Study Abroad in Israel
For the Christian, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is the pilgrimage par excellence. It is a journey to the very source of Christianity, to the very place where “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us”. The College of Arts & Sciences is offering Business, Leadership, and Management students the opportunity to explore and observe business customs in Israel as they walk where Jesus walked, noting many different aspects of the culture in which they are immersed. The trip to Israel gives students the opportunity to join Dr. Joseph Bucci and Dr. Wendel Weaver for a unique one-week study-tour, in the birthplace of our faith and the arena that God chose to reveal His salvation while earning (3) credits in International Business as they discern differences and/or similarities within this vigorous yet simultaneously relaxed culture.
Attendees will visit historic sites and landmarks such as:
- Masada
- Dead Sea
- En Gedi
- Cathedral of St John the Baptist
- Sea of Galilee area
- Capernaum
- Tabgha
- The Jesus Boat
- Bethesda
- Nazareth Village
- Haifa
- Caesarea
- Temple Mount
- City of David
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel
- Mt of Olives
- Via Delarosa
- Church of the Holy Sepulcher
- Yad Vashem (Holocaust museum)
- Garden Tomb of Jesus
The trip is being offered to all Regent students; however, it may also be taken without the course work by family members and friends interested in the cultural experience if space is available. Students taking the course for credit have priority in the application submission.
The Israel Program Fee is a total of $2,530. The $500 deposit will be applied toward the $2,530. If you are taking this class for credit, the deposit will be applied to your student account. The remaining balance of $2,030 will be applied to your student account also. If you have federal aid to cover your full student account balance, you do not need to do anything. Federal Aid will be applied to Student Accounts May 8. If you DO NOT have Federal Aid to cover your balance in full, you must either: Pay in full by May 11 OR enroll in the Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) by May 11. Both payments and enrollment in Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) can be done in your Genysis accounts under the Bill + Payment Center Tab. Failure to be paid in full or enrolled in TIP by May 11 will put your registration in jeopardy of being dropped for nonpayment.
What is included?
- Lodging in Israel (shared rooms)
- Tours of various sites
- Guests speakers
- Classroom rental
- Required medical/travel insurance
Above stated price does NOT include:
- Airfare to and from Telaviv
- Additional meals in Israel or during travel
- Books
- Cancellation Insurance (optional)
- Course credit costs
Attendees are responsible for making their own flight arrangements and it is not included in the Israel Program Fee.
We ask that attendees not purchase airline tickets until you are contacted with confirmation that the class makes, which should be in the middle of March. New airline rules state that you must have your passport before you can reserve an airline ticket overseas. Attendees will be asked to meet in the hotel lobby in Tel Aviv at 11:00am on Saturday, June 22, 2019. Detailed information forthcoming.
Attendees will stay at three different locations that are ideally located close to activities within as they correspond with the itinerary.
- Upon arriving we will check-in at the Retreat Center, Metzoke Dragot Hostel. http://www.metzoke.co.il/Search/0/en (June 22)
- For day two and three we will move to a hotel in Tiberias, Aviv Hostel. https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/aviv-hostel.html (June 23 &24)
- For the remaining days we will move to Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem. https://abrahamhostels.com/jerusalem/ (June 25-28) *Depart for airport @ 12:15a.m. June 29.
While the rooms may house both males and females, specific arrangements may be made upon request (additional cost may be incurred based on request type).
Single rooms might be available upon request for an additional cost. Please contact the Israel Program Manager at jbucci@regent.edu for details.
If you haven’t already ordered your passport, do it ASAP! You will not be able to travel without it. You can apply for a passport online or at a number of local agencies including the US Post Office. A VISA is not necessary. To find out more passport information or apply online visit the U.S. Department of State passport webpage. New airline rules state that you must have your passport before you can reserve an airline ticket overseas. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
Scholarships cover tuition but do not cover university fees, SCA fees or the Israel Program Fee. Students may enroll in the Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) if they are paying out of pocket to cover this fee.
The GI Bill covers tuition, university fees and SCA school fees but NOT the Israel Program Fee. Please contact your Military Benefits Manager for details. Students may enroll in the Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) if they are paying out of pocket to cover this fee.
This program can be rigorous, and some of the events may require demanding physical activities. Therefore, participants should possess the ability to:
- Walk twelve miles each day
- Stand for 30 minutes without sitting
- Climb three flights of stairs without assistance
- Hear instructions in a group setting with environmental noise present
- Read and understand written instructions and signs
- Step in and out of buses or shuttles.
Regent University may be unable to provide special accommodations for people with disabilities. If someone needs accommodation or assistance, that person must bring a companion/assistant at full price. Also, those who have a health or mental condition that may interfere with participation in program activities, need to consult with their physician to determine if they are able to participate in a physically demanding study abroad program. If a student has any questions regarding special accommodations for people with disabilities contact, Robbie Kuschel, Director of Counseling & Disability Services, at 757-352-4101 or at disabilities@regent.edu. Non student attendees contact jbucci@regent.edu.
Regent University may cancel any study abroad/tour for events beyond its control, including but not limited to instability in a destination country, acts of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorists activities, incidents of violence, public health issues or quarantine, substantial currency fluctuations, strikes, government restrictions, fire or severe weather conditions that make it impossible or commercially unreasonable in the opinion of Regent University to conduct the tour. Regent University will incur certain unavoidable expenses in anticipation of the tour. Therefore, if Regent University cancels the tour for any reason, travelers will NOT receive a refund for monies paid. Therefore it is strongly recommended that personal Trip Cancellation Insurance be purchased at the travelers own expense.
Cancellation by Regent University for causes described in this section shall not be a violation of its obligations to any traveler.
We encourage all study abroad/tour travelers to protect themselves with the “Cancel For Any Reason Insurance” plan. The plan provides comprehensive protection for travelers should something unexpected happen during or prior to the tour. Regent University has partnered with RoamRight if you choose to purchase this additional insurance through them. This is not required.
Cancelation insurance includes:
- Flight delay insurance
- 24-hour emergency assistance
- Baggage and property insurance
- Tour cancellation and interruption insurance
Note that the minimum number of study trip attendees is 3 and the maximum number is 20. The trip will be cancelled should the number of applicants with deposits not reach the minimum by April 1 and a full refund of payments will be issued.
In case of an emergency and the leader Dr. Joseph Bucci is unable to continue with the class, he will have a designated assistant to take over and complete the tour.
All American citizens are advised to register their time abroad for the trip with the U.S. State Department.
All details are subject to change. Please refer to this website regularly for up-to-date information as details are finalized and posted.
Should you have any questions, please contact Israel Program Manager, Dr. Joseph Bucci, at jbucci@regent.edu.
International Business surveys the opportunities and challenges associated with planning, conducting and implementing international business transactions in the international marketplace. For summer session (E) the course will require the one-week study abroad in Israel, with Dr. Bucci and Dr. Weaver. Specific focus on conducting business in Israel will be a key focus of this section of BUSN460. Prerequisite: BUSN 240
Undergraduates: BUSN460 – Special topics: International Business as it applies to Israel (3 credits)
You will not be able to register for any of these courses as you would normally. After you submit your application and pay the $500 deposit, Dr. Joseph Bucci, the Israel Program Manager, will send the list of students to Advising to register them in the correct class as a group.
- An online prologue May – June 21
- Class meets in Israel, Tel Aviv June 22-29
- An online epilogue June – August
TBA
- Thou Shalt Innovate: How Israeli Ingenuity Repairs the World ISBN: 9789652299345
- Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle ISBN: 9781455503469
Tentative Itinerary for Summer 2019
All activities listed on this itinerary are subject to change without notice and are not definite depending upon weather, business hours of operation and time. We highly recommend you be prepared for inclement weather and wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you may walk up to twelve miles each day. You are welcome to take a taxi if you desire to various sites on the itinerary. For “Meals on your own” you are welcome to eat at any establishment you desire.
Saturday, June 22
- Arrive TLV by 11:00am
- Masada (Jews last stand against Rome),
- Dead Sea (swimming optional) and Dinner
Sunday, June 23
- En Gedi (David cut off edge of Saul’s robe here)
- Cathedral of St John the Baptist (Place of Jesus’ baptism)
- Sea of Galilee area
- Capernaum (where Jesus called Peter, Peter’s house, Temple Jesus taught in)
- Dinner on the Sea of Galilee
Monday, June 24
- Worship time on the Sea of Galilee
- Tabgha (church of the Beatitudes)
- The Jesus Boat (first century fishing boat)
- Bethesda (feeding of the 5000)
Tuesday, June 25
- Nazareth Village (living history museum of life during first century)
- Haifa (home of Bhai faith)
- Caesarea (view first century ruins – think Ben Hur)
Wednesday, June 26
- Temple Mount
- City of David
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel
- Mt of Olives
Thursday, June 27
- Via Delarosa (stations of the cross)
- Shopping in the Muslim Quarter
- Church of the Holy Sepulcher
- Yad Vashem (Holocaust museum)
- Close out the day with a local dinner.
Friday, June 28
- Garden Tomb of Jesus,
- FREE DAY (If you would like, I will help you plan your day)
Saturday, June 29
- Depart hostel for TLV
Can I take this class for credit if I am an undergraduate student at another school at Regent University?
Yes. You must get approval from your advisor by submitting “Approval to Enroll in a Class in Another School.”
If this course is not part of your approved program, any financial aid you are receiving will not be applied. Please talk to your advisor in the central financial aid office for more details.
How do I register for BUSN460 to take this class for credit?
You cannot register for this class as you would normally do. Dr. Joseph Bucci, the Israel Program Manager, will send the list of students to Advising to register them in the correct class as a group.
What should I do before I submit my application and pay the $500 nonrefundable deposit?
If you plan to take this course for credit you must contact your Student Advisor at advising@regent.edu to make sure this class fits into your ADP; otherwise, Financial Aid might not cover this class. Make sure you can travel to Israel and that you are financially able to pay for all the expenses surrounding this class as the $2,530 Israel Program Fee is nonrefundable.
What will be my out-of-pocket expenses in Israel?
Your $2,530 Israel Program Fee includes sharing a double room and the noted meals in the itinerary. Average cost for meals in Israel between $13-$15 (35-55 sheckels), average airline ticket between $1,100-$2,500 (ORF-TLV), Average round trip bus from TLV to hotel is $26-$50 (110-190 Shekels). Your total average out-of-pocket expenses, not including tuition, could range between $2,000-$3,000.
You are welcome to eat at any establishment you desire for unplanned meals (not in itinerary).
How to pay the nonrefundable remaining balance of $2,030 of the Israel program fee?
Taking for credit:The remaining balance of $2,030 of the Israel Program Fee will be added to your student account. If you have federal aid to cover your full student account balance, you do not need to do anything. Federal Aid will be applied to Student Accounts May 8th. If you DO NOT have Federal Aid to cover your balance in full, you must either: Pay in full by May 11 OR enroll in the Tuition Installment Plan (TIP) by May 11. Both payments and enrollment in TIP can be done in your Genysis accounts under the Bill + Payment Center Tab. Failure to be paid in full or enrolled in TIP by May 11 will put your registration in jeopardy of being dropped for nonpayment.
Taking for noncredit:Attendee opens the Registration & Payment section & chooses the “Make additional payment. I have registered already.” This must be done no later than April 1, 2019 or you will incur a $100 late penalty.
Do I need to check with my physician before I depart?
We do not require a physician’s report as a condition of acceptance in the program, but we strongly recommend that you have medical and dental checkups before going abroad. If you have a specific physical and/or mental health problem of which we should be aware, you are required to inform the trip coordinator in writing before departure so that your study abroad experience will be as safe and as comfortable as possible. We keep this information in the strictest of confidence and do not use it for admission purposes. If you are taking medication, make sure to bring enough with you to last the trip. If needed, bring environment based medication.
Will I need to have any vaccinations?
Israel does require vaccinations. Travelers should check with their physicians to determine which vaccinations are required to travel to Israel. Vaccinations depend on travelers’ vaccination history. Also, travelers should check the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website for updates on Israel.
How do i know if it is safe to travel to Israel?
Go to the U.S. Department of State website to find out about any travel alerts or warnings posted in various countries. You can also find information about passports, tips for traveling abroad and updates on emergencies and crises.
Do I need to bring a laptop computer?
A laptop is optional, but you will need to bring an adapter (and perhaps a converter) as outlets in Israel use different voltage and the plugs are shaped differently.
What dress is appropriate?
The weather can be slightly unpredictable but it is usually between 80-90 degrees in June. Wear casual, comfortable layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as you will be walking outside frequently. Be prepared for inclement weather.
Will my blow dryer or curling iron work there?
Not without an adapter and converter. Outlets use different voltage and the plugs are shaped differently. You can purchase adapters here at travel stores or in Israel. Warning: Voltage surges can occur causing such items to be hotter than normal. More expensive adapters do have voltage controls.
How do I exchange U.S. currency into shekels?
The best places to exchange U.S. dollars into Isaeli Shekels are at various locations such as your local AAA office, a local exchange house and post offices in Israel. Anyone can exchange dollars into shekels at a local AAA and/or obtain a VISA TravelMoney Card which is a prepaid reloadable VISA debit card which offers an alternative to traveler checks and cash. However, most places will accept a credit or debit card. You may find this to be easier than cash. Another option is to use your ATM card to withdraw money. Check with your bank and credit card company for their fees and exchange rates. It would be helpful if you exchanged some U.S. dollars before you leave the states.
Should I contact my bank and/or credit card company and let them know I will be travelling overseas?
Yes, some banks and/or credit card companies will put a hold on your account when they see unusual activity on your bank card if they are not informed of your travels.
Are there any suggestions for travel?
- Before you leave U.S. get adapters for computer and hair dryer. Purchase umbrella, sensible shoes and layered clothing. You will be walking an average of twelve miles every day.
- When arrive at TLV Airport check for information with people dressed in purple, change currency and buy maps. We recommend you purchase a round trip ticket to TLV from the bus driver as it may be cheaper than purchasing two one-way tickets (this is at your discretion).
- Before going home submit VAT receipts and exchange money.
- Optional – VAT Receipts: With a VAT form receipt, which you have to ask for, 17% of your purchase price, including dining, is refunded to you when you leave the country (not all places participate). You have to get a VAT receipt from each vendor, which is a pain, but if you spend more than 400 shekels on meals and merchandise, you get 17% back when you submit the receipts to the VAT people at the airport.
Thank you for your interest in Study abroad in Israel trip. Please feel free to contact us utilizing any of the options listed. We look forward to hearing from you and will provide a prompt response to your inquiry.
Program Manager
By Mail
In Person
Dr. Joseph Bucci
Dr. Joseph Bucci
Regent University
1000 Regent University Drive, RH 467
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
USA
Dr. Joseph Bucci
RH 467 (Dean’s Suite)
Robertson Hall at
Regent University
