plan extra time for dealing with visa issues, and let us know if you have any questions.

How much does it cost?
Please see Tuition and Fees.

Are scholarships available?
Applicants are invited to apply for tuition assistance. The scholarship application consists of a scholarship application form, letter of recommendation, and an official transcript (for current or recent students). The scholarship application deadline is March 1, 2008. See Scholarships page for more information.

Is it difficult to be accepted into the zumer-program?
No. The program is non-competitive. You are welcome to participate in whatever level class is appropriate for you (determined by director).

If I get accepted in to the program, does that mean that I will get a scholarship?
No. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee that you will receive a scholarship. If you need financial assistance, you must apply for a scholarship. Each student who chooses to participate is responsible for paying his or her own tuition and fees, whether individually, through YIVO scholarships, other scholarships, and/or a combination of the above.

I don't live in New York. Where can I live during the program?
Students have the option of either arranging their own housing in New York or living in Yidish-hoyz, the on-campus housing option at NYU (cost of Yidish-hoyz is not included in tuition). See Yidish-hoyz for details.

Who attends the program?
Zumer-program attendees range in age from high school students to retired persons, and come from all over the United States, Canada, and other countries, which have included in the past years Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, China, Israel, England, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

Participants come from a variety of Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds. They are graduate and undergraduate students, professors, musicians, actors, writers, rabbis, cantors, Jewish communal workers, social workers, translators, businesspeople, activists, librarians, and more.

Academic

What is the curriculum?
The core curriculum consists of daily grammar and literature classes (1.5 hours each) in the morning, with daily homework assignments. In addition, students are required to attend afternoon conversation classes twice a week, and they are also expected to attend daily afternoon programming which includes lectures in Yiddish and English and workshops on Yiddish song, theatre, and translation.

How intensive is the program?
Students should expect to spend Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM (with breaks) in the program, with homework each night, as well as occasional evening and Sunday excursions. No activities are scheduled on shabes (on Saturday).

Limited time is available for sightseeing or commitments outside the program. Students who receive YIVO scholarships are required to participate in all morning classes, conversation classes, and the majority of other afternoon activities. Maximum participation is also strongly encouraged for students who do not receive YIVO scholarships, in order to ensure maximum learning.

Who are the teachers?
This year's teachers include an international array of Yiddish scholars: Anna Gonshor, Sheva Zucker, Esther Frank, Abraham Lichtenbaum and David Braun.

What levels of study are offered?
Classes are available for Beginners, Intermediate 1 and 2, and Advanced level students. See Academic Program for details about each class.

How do I know which level is right for me?
Read the descriptions of each class on the Academic Program page. The director determines placement based on your writing sample (for Intermediate and Advanced applicants) and previous study of Yiddish and/or other languages. If you find upon starting the program that your class level is not comfortable, you may speak with your instructor.

I don't know the Yiddish/Hebrew alphabet. What do I do?
A free instructional video and learning materials will be sent out in advance of the program to the zumer-program students who are unfamiliar with the Yiddish/Hebrew Alphabet. A Reading Skills Workshop is required for such students and will take place on Sunday, June 29 (the day before regular classes begins).

I know the Hebrew alphabet but I don't know Yiddish. What do I do?
Learning materials on the Yiddish vowel/spelling system. will be sent out in advance of the program to the zumer-program students who know the Hebrew alphabet but are unfamiliar with Yiddish.

My Yiddish is rusty. What do I do?
If you already know some Yiddish and you are not currently using it, plan on studying on your own to prepare yourself for the zumer-program. We also strongly recommend the 2-week Refresher Course for Intermediate and Advanced students. For more information, see Refresher Course.

Will I get credit for the course?
Four credits are offered for the zumer-program. Students must speak to their universities to determine how credits may be transferred.

Can I take the course on a pass/fail basis?
No. The course is offered on a graded basis only.

What To Bring

What kind of clothing should I bring?
You should bring comfortable, lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes for walking, a sweater or light jacket, exercise clothes/swimming suit if desired (pool and exercise facilities will be available), and umbrella.

I will be staying in Yiddish-hoyz. What do I need to bring?
See Yidish-hoyz for details.

Do I need to bring or buy any special supplies for my classes?

Backpack or sturdy bag for your books
Pens and pencils, notebooks, folders
A Yiddish dictionary (or dictionaries) if you already have it. Or, you can buy one here:
Recommended for intermediate/advanced students (on sale with other books):
Laptop computer (if you use it regularly for Yiddish word-processing or other study needs)
Small tape recorder (if you plan to record classes, lectures, or workshops.)

New York

What's the weather/temperature like?
Classrooms (and Yiddish-hoyz) are air-conditioned. Subways and public indoor spaces in NY are generally air-conditioned, but it can range from cool and rainy to very hot and humid (often reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit) outside.

How do I get to NYU?
Please see getting to NYU.

Is it safe?
New York is a densely populated, fast-paced, and diverse city with a visible police presence. There is a 24-hour security presence both at NYU and at YIVO. You will often be asked to show a photo ID card when entering buildings and your belongings may be searched or x-rayed.

Use common sense when making decisions about your safety. Do not go into isolated or badly-lit areas alone, especially at night. Guard your wallet/purse and other belongings. Remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Know where you are going. If you feel uncomfortable alone, go out with a friend or with a group.

How do I get around in New York?
You can walk to many places, such as grocery stores, restaurants, shopping, and parks. There an extensive subway and bus system in New York, as well as many taxis. For more information:
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
New York City Taxi Cabs

What can I do for fun in New York?
The intensive nature of the zumer-program allows only limited time for tourism. Program activities are scheduled for each weekday, as well as occasional Sundays and weeknights. There are no activities scheduled on shabes (on Saturday). For information on Jewish life at NYU and in NY: Jewish Life

There are many things to see and do in New York - historic and ethnic neighborhoods, museums, galleries, films, restaurants, parks, festivals, performance art, etc. For more information, see NYC.gov.