Program FAQ
Summer Program
Will the 2026 Summer Program be offered in-person or online?
The 2026 Summer Program will be offered in person at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research in New York City. Those who would like to begin or to continue their Yiddish learning online over the summer are encouraged to enroll in a Summer Semester class, available for the first time in 2026.
If I am an international student, do I need a visa to attend the 2026 Summer Program?
As long as it has been offered, the Summer Program has been enlivened by the international makeup of its students and faculty, and students from outside the United States are encouraged to apply! If you are an international student applying to the 2026 Summer Program, you will need to apply for a J-1 visa to attend. The visa process begins after a student is accepted to the program, and more information about J-1 visas can be found here. Support is available for accepted international students as they navigate the visa process.
I’m a beginning student. Do I need to know the Yiddish alphabet at the start of the program?
The majority of our Summer Program students arrive with some experience of the Hebrew alphabet, which makes learning Yiddish spelling easier. Yiddish uses the Hebrew alphabet, but with a system that is largely phonetic—unlike that of Hebrew. Reading and writing Yiddish require proficiency in the alphabet’s two forms: the printed and the hand-written. For students totally new to this alphabet, we will hold a required online workshop before the start of the program to introduce Yiddish reading and writing.
I’m a complete beginner. Will this program move too fast for me?
Not to worry! Teaching faculty are generous with their time and available to give feedback outside of class. We also offer study hall sessions for one-on-one or group review. Our Academic Director will also be a point of contact for any concerns related to language learning.
Will I have opportunities for faculty mentorship, my own projects, and/or reading Yiddish books outside of class?
Faculty can help students plan their learning goals for the summer and help mentor individual projects.
Students should be warned that the Summer Program is intensive, and usually precludes outside academic projects or part-time jobs. However, if you have a specific research project using materials from the YIVO Archives or Library that you hope to work on during the summer, contact us for further details. Many, though not all, of YIVO’s archival materials are available digitally and may be accessed remotely.
I’m not currently a university student. Will I feel out of place among a lot of 20- and 30-somethings?
We’re proud that YIVO’s educational programs attract a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds. Indeed, many of our students are working on their M.A.s or Ph.D.s, but in recent years, our summer enrollment has spanned from advanced high school students to professionals through retirees. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable learning, regardless of their background.
I’m taking the program for university credit. How do I get an official transcript?
Students can participate in the Summer Program for four university credits. Official transcripts are issued by Bard College and must first be requested from YIVO. For students attempting to transfer credit, please facilitate communication between your home institution and the Bard College registrar. Visit the Bard registrar’s office website for instructions on obtaining a transcript.
What costs are associated with the program?
Tuition for the program is $3,360 USD*. The deadline for financial aid applicants is February 12, 2026. The deadline for general applicants is February 27, 2026. Summer Program tuition does not include costs associated with course materials, housing, travel, living expenses, or visa fees where applicable.
More information about financial aid »
What course materials will I need?
Many of the course materials will be provided by your instructor digitally free of charge. Students are also expected to purchase the required textbooks for their Language and Literature courses. While enrolled in the Summer Program, students will have free access to two online Yiddish dictionaries (both Yiddish-English and English-Yiddish), but some students find it useful to purchase a print copy. The cost of textbooks and dictionaries ranges from $30 to $105 USD, and many are available through the YIVO Store.
What are the policies of the YIVO-Bard Summer Program regarding discrimination?
As a partner of Bard College, YIVO’s educational programs adhere to Bard’s statement of non-discrimination, which ensures equal access to all programs regardless of an individual’s sex, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, veteran status, military status, domestic violence victim status, ex-offender status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Students of and applicants to the Summer Program shall not be subject to discrimination or harassment prohibited by law or otherwise treated adversely based upon a protected characteristic. Similarly, YIVO will not tolerate harassing, violent, intimidating, or discriminatory conduct by its students, employees, or any other member of, or visitor to, the YIVO community.
Refresher Course
I'm interested in taking the Refresher Course. Is it possible to take this course on its own?
Yes! The Refresher Course can be taken on its own. Please fill out the Refresher Course registration form to join.
I'm interested in taking the Refresher Course along with the six-week Summer Program. Do I need to fill out a separate application?
No, applicants for the full six-week Summer Program do not need to fill out the Refresher Course registration form. Instead, applicants must indicate on the Slideroom application that they are interested in attending the Refresher Course.
Am I eligible for financial aid if I'm only taking the Refresher Course?
Financial aid is not available for students just taking the Refresher Course. Please contact Ben Kaplan if you have any questions or concerns about financial aid.
More information about financial aid »
*Total program cost per student is $11,200. All students accepted into the Summer Program automatically receive a $7,840 scholarship, which reduces the maximum tuition responsibility of any student to $3,360. Students may be eligible for an additional tuition reduction ranging from $840 to $3,360.