Academics

Academics

Before the program, prospective students are sorted into levels ranging from complete beginner to advanced. Applicants beyond the beginner level will submit a Yiddish writing sample as part of their application. Faculty will then review the writing samples and, when necessary, conduct brief interviews with prospective students to determine each student’s language level.

Every morning, all students will participate in a Language class and a Literature class; students will also attend a Conversation (shmues) class three times a week in the early afternoon. The remainder of the afternoons will be filled by seminars, electives, and special lectures. In a typical summer, evenings are devoted to completing class assignments and attending special events. Some students also choose to spend free time pursuing research in the YIVO Archives and Library.

A typical student's weekday schedule for the 2026 program (subject to change) might look like this:

Note that all times are in EDT. (What time is that for me?)
Please check back for updates on the full 2026 schedule.