Summer Programs

CHANGE THE WAY YOU READ AND UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE!

“See your favorite Biblical texts come to life as you explore the land where Jesus, the Patriarchs, the Prophets, and the Apostles all lived!”

However, don’t just “tour” the Land!

Learn from top Biblical scholars as you explore the Land. The University of the Holy Land has specialized in bringing the Bible to life experientially as well as academically for students and visiting guests over the last 30 years. For those wanting more than a standard tour – especially those wanting to receive credit towards a degree – sign up today to take part of a life-changing trip that includes visiting more than 40 Biblical sites within Israel and becoming intimately acquainted with the physical geography, background, and cultural contexts of the book of all books, the Bible.

APPLICATION FORM

After you have read the descriptions below of the summer programs offered, then come back and fill out this application!

Passport and Visa Requirements

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.

21-days – Intensive Study Tour

Dates: 15 May (arrival) – 4 June, 2023 (departure)

Instructor: Dr. Ginger Caessens

Credits: 3 graduate credits

Cost: TBD in double or triple room; TBD single supplement.

Cost includes full-board (beginning with dinner on 15 May and ending with breakfast on 4 June), 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.

Enrollment: Minimum TBD; Maximum: 35

Download Full Itinerary

JORDAN

Historical Geography of the Bible 2

Lectures and ten days of field trips immerse the student in the rich history of the area in which the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh established themselves, Moses died, Elijah departed in a chariot of fire and both John the Baptist and Jesus ministered!

Regions examined include both those that were settled by the Israelites (Gilead and the Medeba Plateau) and those of their neighbors (Ammon, Moab and Edom). Since certain areas are accessible only by jeeps and pick-up trucks, this course is only for the adventurous.

The course is offered on the graduate level and includes lectures and ten days of field trips. Qualified undergraduates may participate.

14-days – Intensive Study Tour

Dates: June 5 – 19, 2023

Instructor: Dr. Ginger Caessens with Jordanian Liaison, Dr. Mohammad Najjar

Credits: 2 graduate credits

Cost: TBD in double or triple room; TBD single supplement.

Cost includes full-board (beginning with lunch on the first day and ending with breakfast on the last day), double 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 caessens@aol.com. Special arrangements can be made for those wishing to fly into Amman instead of Tel-aviv.

Enrollment: MinimumTBD; Maximum: 25

Download Full Itinerary

Introduction to the Geographical, Historical and Cultural Backgrounds of the Bible

This program is designed for serious students of the Bible who wish to explore the land of the Bible in-depth but do not desire to earn academic credit or are unable to participate in the fuller, three-week program. Twelve days of field trips provide an excellent forum for studying “in-the-field,” as the students journey “from Dan to Beersheba.”

Dates: July 2-18, 2023

Instructor: Dr. Ginger Caessens

Credits: non-credit course

Cost: TBD in double or triple room; TBD single supplement.

Cost includes full-board (beginning with dinner on day of arrival and ending with breakfast on day of departure), double 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.

Enrollment: Minimum TBD; Maximum: 35

Note: Contact Dr. Ginger Caessens at caessens@aol.com

Download Full Itinerary

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT THEIR TIME AT UHL

Studying at the University of Holy Land was a great privilege and is one of the major highlights of my life up to this point. The caliber of professors and classes offered at UHL are rich and superior to other experiences in my academic career. I am now better equipped to teach the Word of God and able to bring the stories and lessons of the Bible to life for others by incorporating the the Jewish and general backgrounds contexts the Bible was originally written within.

Dorie Demicell - Office Administrator & Bible Study Leader - Belle Haven, Virginia

The University of the Holy Land is the best school to study the Bible in Israel. Israel is also the best place to dive into God’s word. No other place on earth gives you the richness and depth of experience that Israel does. The land breathes God’s story, and UHL professors offer insight into every piece of the drama. I would recommend studying with UHL in Israel to anyone. It greatly enriched my life and the life of my family.

Jose Diaz - Teacher - Columbia

I spent 5 semesters studying at UHL between 2012 and 2014, and the class subjects, the depth of coverage of each subject, the quality of the teaching, and the classroom interaction was outstanding. I anticipated receiving a greater understanding of the Bible from the Jewish perspective, a broad understanding of Judaism itself, the cultural issues facing the emerging New Testament church, a deeper understanding of the Middle East conflict now and in the past, and the historical and archaeological background for many of the events of the Bible and the sites that are still visible in Israel itself. I was definitely not disappointed. Much of what I learned has been useful in providing context and perspective to believers I encounter, and in sermons and Bible studies I teach. My time at UHL was certainly a blessing to me, and I encourage anyone and everyone who can, to undertake study in Jerusalem with UHL.

Terry Grow - Aeronautical Engineer & Christian Minister - Seattle, Washington

I graduated from UHL in 2011 with an MA in Intercultural Studies. During my time as a student, I was able to study the languages and cultures of the Bible in the land of the Bible. What a privilege to sit under Bible scholars and professors who make the Bible come alive and where our classroom was more than just the four walls in a university building, but often the rocks and hills where the Biblical events took place. The tools and skills that I received from UHL have served me well in ministry since my graduation.

David A. Spice - Clergy - Painesville, Ohio

PAST YEAR PHOTOS

MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

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 twenty years experience as a field and classroom instructor.

Summer program students will also receive guest lectures from renowned Dead Sea Scroll editor & scholar, Dr. Stephen Pfann.

Students will also get to walk the streets of Nazareth Village with New Testament scholar Claire Pfann.

NEED TO SPECIALIZE AN ITINERARY?

Expertise and experience allow the staff of the University of the Holy Land to tailor itineraries to meet the special needs and interests of short-term study groups. For more information, contact our Jerusalem office.

GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Field studies requires a considerable amount of strenuous, uphill walking. Participants should be in excellent health. Anyone with physical disabilities, including a history of heart problems, kidney disease, or low tolerance for heat, should consult a physician before enrolling. Pregnant women should also consult a physician.