Before selecting a course, you should decide if you want to learn the biblical Hebrew that is used in reading the scriptures and prayers or the modern Hebrew used for speaking and reading newspapers in Israel and other places. Courses in both types are available periodically at synagogues, temples, Y's, community centers and adult education programs. There also are courses given in colleges, such as Hunter College in New York, which offers an extensive undergraduate program. Another possibility is Brandeis University in Waltham MA, known for its Hebrew Language Summer Institute. Additional programs are offered at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and American Jewish University in Los Angeles, as well as at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In all of these, you go to a given classroom and meet directly with an instructor.
Online courses in Hebrew are also available. Look for ulpanet, which uses an interactive manner with Israeli Hebrew instructors. The program is available in English, French, Russian, Spanish and Arabic. CDs and workbooks can be used to supplement the computer work. Another possibility is Zionism on the Web. This program uses audio and pictures that can be downloaded for free. Also consider online courses through universities such as University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, New York University's regular campus as well as continuing ed, and Ohio State University, Columbus Ohio.
Distance Learning courses can be taken through UNISA, the University of South Africa. These include classical as well as modern Hebrew. They cover Hebrew for business purposes, ancient readings and religious practices. Briercrest Seminary in Canada teaches ancient Hebrew with facilities for live discussion. The University of Wisconsin is another possibility. Hebrew University of Jerusalem allows eteacher to give distant courses that they accept for credit. These include modern and biblical Hebrew and are available at all levels. You learn to read, speak and write at your own pace.
This is an audio based course given on four CDs for $9.95, as of the date of publication. It is filled with conversation to help you understand the structure of the language. You learn to recognize words and phrases. Many students learn to speak a bit of Hebrew in ten days using this method.
If feasible, a trip to Israel to participate in an ulpan is an ideal way to master Hebrew. This is a concentrated study where you go out into the surroundings and actually use the language in daily life at the same time as receiving extensive formal instruction.
Ulpan Aviv is a private ulpan in Jerusalem. It uses a unique method of Hebrew language instruction in English, a combination of individualized and comprehensive instruction supplemented by four CDs.