Hi Leah, I, too, moaned about having to take the Hebrew courses to become an English teacher. As the mother of young kids I had to pay for a babysitter in the afternoons especially to be able to attend. However, in the long run I am extremely glad that I did the courses. They gave me important background knowledge that has been important as a teacher, as a parent to Israeli kids and also as a citizen of the country. You should know that while you are required to pass the exams - course attendance is NOT obligatory. I know of more than one person who got a detailed list of course requirements, studied with friends and some Israeli students, took private lessons and passed the exams quite easily without attending the courses. They are not really difficult and I do understand their relevance. Best wishes, Judi G ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------