The video above was created by a student from the 2017 trip. 

 

 

Israel   

Canceled for 2020 

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Christian Union and the Passages program offer Christian university students with leadership potential an innovative approach to understanding Biblical faith through experiencing the Holy Land. The itinerary includes visits to historical biblical sites and to sites relevant to understanding the modern Jewish state. 

 

Christian Union and the Passages program offer Christian university students with leadership potential an innovative approach to understanding Biblical faith through experiencing the Holy Land. The itinerary includes visits to historical biblical sites and to sites relevant to understanding the modern Jewish state. 

 

Participants hear from a diverse set of lecturers who enhance understanding of Israeli culture, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, geopolitical and religious issues, and the security challenges facing the region. Students will develop a nuanced understanding of the modern-day nation of Israel and will deeply encounter the foundations of their Christian faith. CU faculty will provide biblical teaching at the historical sites visited, and the schedule will include intentional times of prayer and intake of God’s word, to enable participants to grow in the seeking God lifestyle.

 

Costs:

Costs include a $880 fee — $200 of which will be refunded to all participants who complete their post-trip assignments). Please plan on a $100 cash tip for the tour guide (plus a $20 credit card processing fee). Finally, please plan to bring $80 to Israel for four lunches. Each student is responsible for their own travel to and from the NYC departure airport and for any souvenir or spending money. Cost of international airfare, transportation in Israel, program costs, entry fees, hotels, most meals (other than the four lunches mentioned above), and limited health insurance is covered by the program.

 

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Physical Condition :

PLEASE NOTE: This program involves SIGNIFICANT STAIR CLIMBING and SUSTAINED HIKING IN RUGGED TERRAIN. It is a very strenuous program. Students must be in good physical condition to participate in this trip.

 

Passport Considerations:

Students traveling to Israel may opt to have Israeli passport control not stamp directly into their passports.  A passport stamp from the nation of Israel may limit future travel into predominantly Muslim countries during the remainder of that passport's validity. Students may instead have Israeli passport control stamp a separate piece of paper upon entrance to the country and then use that stamped documentation upon leaving Israel.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions:
 
Is Israel safe?
The answer is yes and most participants that go would say that they feel as safe in Israel as they do at home.  Be careful as you watch the news or read the paper as what is reported is usually just the negative things happening rather than what is the norm.  One of the main sources of income throughout the Middle East is tourism and they go out their way to make sure tourists feel safe and are attended to.  GTI works daily with local guides to make sure your tour is safe and all your needs are taken care of.
 
So…just how strenuous is the trip?
It is important to remember that a lot of Israel is quite hilly and even the most simple tours still require a good deal of hiking to get from location to location.  What sets many GTI tours apart is that they go to many locations other groups miss due to the hiking involved.  We strongly recommend physical training before the trip, including cardio and some strength training.  Climbing stairs, riding a bike, and long walks are well worth your time.  The more you prepare your body, the more you will be able to learn on site.  You will also need good hiking shoes or boots.  The ground is very rocky and uneven so it is important that your shoes have excellent support and are well broken in.
 
How much extra money do you need to bring?
Beyond money for the tip for the tour guide and for four lunches (see above), the truth is that besides souvenirs and occasional ice cream or soda you do not need to bring any extra money, as your tour cost covers everything from airfare to lodging, most food, and tips.

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Check out this slide show from previous trips: