The Land of The Bible for Board and Friends
Step into the story of Scripture with The Land of the Bible, a dynamic 10-day short-term course that brings the biblical narrative to life through academic rigor and immersive field experiences in the heart of the Holy Land. Blending preparatory map work and video lectures with on-site exploration, the course examines how physical features—such as geology, topography, water sources, and weather patterns—shaped patterns of settlement, agriculture, travel, and conflict in both Old and New Testament periods. From the hills of Judea to the shores of Galilee, and across key regions like the Shephelah, Negev, and Jerusalem, participants will discover how the land’s geography serves as a powerful lens for interpreting biblical texts. The course fosters both academic insight and spiritual reflection, laying a foundation for lifelong engagement with the biblical story.
This exclusive trip is being offered for the JUC Board and friends.
Course Dates
April 9 - 18, 2026
Course Cost
| JUC Campus Dormitory (multiple occupancy) | $2,990 |
| Hotel (double occupancy) | $3,495 |
| Hotel (single occupancy) | $4,395 |
There is a $250 registration fee due at the time of registration and the remaining balance is due by the final payment deadline: January 10, 2026.
Sample Itinerary*
Day 1, Thursday, April 9
- Arrival
- Course begins: Orientation walks in Jerusalem starting at 4 p.m.
- Dinner
Day 2, Friday, April 10
- Exploration of the Judean Hill Country and Shephelah
- Sataf, Beth Shemesh, Maresha, Azekah, Lachish
Day 3, Saturday, April 11
- Journey through the Negev and visit to the Dead Sea
- Arad, Masada, Ein Boqeq (Dead Sea), Ein Gedi, Qumran
Day 4, Sunday, April 12
- Travel north toward Galilee
- Jordan River, Beth Sean, Ein Harod or Jezreel, Nazareth Ridge
Day 5, Monday, April 13
- Sea of Galilee and surrounding region
- Capernaum, Magdala, Bania/Caesarea Phillipi, Dan
Day 6, Tuesday, April 14
- Study of the Coastal Plain
- Arbel Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea Maritima
Day 7, Wednesday, April 15
- Focus on Old and New Testament Jerusalem
Day 8, Thursday, April 16
- Survey of Jerusalem's historical approaches
- Mt. Scopus, Mt. of Olives ( 7 arches, and Church of all Nations), Herodium Bethlehem
Day 9, Friday, April 17
- Exploration of the Benjamin and Ephraim tribal regions
- Nebi Samuel, Shiloh, Jericho, Wadi Qelt
Day 10, Saturday, April 18
- Depature
*Subject to change.
Course Instructor
Dr. John (Jack) Beck: Dr. Beck is a longtime faculty member at Jerusalem University College, where he has been teaching for over 20 years. With a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Trinity International University, Jack has taught Hebrew and Old Testament at colleges and universities across the U.S. He is a prolific author focused on the historical geography of the Bible and a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread, where his devotionals have reached and encouraged readers around the world. Jack has led numerous short-term study trips through JUC for partner universities, seminaries, and churches. Known for his academic rigor and pastoral heart, Jack brings the biblical text to life by helping others understand its historical and geographical context.
The Land of the Bible | Dr. Oliver Hersey
Instructor: Dr. Jack Beck
Register by December 31
Please apply and register for the Land of the Bible course by December 31, 2025. The $250 deposit is due upon registration. The final payment deadline is January 10, 2026.
If you've already applied for a JUC short-term program, you will be able to register by entering the group code you've recieved.
Course FAQs
JUC’s program is academically and physically rigorous, including up to twelve hour days in the field or longer. The field studies involve hours of walking, standing, and several hikes (although some are optional). There are usually opportunities to sit throughout the day and plenty of time on the bus. However, students should expect an intensely physical program and plan to sweat.
Everyone traveling to Israel must have a passport that expires at least six months after they plan to exit the country at the end of their program.
Short-term students who travel from countries that have normal relations with Israel will be issued a three-month tourist visa upon arrival. Students from the United States, Canada, and most European countries fall under this category. Students who come from countries that do not have normal relations with Israel will need to make prior visa arrangements before entering the country.
Read more about obtaining tourist visas here.
A suggested packing list for JUC students is available in our student manuals. For long-term students who will be at JUC for a semester or more, here is a list of what to pack. For short-term students who will be at JUC for a few weeks, here is a list of what to pack.
We take the safety of our students with the utmost seriousness and have a proven track record of operating for over 60 years in the Holy Land. Click here for detailed information about how JUC handles local issues related to safety and prepares students to do the same.
Along with your luggage, please bring a Bible in your preferred translation to use during the morning and afternoon sessions. You may also want to bring a notebook for notetaking.
Yes, if your spouse is attending with you, he/she must complete a separate registration form.