Application FAQ
U.S. Applicants
When does the program take place?
The 2025 Summer Program runs from June 22 – August 1.
How do I submit my application?
YIVO receives applications to the Summer Program through SlideRoom, an online platform for application submission. If you have any questions about how to use this application portal, please email info@yivo.org.
What do I need to complete my application?
If you are a current or recently graduated student (undergraduate or graduate) you will need a university transcript. In addition, all applicants must submit one (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, graduate advisor, mentor, or colleague. The most helpful letters are from people with experience as your teacher of Yiddish or another language.
Do I need a writing sample?
If you plan to enroll in any level past Beginner, you will submit a Yiddish writing sample (typed in a Yiddish program or handwritten and attached as a .pdf) to the “documents” section of the Slideroom application. This will help the application review committee assess at what language level you will be placed in our program.
What financial aid am I eligible for?
Any applicant, whether currently a student in an academic institution or not, may apply for financial aid. Applicants accepted into the program who demonstrate financial need may be offered a full or partial tuition reduction, ranging in value from $800 to $3,200 USD.* A limited number of scholarship packages may be awarded on a need/merit basis to cover tuition and/or expenses for living, travel, and course materials.
In order to help the greatest number of students, we ask that you look into other areas of funding as well.
- If you are a student at a university, please check with your department to see if they can assist you in any way.
- Whether or not you are in a Jewish Studies program check to see if they can help you.
- Check with your Foreign Languages Department(s) to see if they can help, whether or not they offer Yiddish.
- If you are enrolled in a U.S. institution of higher learning, you may be eligible to apply for a Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship (FLAS). The deadlines and rules vary from school to school, so begin working on this immediately. Check with your Foreign Languages Department/Program to see if your school offers one. Learn more at the FLAS website.
- Check with the Hillel, or other Jewish student groups at your school.
- Check with your local Jewish Federation, either in your home city or where you go to school, or both.
I’ve missed the financial aid deadline, but I’d still like to be considered for assistance. Is this possible?
We give financial aid priority to students who apply by the financial aid deadline, but if you have a question about whether you may still be eligible, please contact us. Please note that students who do not request financial aid allow us to help the greatest number of qualified students attend our program.
I’ve missed the program application deadline, but I’d still like to be considered for the program. Is this possible?
While we give priority to students who apply by the program application deadline, please contact Ben Kaplan to see what accommodations can be made for late applicants.
International Applicants
When does the program take place?
The 2025 Summer Program runs June 22 – August 1.
Do I need a visa to attend YIVO’s program?
International students who attend the 2025 Summer Program online do not need a visa. International students attending the program in person will need a J-1 visa.
If you are an international student not currently enrolled at an American institution of higher learning and are accepted to the YIVO-Bard Summer Program, YIVO will help you apply for a J-1 visa to attend the program. Learn more about the J-1 here.
If you are currently enrolled at an American institution of higher learning and are in the U.S. on an F-1 visa that extends through summer 2025, you should apply by the international deadline but you will not need to apply for an additional student visa.
Can I attend the program on a B visa?
No. Only F-1 and J-1 visas are acceptable for temporary study in the United States.
I am Canadian. Do I need a visa to attend the program in person?
If you are Canadian, you do not need a visa, but you still must complete visa paperwork in order to generate a DS-2019, the certificate of eligibility for exchange visitor status. You will present this document when you cross the border.
How do I submit my application?
YIVO receives applications to the Summer Program through SlideRoom, an online platform for application submission. If you have any questions about how to use this application portal, please email info@yivo.org.
What do I need to complete my application?
If you are a current or recently graduated student (undergraduate or graduate) you will need a university transcript. In addition, all applicants must submit one (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, graduate advisor, mentor, or colleague. The most helpful letters are from people with experience as your teacher of Yiddish or another language.
Do I need a writing sample?
If you plan to enroll in any level past Beginner, you will submit a Yiddish writing sample (typed in a Yiddish program or handwritten and attached as a .pdf) to the “documents” section of the Slideroom application. This will help the application review committee assess at what language level you will be placed in our program.
Do you offer scholarships to international students?
Yes! We offer a limited number of full scholarship packages to students from regions where Yiddish was historically spoken, such as Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to applicants from other countries. These scholarship packages cover tuition, airfare, housing, and a small living stipend during the program. While these packages are extremely competitive, we also offer partial or full tuition reduction.
In order to help the greatest number of students, we ask that you look into other areas of funding as well.
- If you are a student at a university, please check with your department to see if they can assist you in any way.
- Whether or not you are in a Jewish Studies program check to see if they can help you.
- Check with your Foreign Languages Department(s) to see if they can help, whether or not they offer Yiddish.
- Check with the Hillel, or other Jewish student groups at your school.
- Check with your local Jewish Federation, either in your home city or where you go to school, or both.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. All international students attending the program in person must purchase health insurance for the duration of the program. A list of Bard College-approved insurance providers will be provided upon acceptance to the Summer Program.
*Total program cost per student is $10,600. All students accepted into the Summer Program automatically receive a $7,400 scholarship, which reduces the maximum tuition responsibility of any student to $3,200. Students may be eligible for an additional tuition reduction ranging from $800 to $3,200.