Jerome, translator of the Latin Vulgate, called the Holy Land pilgrimage "the Fifth Gospel." We invite you to read "the Fifth Gospel" in the land of Israel. Without doubt, this journey will be the most significant experience of your seminary career!
This study tour is designed specifically for seminary students like you. Western Seminary professor Dr. Jordan Scheetz, PhD, will serve as group leader for this class.
Participate in a three-week course entitled "Geographical and Historical Setting of the Bible." The course, offered in association with the Jerusalem University College, provides an excellent introduction to the geography, history, and archaeology of Israel. This tour includes lectures, map work, assignments, and exams. You will earn 4 semester hours of academic credit, transferable to Western Seminary.
Date
May 17 to June 7, 2026
Location
We will stay at Mt. Zion on the Jerusalem University College campus — just a five- minutes’ walk from the Old City of Jerusalem. As we study, we'll take field trips throughout the land of Israel with overnight stays in the Negev, on the Sea of Galilee, and in Jerusalem.
Cost & Flight
We will leave the US on May 17 and arrive in Israel on May 18. For your return flight, we will depart on June 7, 2026.
The cost for the program is $4,260 for on-campus housing at the Jerusalem University College (JUC). Married couples typically stay in the Gloria Hotel, with a cost of $5,565 (double occupancy) per person. The hotel has air conditioning and a private bathroom and is situated inside the old city. It is about a 10 minute walk to the JUC from the Gloria Hotel. These prices include housing, food, transportation in Israel, admission fees, study materials and tuition for the program. There is no difference in price if you take the class for credit or for audit.
Application Process
To participate in the program, you need to submit an application, your application fee ($50), and a $200 deposit to Jerusalem University College by Oct. 15, 2025. Each participant must fill out the application (spouses included). First time users will need to create a new account and apply for the 5A program with Western Seminary.
