The short answer is yes! Our staff at UTime College knows olim vatikim (long-time immigrants) who’ve lived in Israel for 20-25 years without learning to read or write Hebrew.
Just as you can live in Spain without knowing Spanish or in France without French, you can also get by in Israel with minimal Hebrew. However, the situation is different from countries like Germany, where language skills are crucial for obtaining residency and citizenship.
In Israel, your citizenship and access to rights and subsidies are not dependent on your Hebrew proficiency. You can live here for decades and still communicate at a basic level. But what about career opportunities? Many long-term residents who haven’t learned Hebrew find themselves limited to certain job sectors.
Why do many cleaning and security companies post job ads primarily in Russian, with only occasional ads in English and rarely in French, despite the growing number of French-speaking immigrants? This reflects a broader trend in the job market where language skills can significantly impact employment opportunities.
The current wave of aliyah (immigration) is distinct from previous ones. Like the Fifth Aliyah of the 1930s, which saw many educated and wealthy professionals from Germany, today’s immigrants include a vibrant mix of top-tier professionals: engineers, economists, IT specialists, and entrepreneurs. This new aliyah brings with it high expectations and the potential for significant impact on Israeli society and the economy.
Dima Shtrikman (in the picture on the left), a graduate of UTime College’s Rishon Le-Tzion branch, and his classmate Ilya Ryvkin (in the picture on the right), are examples of successful new immigrants who mastered Hebrew and launched their own businesses within their first year in Israel.
Conversely, Tatyana, a student from the Bat-Yam branch of Ulpan Bet, faced challenges due to her initial lack of Hebrew skills. Despite her professional background in banking, she found herself working as a cleaner. It wasn’t until she committed to learning Hebrew that she was able to advance in her career.
Understanding Hebrew can transform your career prospects in Israel. Many students in Ulpan Bet are in similar situations, having lived in Israel for several years before deciding to invest in Hebrew education. The state subsidizes Ulpan courses for immigrants who have been in the country for up to 10 years, so it’s never too late to start.
In Israel, as in other countries, proficiency in the local language is key to accessing better job opportunities. Without it, your options might be limited to less skilled positions.
Enrollment is currently open for Ulpan Aleph and Bet at all UTime College locations.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future and career in Israel!
Ulpan classes are held twice a week with small group sizes (up to 12 people). Evening classes are available for working new immigrants.
Details by phone 03-5757295
Enroll in Ulpan today and take the first step toward a successful future in Israel!
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