The BethlehemBibleCollege
is situated in a unique setting, the city of Bethlehem
that combines history and modernity in the religious, cultural setting of
Christianity in the Middle East.
Studying overseas is a rich and rewarding experience, but
especially here in Bethlehem
where you are surrounded by religious history and cultural practices some of
which have not changed in 2,000 years.
In your studies you will learn about the geography of the
Land and events that occurred here. Come walk the paths of biblical characters,
feel the desert winds, and see the mountains and stones that witnessed the life
and times of the Bible.
You will study cultural practices that are a part of life
today which have endured centuries of practice. Enjoy true and infamous Arab
hospitality as you meet with families and converse with them.
Engage in riveting conversations about modern politics and
learn how the Bible offers insight into what we know today.
The complex and beautiful Arabic language will become
accessible through language studies offered at beginning and more advanced
levels.
We will introduce you to the land
itself and to local people, in order to help you experience the culture. All of
this will be provided through quality courses in a variety of subjects with
highly qualified instructors with tremendous experience [profiles of
instructors].
The BethlehemBibleCollege facilities
include a new beautiful building where your classes will be held.
Course List and Descriptions for Fall Semester, 2010
October 4th – December 17th
- Geography and Spirituality of the Land of the Bible
This course
discusses the relationship between the topography, geography,
and history of
the Land of the Bible with the Biblical texts. Educational Trips 1, 4, 5
- Theology and Politics of Israel-Palestine
This module presents current political and theological
issues related to Palestinian
contextual theology. It also entails
observing the interaction of politics and theology
(theopolitics) in the daily lives of
people.
Educational
Trips 2, 3
- Palestinian Culture and Society (includes studies
of Islam)
This course is a study of the socio-economic,
organizational and political
components of Palestinian society,
with a focus on pertinent current developments.
We will tackle the historical development of
the Palestinian society under political
changes and the influence of these
changes on the structural fabric of the society.
The course also
investigates economic, demographic, social and cultural aspects. It
also dwells on both the Palestinian
personality and identity. At the end, the course
investigates contemporary issues of
the Palestinian society and its future in the
light of the political settlement.
Educational
Trips 2, 3
- Arabic I
(Arabic II and more advanced Arabic tutorials offered)
The Arabic 1
course is reading and writing in Arabic for beginners.
Higher level
Arabic tutorials are also available.
The full-time course load will offer 12
credits with up to 15 classroom hours per week; the part-time course
load is flexible.
Financial Information
Registration Fee: $50
The cost per credit hour: $300
The full-time (12) credit hour tuition not including
field trips: $3600
Boarding: $400 per month, including breakfast daily and hi-speed
wireless internet access
Other meals on-campus: $10 per meal, optional
Five educational trips [link to below]: $645
Total for fall semester not including extra optional
meals or personal items (flight, etc.): $5495
The educational trips illuminate the academic information of
your courses through visiting the cultural settings that are studied. The trips
are led by one of our instructors, a professional and informational guide. The
first-hand experience of these trips communicates knowledge that books never
could - don’t miss it!
Trip One: Day Trip in Jerusalem
Visit the impressive sites of the OldCity: Holy Sepulcher, Western Wall,
City Walls and Gates, Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque, Gethsemane and the
Mount of Olives, Shrine of the Book that houses the Dead Sea Scrolls in the IsraelMuseum
Part of the time is focused on
“The Life and Times of Jesus” in which we visit main second temple period
archeological sites that have been excavated.
Part of the time focuses on
gaining a better understanding of the Bible by teaching the geography of the Holy Land, in which we cover the area from the Old
Testament period.
Cost: $100 per student includes transportation,
guide, and entrance fee to IsraelMuseum
Trip Two: Bethlehem Area
The NativityChurch, the Separation wall, an
Israeli Settlement and refugee camps in Bethlehem.
Visit and dine with Palestinian Families in the evening
Cost: $80 per student includes transportation, guide,
and dinner with families
Trip Three: Cultural Day Trip
Travel to conservative Hebron:
perhaps no city in Palestine
exemplifies the conflict and the tension more than Hebron – with its divisions, checkpoints and
settlements. The student will visit the Cave of the Patriarchs (the Ibrahimi
Mosque) – a holy site for the three religions
Cost: $65 per student includes
transportation and guide
Trip Four: Trip to Wadi Qelt, the best place to experience desert
spirituality. Hike four hours from Jerusalem to Jericho through the
Judean desert with a visit to Saint Georges, a Greek Orthodox Monastery. The
hike will conclude with a visit to the city of Jericho.
Cost: $80 includes transportation,
guide, lunch and water
Trip Five: Weekend Visit to the North, 2 nights in Nazareth
Visit Galilee, Beth Shean, Capernaum,
the Mount of Beatitudes, Megiddo, Cana, Nazareth, Caesarea
Maritima
Cost: $320 per student includes transportation, lodging,
guide, and one meal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your accreditation?
BBC is accredited through the Middle East Association of
Theological Education and the Palestine Council of Higher Education.
What is the language of instruction?
English
What is the weather like?
Fall in the Holy Land is
dry, dusty and quite warm during the day with temperatures ranging from 57 °-87
°F. Warm, layered clothing is useful in the month of December when temperatures
can go into the forties.
What are the rules about clothing?
Comfortable conservative dress is essential in our Middle
Eastern culture. Women are advised that skirts and slacks are appropriate;
shorts, mini-skirts and sleeveless blouses are not appropriate.
Who are you affiliated with?
BBC invites students from all denominations to take part in
its programs and is not affiliated with any one church or group.
Insurance:
Students are encouraged to obtain general insurance plans
from home institutions. However, if
desired, the college can recommend a local agency to help.
Passports:
Prospective students need to obtain a valid passport from
their home country. Contact your
local embassy about visa requirements. The BibleCollege
is not able to help in this matter.
Transportation:
Students arriving into the country via BenGurionAirport can contact the college in
advance for pickup from the airport or the BBC can arrange a taxi directly from
the airport. Once in Bethlehem,
there are various forms of transportation.
Staying Longer?
Upon entry you will obtain a three month visa: this will
allow you to enjoy the Christmas holiday here.
More Questions?
Email:om@bethbc.org
Profiles of Instructors:
Rev. Alex Awad (MA. In Missiology, Asbury Theological Seminary; MA in
Education, N. Georgia University in DahlonegaGA) is Dean of Students and Instructor at BethlehemBibleCollege, and pastor of EastJerusalemBaptistChurch.
He is a worldwide speaker on the on the Palestinian Israeli conflict and on
Christians in the Holy Land. He has written
many books and articles, most recently “Palestinian Memories. A Story of a
Palestinian Mother and Her People”.
Rami Fellemon: (M.A.
Biblical History and Geography/Emphasis on Archaeology -JerusalemUniversityCollege)
is a full time instructor at BethlehemBibleCollege.
Rami holds a tour guide license in Israel. He started in 2009 his
Ph.D. work in Archaeology at BarElanUniversity
in Tel Aviv.
Dr. Yohanna Katanacho (PhD
2007, TrinityInternationalUniversity in Deerfield,
IL; M-Div., TrinityInternationalUniversity
in Deerfield, IL;
MA in Old Testament, WheatonCollege in Wheaton, IL) is the Academic at BethlehemBibleCollege
and GalileeBibleCollege.
He has authored and translated several books and articles in Arabic and
English.
Dr. Salim Munayer (MA., Fuller Theological Seminary; PhD., OxfordCenter
for Mission Studies) is Associate Professor at BethlehemBibleCollege. He is the
founder and director of Musalaha, a ministry of Reconciliation between
Palestinian and Israeli Christians. He is a worldwide speaker on issues of
Reconciliation. He is the author of many books and articles, most recently a
commentary on Hosea for Asia Theological Association.
Dr. Adnan Musallam: (PhD. Contemporary Arabic/Islamic Thought; Contemporary
History of the Arab World and the Middle East;
and Contemporary Arabic Literature. University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan).
Dr. Adnan is an Associate Professor at BethlehemUniversity
and a part-time Instructor at Bethlehem Bible. He is a prolific author on the
Palestinian society and culture.
*The BethlehemBibleCollege offers an intensive short-term (14 day) module for groups in English. Dates flexible. The module covers Biblical studies and touring in Biblical locations. Please contact us for more information.*
