Middle East Study Tour: Archaeology and the Modern Middle East

An exciting faculty-led Middle East travel experience that explores the deep links between the region’s past and its contemporary cultures and challenges, including its major religious traditions.

Participate in a real archaeological dig, helping to excavate and record a 1500-year-old church at Calvin’s own archaeological site: Umm al-Jimal, Jordan’s next UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the site of Jesus’s baptism, the hometown of the prophet Elijah, the fortress where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded, and (just as Moses did) look out over the “promised land” from Mount Nebo. Float in the Dead Sea, explore the ancient and modern city of Amman, traverse the canyons and tombs of Petra, sleep in a Bedouin tent camp, ride a camel, and enjoy desert barbecues and other local cuisines. Worship in the ruins of an ancient cathedral and modern Arab Christian churches, visit mosques, and welcome Shabbat in Jerusalem’s Old City. Live and speak with local Muslims, learn about their beliefs and practices, and how to engage in fruitful interfaith dialogue.

Learn from Middle Eastern teachers, business leaders, government officials, development and relief workers, and more. Hear multiple perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and walk in the footsteps of Jesus, learning to understand him and his message within the context of Middle Eastern culture. Transform your life and be better equipped to be an agent of renewal!

Download an information sheet which includes a tentative itinerary.

Academics

Optional academic undergraduate credit is available from Calvin University for the following courses, all taught by Prof. Darrell J. Rohl:

• HIST 233: Modern Middle East - 3 credit hours
• IDIS 340: Fieldwork in Archaeology - 3 credit hours

Students may enroll in one or both courses and there are no prerequisites for either course. Courses run over an 8-week period, from 4 May to 25 June. Within this period, primary course delivery is during the travel experience (10 May to 6 June) but there will be an online introduction prior to travel and a limited asynchronous online component following the conclusion of travel. Final coursework deadlines will be on 25 June.

Cost

Varies (see below) (estimate)

The following programs costs apply, depending upon number of academic credits:

• Visitor (no credits): $2,700
• Student (3 credits): $3,800 (includes base “visitor” fee and 3 academic credits)
• Student (6 credits): $4,500 (includes base “visitor” fee and 6 academic credits)

The “visitor” fee represents the base cost that covers the full travel experience (including accommodation, meals, transportation, entrance fees, programed cultural experiences, archaeological training, and weekend tours) during the established field school dates (10 May to 6 June). International airfare and entrance visas are NOT included and are the responsibility of each participant. Participants are strongly encouraged to purchase the Jordan Wanderer Pass ($99, and which includes entrance visa to Jordan) prior to travelling.

Application

This year's application deadline has passed. Check back next year to apply.

Questions / contact