Short Term Programs
CHANGE THE WAY YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE!
See the Biblical texts come to life as you exlpore the land of the Patriarchs, the Prophets, Jesus and the Apostles.
Don't just "tour" the Land of the Bible but learn from top Biblical scholars. The University of the Holy Land has specialized in bringing the Bible to life experientially as well as academically for students and visiting guests for close to 40 years. For those wanting more than a standard tour, we offer life-changing short-term immersion programs that will personnaly acquaint you with the physical geography, historical background, and cultural context of the Bible.
ISRAEL
Historical Geography of the Bible 1
“From Dan to (south of) Beersheba”! (1 Kings 4:25) This course is designed to examine Biblical history in its geographical context. The country is examined first as a whole and then on a regional basis, observing how the character of each region and the routes that passed through it influenced the history of the area.
Attention is given to the imagery used by the Biblical writers in connection with each region, as well as to the contributions of archaeology, other ancient texts, and anthropological models in understanding the Biblical world and its peoples. Readings, map work, and classroom lectures prepare students for their visits to historical/archaeological sites.
The course is offered on the graduate level and includes lectures and thirteen days of field trips. Qualified undergraduates may participate.
Instructor: Dr. Ginger Caessens
Credits: 3 graduate credits
Dates 2025: May 19 – June 8
Cost 2025: $4630 in double or triple room; $1677 single supplement.
Enrollment: Minimum 15; Maximum: 35
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Dates 2026: May 18 – June 8
Cost 2026: TBA
Cost includes full-board (beginning with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last), double or triple occupancy room, transportation on field trip days, course materials and all entry fees and tips. Cost does not include airfare to and from Israel or transfers between the airport and Jerusalem.
JORDAN
Historical Geography of the Bible 2
Lectures and ten days of field trips introduce the student to the rich Biblical history of the area to the east of the Jordan River which has remained unfamiliar to many students of the Bible. Through this area Abraham and Jacob journeyed and Moses and Joshua led the Israelites on their route to the Land of Canaan. Here Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh chose to settle, Saul’s son, Ishbosheth, and later David sought refuge during a times of crisis, and Elijah, John the Baptist, and Jesus ministered. Regions explored include both those that were settled by the Israelites and those of their neighbors, the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Nabateans. See the itinerary for specific sites. Since certain areas are accessible only by jeeps and pick-up trucks, this course is for the adventurous.
Instructor: Dr. Ginger Caessens with Jordanian Guide, Ramzi Samawi
Credits: 2 graduate credits
Dates 2026: June 8 – 26
Cost 2026: TBA
Enrollment: Minimum:15; Maximum: 25
Cost includes full-board (beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day), double or triple occupancy room, transportation between Jerusalem and Amman and on field trips within Jordan, course materials and all entry fees and tips. Cost does not include airfare to and from Israel or transfers between the airport and Jerusalem.
Note: Participants should plan to arrive in Israel before the first day of the program. Those needing assistance in arranging accommodation for the nights before or after the program should contact Dr. Caessens at ginger.caessens@uhl.ac. Special arrangements can be made for those wishing to fly into Amman instead of Tel-aviv.
Introduction to the Geographical, Historical and Cultural Backgrounds of the Bible
Are you a serious student of the Bible but don't have the time for a longer program and do not need academic credit? This course is designed for you! Twelve days spent visiting Biblical sites and examining the events that occurred at these places in the context of their geographical location, historical setting and cultural milieu will bring new insights to your reading of the Biblical texts. See the itinerary for specific sites included in the program.
Instructor: Dr. Ginger Caessens
Not for academic credit
Dates 2025: April 27 - May 11
Cost 2025: $3340 in double or triple room; $1040 single supplement.
Enrollment: Minimum 15; Maximum: 25
Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
Dates 2026: April 12 – 28 (includes two and a half days in Jordan)
Cost 2026: TBA
Cost includes full-board (beginning with dinner on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last; excluding lunch on the free day), double or triple occupancy room, transportation on field trip days, course materials and all entry fees and tips. Cost does not include airfare to and from Israel or transfers between the airport and Jerusalem.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Ginger Barth Caessens, Ph.D., who serves as the University of the Holy Land’s director and primary instructor for UHL’s short-term programs, is an expert in the historical geography of the Biblical lands with more than forty years experience as a field and classroom instructor.
