The Biblical Study/Travel Programs offer you the opportunity to travel the lands of the Bible in academically-oriented programs. These learning experiences will both deepen your understanding of the Bible and foster your spiritual growth. Your experience is guided by members of CTU's world-renowned biblical faculty, noted for their skilled teaching, highly respected scholarship, and personal interest in their students.

Trip Schedule

Israel-Jordan Study Program

The Israel-Jordan Study Program is a two-week study tour of Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan and is offered in odd-numbered years, (e.g. 2009, 2011). This intensive study tour deepens your knowledge of the Bible and includes a ful range of major biblical sites. Live in the Old City of Jerusalem near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Temple Mount, and the Western Wall. In Isreal and Palestine, visit the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of the Beatitudes, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. Travel to Jordan to explore the ancient city of Petra and other sites. CTU students may take The History of Archeaology of Israel (B4404i) for academic credit at no additional charge.

Holy Land Retreat

For two weeks each spring, the Holy Land Retreat provides an opportunity to reflect prayerfully on the scriptures while you travel in Israel.  A portion of each day is spent visiting biblical sites for reflection and prayer. Retreat conferences with CTU faculty develop the religious impact of the biblical and archaelolgical sites visited. Begin near the Sea of Galilee; visit Nazareth, Mount Tabor Capernaum, and others. Then head south to Jeruselum and divinity, the Mount of Olives, the Holy Sepulchre, Gethsemane, Bethlehem, the Judean desert, and beyond.

In the Footsteps of Paul (Greece and Turkey)—Part A (academic credit optional)

In the Footsteps of Paul (Greece and Turkey)—Part A (2 weeks; 3 credit hours) Visit ancient sites both biblical (Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica) and historical (Athens, Delphi, Istanbul, Troy).

Middle East (Israel, Egypt and Jordan)—Part B (for academic credit)

The Middle East (Israel, Egypt and Jordan)—Part B (8 weeks; 9 credit hours) This program combines focused course work in the Bible with visits to historical and archaeological sites, including Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Petra and Cairo. Primary residence facilities are at the site of ancient Bethany.

Fall Biblical Studies Program (for academic credit)

The Fall Program is a time of study and exploration of biblical and historical sites in Greece, Turkey, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt and Jordan. The program's two parts may be taken separately, or combined for a total of 12 credit hours.

The Complete Fall Program—Parts A and B—(10 weeks; 12 credit hours) offers an extraordinary study and travel experience. Upon returning to the U.S., an optional weeklong Re-Entry seminar at CTU helps participants relate their experiences to theology, spirituality, and ministry. Re-Entry is required for Biblical Spirituality Certificate students.

** Participants in the Fall Program earn academic credit applicable to CTU's Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, or Certificate Programs. It is also an excellent experience for a sabbatical or for continuing education in biblical studies and spirituality. Bachelor's degree required.

For information, contact:

Barbara Blesse, O.P.
Director
Phone: 773.371.5436
Fax: 773.324.4360
Email: bblesse@ctu.edu