Interterm trip to Israel: A life-changing experience
Published: April 12, 2022
Richard Huston first visited the Holy Land in the 1990s. For the history professor at Greenville University, it was a life-changing experience.
“It struck me that my faith would be different if I immersed myself in the history, geography, and culture of that area,” he said. “And it’s done just that. Visiting there has given me an opportunity to see the actual places where Biblical events took place.”
In fact, it’s proven so meaningful that he’s gone back six times– four of those with GU students and alumni.
GU Professor Richard Huston
Unlike other tours
Though he anticipates retiring at the end of this semester, Huston is presently planning one more GU trip to Israel next January – a three-week outing from Jan. 1-22, during the school’s interterm. He invites students, students’ families, alumni, and friends of the University to participate. They can expect in-depth teaching and learning experiences that set the trip apart from a typical tourist excursion. Participants can take the trip as a four-credit course titled, Historical and Geographic Settings of the Bible, or audit the course, enjoying the teachings and sites without completing the academic requirements.
GU’s own Aubrey McClain, expert guide
Like prior trips, this one is offered in partnership with Jerusalem University College (JUC). GU’s Aubrey McClain, assistant professor of theology, will travel with the group on a tour bus to sites around Israel and deliver lectures about those sites while on location. She formerly worked as an instructor for JUC’s short-term study program during the 10 years she lived in Israel.
Huston described the trip’s unique approach: “One of the benefits of JUC’s approach to a Holy Land trip is a set of study maps that participants will complete during the fall semester. These maps are connected to readings in the Bible and other background sources that greatly enhance participants’ understanding of the places they will visit in Israel. When combined, the maps and site visits make the impact of the experience even more lasting.
Professor Aubrey McClain teaching on a mountaintop near the Sea of Galilee
Life-changing perspective
“Participants will never read the Bible the same again after walking the streets of Jerusalem, standing on Mt. Carmel, sailing on the Sea of Galilee, sitting on the Mount of the Beatitudes, wading in the Jordan River, floating in the Dead Sea, and visiting Bethlehem and Nazareth,” Huston added. “It’s an experience that will impact them for the rest of their lives.”
The cost for students is approximately $5,500, including round-trip airfare, dormitory-style housing in Jerusalem, and JUC program fees. The cost for non-students is slightly more ($6,350), because they will stay in the nearby Gloria Hotel rather than the JUC dorms. A down payment of $350 to hold a spot is due by April 28, 2022, and students must make two more payments of $2,575, one on on Sept. 22 and another on Oct. 20. Non-students must make two payments of $3,000 on the same dates.
For more information about the trip, contact Huston at richard.huston@greenville.edu.
FAQ
Q: What are the fall semester meetings like?
A: Seven evening meetings will be held during the fall semester preceding the trip. Each meeting deals with a particular part of the country. Students examine maps and read about each area they will visit. This work prepares participants for the geography they will encounter, and scripture related to each area. It is required of students taking the class for credit and highly recommended for those auditing the class.
Q: What does a typical itinerary include?
A: View this sample itinerary and a description of this trip on JUC’s website. JUC commits to helping students “Read the land. See the text. Live the book.”
Q: What clothing should I bring?
A: Prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Layered clothing, a hat, good hiking shoes, and a waterproof jacket are among the basics. Weather conditions will vary significantly in different parts of the country. A recommended packing list will be sent to those who make the down payment.
Q: How much traveling is involved?
A: Participants spend one morning per week in a classroom setting, and the rest of the week is spent doing walking tours in Jerusalem or taking bus tours to sites around Israel. When traveling, participants typically stop at one or two sites in the morning and one or two sites in the afternoon. Professor McClain presents on-site lectures to explain the Biblical events that took place at each site, or the historical importance of the area being visited. Two multi-day trips are taken during the three-week class – a three-day trip to the Negev in southern Israel, and a four-day trip to the Galilee area in northern Israel.
Q: How do the meals work?
A: Jerusalem University College provides three meals per day – some at the school and some on the road, depending on the tour schedule. Participants will eat in restaurants during the two multi-day trips.
Q: How much walking is involved?
A: On traveling days, expect to walk three to five miles each day. Some days are more challenging than others, but rocky paths and hills are common throughout Israel.
