Every student at Cornerstone Theological Seminary has the option to fulfill course requirements through the Israel, Palestine and Jordan study tour. Students explore the history, culture and geography of the biblical lands with an emphasis on illuminating the world of the Bible.
The 10-12-day experience is led by CTS professors in cooperation with GTI Study Tours and is held each January as the course offering BBL-601/604. The course—or the on-campus alternative course BBL-506—is required for all Master of Divinity and M.A. in biblical exegesis students and has been heavily subsidized for approved participants by generous donors. The study tour is also open to students in other degree programs, as well as other family and friends of CTS, though different costs apply.
The Ancient World of the Bible study tour is a transformative experience for many students. Aspects of the Biblical story come to life in new ways as trip participants see how the geology, geography and history of the land play into the unfolding of Scripture.
Every year, a group of students, family, and friends of CTS embark on this study tour. All CTS students in good standing are eligible to apply. Participants of the Ancient World of the Bible Study tour are selected by an application process.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, any full-time CTS student in good standing is eligible to apply for the Study Tour Scholarship until spots are full. For early applicants, this scholarship covers a large portion of travel cost; recipients only pay approximately a $1,050 course fee plus tuition (the non-scholarship cost is approximately $3,740 plus tuition).* The fee is due upon approval of participation and must be paid directly to the Cornerstone University accounting office.
Priority for scholarships is given to Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in biblical exegesis and Urban Cohort program students. Students apply for the scholarship as part of the application to participate in the study tour.
*Audit is not permitted for scholarship spots.
Student spouses and family, alumni, and other friends of CTS are also eligible to apply for the study tour. For early applicants, the cost will be approximately a $3,740 course in addition to the audit fee for the two-credit course offering ($66). For applicants who apply after May 28, the course fee is $3,840.
Tuition remission cannot be applied to direct trip costs. Therefore, students using tuition remission should email the seminary for specifics on their course fees. Students who wish to use spring financial aid towards trip costs must contact the Student Financial Services Office to complete a form requesting advanced financial aid.
