Why This Trip Matters
At The WEST Institute, studying the Bible is never meant to be abstract. Scripture was written in real places, among real people, in a real historical setting—and understanding that context changes everything.
This is why our Jordan and Israel Study Trip is built into the core of the one-year program.
Most people wait until later in life—when they finally have the time or financial ability—to visit the lands of the Bible. By that point, much of their understanding of Scripture has already been formed without ever seeing the terrain, distances, geography, or setting.
We believe that should be reversed.
Students at The WEST Institute encounter the land of the Bible at the beginning of their ministry training—when their framework for understanding Scripture is still being built. The result is lasting clarity in how they read, interpret, and communicate God’s Word for the rest of their lives.
More Than a Trip — A Study Experience
This is not a tour. It is a rigorous, field-based extension of the classroom.
Our days are long.
Our pace is demanding.
And our expectations are high.
While most tours visit a handful of sites each day, our study trips consistently cover two to three times as many locations, maximizing every moment in the land. We move quickly, think carefully, and constantly tie what we are seeing back to the biblical text.
Students come prepared. Pre-trip assignments, readings, and teaching ensure that once we arrive, the land becomes a living classroom.
You will not simply “see” the Bible—you will work through it, in the very places where it unfolded.
What Makes This Trip Unique
- Context-Driven Learning
Scripture comes into focus as geography, distance, and terrain become real. - Unmatched Site Exposure
We intentionally visit more locations than standard tours, including less-developed and rarely visited sites. - Physically Engaging
Expect full days, significant walking (often 5–8 miles), and rugged terrain. - Text-Centered Teaching
Every site is tied directly to Scripture, reinforcing careful interpretation and long-term retention. - Life-Long Impact
Students consistently report that this experience permanently changes how they read and teach the Bible.
Trip Structure Options
We offer flexibility depending on interest and availability:
Jordan + Israel (Full Study Experience)
Jordan Only
Israel Only
Each portion functions as a focused study experience, but together they provide the fullest picture of the biblical world.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
While this trip is a core component of The WEST Institute’s one-year program, participation is not limited to current students.
We welcome:
- Invited guests of The WEST Institute
- Alumni of the program
- Friends and family of current and former students
As space allows, qualified participants who are willing to embrace the demands of a study-focused trip are invited to apply.
Because of the rigorous nature of the trip, travelers should be capable of sustained attention, long travel days, extensive walking, and active engagement with the material being taught throughout the journey.
The normal minimum age for participants is approximately 15 years old. Younger travelers often struggle with the long study days, frequent site transitions, and extended bus travel (which can regularly involve 5–8 hour travel days with numerous stops). As a result, younger participants typically do not benefit from the trip in the same way older students and travelers do.
There is no formal upper age limit. Participation is instead determined by physical ability and overall endurance. Most participants are generally under the age of 70, though older travelers who are physically capable of handling the pace and demands of the trip are welcome to participate.
All participants should understand that this is not a leisure tour, but a rigorous and immersive learning experience.
Participation Expectations
This trip is designed for those who are ready to fully engage:
- Physically capable of long, demanding days
- Willing to embrace a fast-paced, study-focused environment
- Committed to preparation before departure
- Eager to think deeply and interact with Scripture on-site
This is not a vacation. It is a formative academic experience.
To help maximize the educational value of the trip, all participants are required to complete pre-trip preparation work prior to departure. This preparation is designed to introduce travelers to important aspects of biblical theology, archaeology, geology, regional geography, historical context, routes, and major biblical regions before arriving in the land itself.
The goal of this work is to “prime the pump” for the learning process so that travelers arrive prepared to better understand, retain, and synthesize what they will experience on-site.
Pre-trip preparation includes:
- Assigned reading materials
- Maps and regional studies
- Introductory lectures and teaching sessions
- Additional preparatory exercises related to the trip
In addition, all travelers are required to participate in a three-day classroom workshop held November 16–18 prior to departure. These sessions provide foundational orientation and prepare the group for the pace, structure, and educational objectives of the trip.
For non-credit students and invited travelers who are unable to attend the live classroom instruction in person, the sessions will be livestreamed and recorded. Participants may complete the required material remotely if attendance during the live mid-day sessions is not possible.
2026 Cost Breakdown
One of the most common questions we receive concerns the overall cost of the Jordan & Israel Study Trip. While international travel to the Middle East is never inexpensive, we work hard to maximize both the educational value and affordability of this experience.
A standard 17-day Jordan/Israel tour commonly ranges between $7,000–$10,000 per traveler, depending on airfare, tour structure, accommodations, and included activities. In many cases, those tours visit significantly fewer sites each day and operate at a much slower pace than The WEST Institute Study Trip.
Our study trip is intentionally designed to maximize educational exposure, often visiting two to three times more sites per day than standard tours while still keeping costs substantially lower than most comparable trips.
Jordan Portion
$1,350
Included
- All food and meals
- All transportation costs
- All standard entrance fees
- Water on the bus and at hotels
- (City water in Jordan is generally considered non-potable)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Private beach rental
- All planned side excursions
Not Included
- Airfare
- Gifts and souvenirs
Many travelers choose not to bring significant cash into Jordan, as most souvenirs and purchases can be made using credit cards.
In many ways, the Jordan portion functions similarly to an “all-inclusive” experience once travelers arrive in the country.
Israel Portion
$2,950
Included
- Breakfast and dinner
- All transportation costs
- All standard entrance fees
Not Included
- Airfare
- Lunches
- Water on the bus or at hotels
- (City water in Israel is potable; travelers are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle)
- Optional side excursion fees
- Gifts and souvenirs
Israel provides more flexibility during meal times and free periods, allowing travelers to explore local restaurants, markets, and cultural experiences throughout the trip.
Student Scholarship Opportunity
Because this trip is considered such a vital component of The WEST Institute’s one-year training program, Laramie Valley Chapel offers substantial scholarship assistance to qualifying students.
Students who would otherwise be unable to afford the trip may apply for a:
$3,350 Scholarship
This scholarship is available only to current TWI students and is designed to help ensure that financial limitations do not prevent students from participating in this formative educational experience.
Additional details regarding scholarship applications, deadlines, and qualification requirements are provided during the application process.
What Our Students Are Saying…
"Before this trip, the Biblical timeline and the events I learned about in History class didn't connect to each other. However, after this trip I finally saw how things fit together."
"There are no words for how amazing the trip to Israel was. It literally made the Bible come to life."
Recommended Packing List
Important Luggage Requirements
Due to limited storage space on our charter buses, travelers are allowed:
- ONE checked piece of luggage only
- ONE backpack as a carry-on
No roller carry-on suitcases are permitted.
Your backpack/carry-on will also function as your daily field-study pack during the trip and should be large enough to carry:
- Water bottle
- Bible
- Notebook
- Jacket or layers
- Snacks
- Personal items needed throughout the day
Please label all luggage clearly with your name and contact information.
Passport, Documentation & Finances
- Passport
- (Including Alien Registration Card and student visa for international students where applicable)
- Airline ticket / travel itinerary
- Photocopies of passport and important documents
- Passport carrier (neck-type) and/or money belt
- Driver’s license
- Health insurance information
- Credit card (Visa/MasterCard/American Express)
- International Student ID Card (if applicable)
- School ID card
- Some hard currency in small-to-medium denominations
- Emergency contact information
Travel Essentials
- One medium/large checked suitcase with identification tag
- Backpack/carry-on with identification tag
- Snacks for flights and long travel days
- Light reading material for flights
- Neck pillow for international flights
- Ear plugs (for flights and hotel rooms)
- Eye cover/sleep mask
- Battery-powered travel alarm
- Travel electrical adapter and/or power converter
- Currency conversion app or small calculator
Clothing
Please pack modest, practical, and layered clothing suitable for walking and changing weather conditions.
- 4-5 pairs of comfortable pants, slacks, skirts, sweats, or hiking pants
- 10 sport shirts, modest T-shirts
- (No tank tops)
- 1–2 long-sleeve shirts
- Sweater or light jacket
- Additional warm layers or "heavier" jacket
- Undergarments
- Comfortable sleepwear
- 10 pairs of quality walking socks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- (Athletic cross-trainers, hiking shoes, lightweight boots, etc.)
- Sandals or water shoes for Hezekiah’s Tunnel
- Swim shorts or modest swimsuit
- (Women must bring a one-piece swimsuit)
- Warm hat
- Scarf and gloves
- Rain jacket only no-umbrella
Photography & Electronics
- Camera (likely your phone)
- Charging cables
- Small notebook for photography journal
- Power Converter
Toiletries & Medical Supplies
Most toiletries are available in Israel but may be more expensive.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shaving supplies
- Chapstick (SPF recommended)
- Sunscreen
- Prescription medications
- Bring enough for the entire trip
- Bring a copy of prescriptions
- Personal first aid kit
- Band-Aids
- Tylenol, Aspirin, or preferred pain reliever
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Cold medicine
- Wet wipes/alcohol wipes
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, etc.)
- Contact lens supplies
- Small laundry detergent packet/bottle
Educational Materials
- TWI Atlas Map
- Travel Bible
- (Readable, durable, and easy to carry)
- Notebook or journal
- Extra paper
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, and markers
- Israel/Jordan travel book
- Small flashlight or headlamp
Miscellaneous
- Sunglasses
- Prescription glasses and spare pair
- Eyewear retainers (Croakies, Chums, etc.)
- Broad-brim hat with chin strap
- Watch
- Reusable water bottle or canteen
- Plastic bag for dirty laundry
Final Notes
Travelers should pack as lightly and efficiently as possible. Throughout the trip, luggage will regularly be loaded and unloaded from buses, transferred between hotels, and moved through airports and border crossings.
A lighter, organized packing system will significantly improve your travel experience.
WEST Highlights
Study the Bible in 3d
Experience the stage where God has chosen to reveal the truth about Himself and His plan.
One-Year
One-life
There is no better way to understand, retain, and faithfully apply the Scriptures to your life.