Redefining Language Education at Hebrew University
Since its establishment in 2017, the Faculty of Humanities’ Language Center has been at the forefront of language education in Israel, ushering in a new era of language proficiency and pluricultural competence. Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), its innovative curriculum redefines language learning as a dynamic, personalized, and autonomous journey. The first of its kind in Israel’s higher education landscape, the Center transcends traditional language instruction; it integrates oral and written proficiency with global communication skills and cultural fluency, preparing students to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Written By: Keri Rosenbluh
At the Faculty of Humanities’ Language Center, language learning isn’t just about memorizing vocabulary and conjugating verbs; it’s an immersive, enriching experience that fosters connections and personal growth. Implementing a dynamic approach to language learning, the Center emphasizes authentic experiences and practical proficiency, focusing on real-life tasks to develop essential language skills. Through specially designed courses, students are empowered to communicate effectively in their target language and navigate diverse cultural contexts with confidence.
An Innovative Approach
Innovation is at the core of Hebrew University’s Language Center, where Director Chaya Fischer has spearheaded the university’s transformative shift in language education since the Center’s inception. Fischer emphasizes the evolution of the action-oriented approach within higher education, alongside traditional philological specialization. “In addition to learning about languages, there is a heightened need and demand for knowing how to use the language, generating a more communicative, social, and cognitive approach to language acquisition.” This evolving pedagogical landscape, having first taken shape abroad in the early 2000s, has significantly influenced the Center’s innovative methodology.
The Language Center draws inspiration from the expertise of esteemed university partners worldwide, such as Freie Universität Berlin, emphasizing genuine and immersive language learning experiences. Rooted in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), its curriculum prioritizes practical proficiency and real-world application, ensuring students engage in authentic language tasks from day one. “Learning outcomes are defined by what learners can do in the target language,” says Fischer. This action-oriented approach empowers students to communicate effectively and thrive in diverse linguistic environments.
So how does it work? “Instead of relying on artificial sentences found in typical language textbooks,” explains Fischer, “students are prompted to engage in authentic language use from the start, while keeping in mind the academic, professional, and social domains.” The curriculum focuses on real-life tasks ranging from apartment-hunting abroad, corresponding professionally via email, or synthesizing sources to write a review or opinion piece, through careful progression as laid out by the international standards. Even at the elementary level, students make decisions and justify their choices entirely in the target language.
While some may misinterpret this approach as neglectful of grammatical knowledge, in fact, grammar, syntax, and accuracy remain vital. Yet rather than frontal instruction, the reverse-engineered curriculum encourages learners to conduct active analysis and actively formulate grammar rules drawn from authentic texts, leading to more effective learning outcomes.
As for the methodology, learning relies on what is known in the field as a “flipped classroom” approach. Students take charge of their language journey through independent study, engaging with self-paced modules outside of class, and benefiting from teacher-guided, practical application in class. “This is not just nice to have or a recommendation,” says Fischer, “this flipped approach to language learning is extremely systematic and rigorous. It demands self-awareness and discipline, transforming the learning process into an autonomous journey and maximizing class time.”
Diverse Learning Frameworks
Hebrew University’s Language Center serves approximately 800 students in the humanities every semester, and caters to hundreds more from other faculties of HUJI and beyond, offering the opportunity to gain proficiency in at least one additional foreign language beyond English by the time they graduate. Currently, the Language Center boasts an internationally diverse team of 25 highly qualified instructors teaching a range of courses in eight modern languages, selected based on academic demand and global relevance: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish, with Korean soon to join the list.
Given that many Israeli students have had limited exposure to foreign languages beyond English, all courses start at level A1, with students typically advancing to a B1+ proficiency level. By aligning its curriculum with global CEFR standards, the Language Center ensures seamless integration into subsequent language levels at universities worldwide, encouraging the mobility of students. Many opt to further their proficiency through the university’s robust student exchange program, transferring credit upon their return.
For those not enrolled in the core curriculum courses in the Faculty of Humanities, the Language Center runs Safot@HUJI, an initiative offering extracurricular language training for motivated students across all Hebrew University faculties, staff, and the general public. Held as evening courses at the university’s Edmond J. Safra campus, Safot@HUJI currently provides language enrichment opportunities in Spanish, French, German, and spoken Arabic, with the potential for additional languages upon demand. Courses reflect a similar CEFR curriculum, while designed to accommodate the busy lifestyles of their diverse participants.
Tailored Learning Paths
Recognizing the value of customized learning, the Center places emphasis on providing personalized attention and support to students. With intimate class sizes typically capped at 25 participants, instructors are able to establish personal connections and cultivate a vibrant classroom community.
Moreover, by prioritizing autonomous engagement with the material, teachers assume the role of learning facilitators as opposed to lecturers, allowing them to closely observe and address the unique needs of each learner.
Complementing personalized classroom interaction, the Center offers Language Learning Advising (LLA) to optimize students’ learning outcomes. Dedicated advisors work one-on-one with students to develop customized learning plans tailored to their academic goals. Whether it involves time management or addressing language proficiency disparities, advisors empower students to take ownership of their language learning.
Authentic Language Tandems
Semester-long tandems offer further authenticity to the process, by pairing students with native speakers of their target language for mutually beneficial language and cultural exchange. For example, a student learning Chinese is matched with an exchange student from China. During one-hour tandem sessions, the two converse in Chinese and Hebrew.
Despite not being credited, the motivation for language tandems is high. “The tandems foster organic conversations that don’t necessarily take place within the classroom,” shares Fischer, “and they often serve as a basis for lasting relationships.”
In describing the authenticity of his Hebrew-Arabic tandem experience, former participant Alon Reichman reflects that “Once we got to know each other better, we felt comfortable asking more sensitive questions, the kind that foster understanding and deeper connection.” Similarly, Yarden Henik highlights the lasting nature of her Hebrew-Arabic tandem partnership: “My partner and I are still in touch today. Sometimes we consult about a language-related topic, but usually we just check in with each other or wish each other a happy holiday. The relationship is so much more than language practice; it’s about making a genuine connection.”
Collaboration Across Disciplines
Strategically situated within the Faculty of Humanities, the Language Center provides essential language training to diverse students, though students outside of the humanities are less likely to take advantage of the Center’s offerings due to curriculum constraints.
To address this, the Language Center collaborates with various university departments and faculties to develop innovative opportunities for elective language study. For instance, in collaboration with the university’s Diversity and Inclusion Unit and the Faculty of Medicine, the Center offers an elective Arabic/Hebrew training course tailored for a mixed population of Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking medical and nursing students. Through a blend of classroom sessions and practical tasks in hospital wards, this highly successful course equips participants with essential skills for intercultural and multilingual medical practice in the local context.
Comprehensive Teacher Training
In addition to language study, the Center offers comprehensive teacher training to equip language educators with the tools and knowledge to design, implement and lead impactful, relevant, and engaging language instruction.
Initially, the Center’s training program comprised in-house sessions supplemented by collaborations with international partners, allowing teachers to visit universities abroad to observe classrooms, shadow experienced instructors, and gain insights into effective techniques and global trends. Today, after refining its methods through numerous teacher recruitment cycles and collaboration with key global partners, the Language Center’s teacher training program is accessible to participants from across Israel.
Welcoming educators from diverse backgrounds, institutions, and sectors, the program addresses the evolving needs of today’s global language education landscape. Participants can expect to gain the expertise and resources to foster language acquisition and pluricultural competence among students, enabling them to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.
A New Home
As Hebrew University’s language-learning community continues to flourish, the Language Center sets its sights on the next pivotal stage of its development – a dedicated physical space tailored for innovative language education. Designed with classrooms conducive to dynamic, collaborative learning, this inviting space will provide students with access to state-of-the-art language technology and resources for self-directed learning. The vision is to create a communal hub of pluricultural engagement, where diverse individuals and language student groups can participate in independent study and vibrant exchange. Advisors will be available on-site to offer real-time support, with ample language resources readily accessible.
The Center is currently seeking support for this endeavor, aiming to establish a new home in the near future that not only aligns with international standards, but also facilitates its mission of promoting language proficiency and cultural exchange to its fullest potential.
To learn more about Hebrew University’s Language Center, visit us here.
