Application FAQ
U.S. Applicants
When does the program take place?
The 2024 Summer Program runs from June 24 – August 2.
What do I need to complete my application?
If you are a current or recently graduated student (undergraduate or graduate) you will need an official 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 generally from people with experience with you as a student of language or of the humanities.
Do I need a writing sample?
If you’ve taken any level of Yiddish before, you can 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 would best learn in our program.
What financial aid am I eligible for?
Anyone participating in the program, whether currently a student in an academic institution or not, is eligible to apply for financial aid. Applicants accepted into the program may be eligible for full or partial tuition waivers, ranging in value from $775 to $3,100 USD*. Learn more about financial aid availability.
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 2024 Summer Program runs June 24 – August 2.
Do I need a visa to attend YIVO’s program?
International students who attend the 2024 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 2024, you should apply by the international deadline but 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?
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.
What do I need to complete my application?
You’ll need an official university transcript and one (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, graduate advisor, or other mentor. The most helpful letters are generally from people who have experience with you as a student of language or of the humanities.
Do I need a writing sample?
If you’ve taken any level of Yiddish before, you can 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 would best learn in our program.
Do you offer scholarships to international students?
Yes! We offer up to two full scholarships to students from regions where Yiddish was historically spoken, such as Central and Eastern Europe. These scholarships cover tuition, airfare, housing, and a small living stipend during the program. While these scholarships are extremely competitive, we also offer partial or full tuition waivers. Learn more about financial aid availability.
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 $10,300. All students accepted into the Summer Program receive a $7,200 scholarship, which reduces the maximum tuition responsibility of any student to $3,100. Students may be eligible for additional tuition waivers ranging from $775 to $3,100.