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Getting Started and Requirements

Q: I’m brand new to genealogy. Where should I start?

A: We recommend our foundational courses or a Virtual Conversation to get started.

Q: What technology do I need?

A: You’ll need a computer, stable internet connection, and a JewishGen account.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions before enrolling?

A: Email us at: [email protected]. We’re here to help you choose the best learning path.

Registration and Policies

Q: How do I register for a course or service?

A: Select your course or service on our website and follow the secure checkout process. You’ll receive a transaction receipt and further instruction by email.

Q: Do courses fill up?

A: Yes. Seats are limited so that every student receives personal attention and support. Early registration is recommended.

Q: What is your refund or transfer policy?

A: All transactions are “donations” and are non-refundable. If you have questions about a class or service, please contact us at: [email protected] before you register.

Q: What if I can’t attend class at the scheduled time?

A: Classes are open 24/7. There are no refunds or adjustments.

Learning Expectations

Q: Will I receive feedback or support during the course?

A: Yes. We provide individual support in all our Mentored Courses and Study Groups. For personal research projects, students use their data along with course-recommended databases.

Q: Will I have access to course materials after the course ends?

A: Course materials are yours to download and keep. Forum access remains open for 2 weeks after course completion.

Q: Can I share my research?

A: Yes. Students are encouraged to publish their work in our E-Gallery, which features student projects and discoveries.

Courses and Lecture Series

Q: What is a Mentored Course?

A: A flexible, self-paced, 24/7 online course led by an expert JewishGen instructor. Each course takes place in a secure, private online forum and includes written lessons or handouts. Students focus on one ancestral branch (one surname) and set specific research goals.

NOTE: Our Advanced courses require a place of former residence or birth and your ancestor's names.

Q: What is an Interactive Lecture Series?

A: Experiential learning courses with a mix of traditional lecture and hands-on opportunities.

Q: What are Peer Study Groups?

A: Subject-specific classes that encourage collaborative learning. Students work together to define and explore research problems, while sharing strategies and insights.

Specialized Services

Q: What are Virtual Conversations?

A: 45-minute Zoom planning sessions. Work one-on-one with a genealogy expert to set a goal, define objectives, and create a plan for moving forward.

Q: What is Individual Mentoring by the Week?

A: Weekly Zoom support for research challenges in your family history. Meet one-on-one with a genealogy expert to:

• learn databases
• work on a brick wall
• review and analyze records
• stay focused on your research goals
• and more

Our weekly sessions are flexible, hands-on, and designed around your research goals. Choose the start date and time that works for you.

Q: Can I request a course on a specific topic or country?

A: Yes. With Courses by Request, choose any subject or country and we’ll match you with an instructor. Set your start date and work one-on-one for three consecutive weeks.

Or let JewishGen Education custom design a course for you.

Q: What are your Hire Us services?

A: We offer two "Hire Us" specialized services:

• Family History Book Making: Create a digital or hardcover book from your Ancestry or Family Tree Maker research.
• Researcher for Hire: Let JewishGen research for you. Project scope and costs are discussed on an individualized basis.

Q: What is the VAS discount?

A: JewishGen Value-Added Services (VAS) are a special “Thank You” to all who contribute a minimum of $100 annually to the JewishGen General Fund.

As an added benefit, VAS members receive a one-time $18 discount toward enrollment. VAS discounts are only valid for select eligible courses and are automatically applied at registration.