The ulpan demands approximately 24 hours of in class study a week, and expects students to practice and complete homework as assigned. I wish I had studied harder on kibbutz. The reason such an emphasis is placed on Hebrew is because during the remainder of the program, participants are forced to communicate with Israeli adults and youth who don't speak English well or at all. Thus, the more Hebrew you know, and the more you utilize the protective ulpan environment to maximize your efforts, the more you'll enjoy the rest of the program. This means that the program demands a commitment to the educational program just as it demands a commitment to work aspect.
Participants see most of the country.
There are group trips from time to time held in order to introduce participants to various geographic areas. Israeli society unfamiliar to tourists and native born residents alike. Participants are encouraged to spend shabbatot, holidays, and free time with adoptive families. There are two planned vacation breaks during the year - winter and Passover. Each lasts approximately a week.