Program overview
The Hebrew program is essentially about learning Hebrew, the official language of Israel. This language is unique—it was once a 'dead language' used only for religious and literary purposes, but was successfully revived in the late 19th century and is now the everyday language of modern Israel. In China, only a few universities offer this major, such as Peking University and Beijing Foreign Studies University, with strong faculty members, many of whom have studied or lived in Israel. You will start from scratch, learning the alphabet and pronunciation. Hebrew letters are like drawings, written from right to left. Core courses include Basic Hebrew, Advanced Hebrew, Grammar, Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. In upper years, you will also study Israeli literature, Jewish culture, Israeli history, and Sino-Israeli relations. Some schools arrange exchange semesters or years in Israel, allowing you to practice speaking locally and experience life on a kibbutz (collective farm). This major suits those who are curious about languages and enjoy challenging niche languages. If you are interested in Middle Eastern history, Jewish culture, tech innovation, or aspire to work in diplomacy, trade, tourism, or academia, Hebrew will open a unique door for you.