BECOME A WALKING ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HOLY LAND

The Story

The Bethlehem Bible College Tour Guide Program began in 1998, and is considered one of the oldest Palestinian programs in Tour Guiding. The program exists to serve the Palestinian and international community by offering a unique Bible-centered curriculum taught in English. The curriculum provides professional training, education and practical preparation to tour guides for the Holy Land. These guides can then meet the needs of those who visit the Holy Land by providing inspirational and informative guided tours. At the same time, it will offer young Palestinians many new job opportunities and allow them to discover their own heritage through a rewarding and fulfilling vocation, while also acting as ambassadors of their own people and culture to international visitors.

The Program is a Medium Diploma degree and allows graduates to participate in Tour Guide Exam Profession.

Learning Objectives

Knowledge

  • Graduating new generations of professional forthcoming Tour Guides with deep knowledge of the history of Palestine.
  • Obtain a high capability to understand and fully analyze archaeological and historical sites from its historical, archaeological and religious perspectives.
  • Awareness and understanding of the Palestinian Novel and gain in depth knowledge in the history of the Palestinian cause.

Skills

  • The ability to communicate with different cultures and nationalities.
  • To become familiar with the ethics of Tour Guiding in terms of respecting beliefs, religions and holy places.
  • Obtain a high knowledge in English Language, -since the program is taught in English- and gain a comprehensive knowledge of terminologies are related to the field of Tour Guiding.

Spirituality

  • Obtain a full knowledge of the religious and theological dimension of the holy places.
  • Understanding the varied stories of religious sites.
BIBLICAL COURSES - 12 Credits

Old Testament I - 3 Credits

This course is an essential introduction to the Old Testament from its historical perspective. It is characterized by its focus on the theological dimension of the texts of the Old Testament in response to the social, spiritual and political crises in the life of ancient Israel specifically within the five books of Moses, and the historical period that preceded the prophet David.

Old Testament II - 3 Credits

This course is the second part of course “Old Testament I”. It will concentrate on the historical period from the time of David the prophet until prophet Malachi.

New Testament I - 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. It will tackle the political, social and religious environments that were prevalent in Palestine and the Middle East before and after the period in which Jesus and his apostles disseminated the message of Christianity

New Testament II - 3 Credits

This course is the second part of  “New Testament I”. Within this course, students will explore specifically the Acts of the Apostles , the Epistle of Paul and other scriptures in the New Testament. The New Testament II course will pinpoint on the political, social and religious environment in which the Scriptures were written.

ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY COURSES - 17 Credits

Introduction to Archaeology - 3 Credits

This course exemplifies the importance of Archaeology and how it can formulate an important tool to understand the past. Within this course, students will have a panoramic view of the successive historical periods that came along Palestine, and also attain brief knowledge about the history of archaeological research in Palestine. In addition, the course will focus on the current condition of archaeology in Palestine and its relationship with tourism.

Archaeology and History of Palestine I - 3 Credits

In this course, students will study the story of the first humans in prehistoric ages, and what tools and methods humans used during that time. The course will also introduce students to the most important prehistoric sites in Palestine.

Archaeology and History of Palestine II - 3 Credits

This course represents a general overview of the history and archaeology of Palestine from the Bronze Age until the Iron Age. Within this course, students will be introduced to the main archaeological sites within those periods.

Archaeology and History of Palestine III - 3 Credits

This course represents a general overview of the history and archaeology of Palestine during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. Within this course, students will be introduced to the main archaeological sites within those periods.

Archaeology and History of Palestine IV - 3 Credits

This course will shed the light on the history and archaeology of Palestine during the Islamic period between the 7th Century A.D until the Ottoman period. The course will present the Islamic heritage in Palestine and related sites. Also, it will introduce students to the history of the Crusader period, and identify its cultural material remains.

History of Art in Palestine - 2 Credits

The course introduces students to the art history of Palestine that has been inherited by different civilizations and cultures such as the ones from the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic eras. Also this course will center specifically on the history of Byzantine iconography, and indicating its spiritual, artistic, religious and historical value.

RELIGION COURSES - 9 Credits

Introduction to Judaism - 3 Credits

The course will be subdivided into two parts. The first will tackle the concept of religion, and introduce students to the ancient religion in the Near East. The second part will introduce students to the fundamental principles of Judaic thoughts, rules, traditions, history and civilization.

Introduction to Islam - 3 Credits

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Islam including its thoughts, rules, traditions, history and civilization.

Introduction to Christianity - 3 Credits

The course introduces students to the fundamental principles of Christianity including its thoughts, rules, traditions, history and civilization.

PRACTICAL TRAINING COURSES:(PROFESSIONAL COURSES) - 9 Credits

Field Trips (1) - 2 Credits

The course encompasses the first series of educational trips to the most important historical and archaeological sites in West Bank, East Jerusalem and historic Palestine. It aims to introduce students to the value of Palestinian heritage, and shift the student’s knowledge from theoretical to practical.

Field Trips (2) - 2 Credits

The course encompasses the second series of educational trips to the most important historical and archaeological sites in West Bank, East Jerusalem and Historic Palestine. It aims to introduce students to the value of Palestinian heritage and shift their knowledge from theoretical to practical.

Field Trips (3) - 2 Credits

This course encompasses the third and last series of educational trips to the most important historical and archaeological sites in West Bank, East Jerusalem and historic Palestine. It aims to introduce students to the value of Palestinian heritage, and shift their knowledge from theoretical to practical.

Ethics of Guiding - 3 Credits

This course introduces the professional aspect of the tour guiding profession, and developing the personality of the tour guide and his communication skills with tourists. This course will set the fundamental basis on how to prepare field trips. In addition, within this course, students will be involved in a First Aid course on how to deal with emergency cases during field trips and giving assistance to tourists and pilgrims.

NATURAL SCIENCE COURSES - 9 Credits

Flora and Fauna  - 3 Credits

The course presents an introduction to the plant and animal diversity of Palestine that formulates an integral part of its natural heritage. Through this course, students will get to know the most important plants in Palestine and study its natural, historical and religious importance.

Introduction to Geology  - 3 Credits

This course is a basic introduction to geology where it will introduce to students the geological structure of the Earth and its components. In addition, the course will shed light on the understanding of geological phenomena such as earthquakes and identifying the different types of natural stones including sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Geography and Geology of Palestine - 3 Credits

This course will introduce students to the Geography of Palestine and the formation of villages and cities through the different historic eras. It will cover material on ancient scrolls and texts that had spoken about Palestine. In addition, the course will also touch on the climate of Palestine.

COURSES ON PALESTINIAN STUDIES AND POLITICS - 12 Credits

Palestinian Society - 3 Credits

The course will encompass the introduction of the Palestinian Society in the Palestinian homeland “Historic Palestine” and the Diaspora, from culture, literature and everyday aspects of life. It will also cover the intangible Palestinian heritage of tradition, proverbs and food. The course will also include Palestinian art and literature, pioneer painters, poets, writers, and intellectuals.

Introduction to Political Science - 3 Credits

This course will introduce students to the main concepts of political science pinpointed by the development of political thought and political analysis. In addition, attention will be given to the relationship between political science and other sciences, specifically history and archaeology, and how they can be implied in the field of Tour Guiding.

Modern and Contemporary History of Palestine - 3 Credits

This course will focus on the political and historical events that took place in Palestine, and how they have affected the current reality in which Palestinians live today. Also the course will address the history of the Palestinian people's struggle against oppression from the time of the British Mandate period, the 1948 and 1967 Wars, the First and Second Intifada up until the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority. In addition this course will address the legal perspective of the Palestinian cause.

Tourism and Advocacy - 3 Credits

This course addresses four main pillars that formulate its fundamental core. They are the following:

(1) Alternative Tourism, (2) Political Sites (the Separation Barrier, Israeli Settlements and Palestinian Camps), (3) Christian Zionism, and (4) Palestinian Theology presented by the Kairos Palestine Document as a tool to confront Christian Zionism.

TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 68

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

COURSE TITLE COURSE CODE CREDIT HOURS
Introduction to Archaeology TA 313 3
Introduction to Political Science TPS 313 3
Old Testament I TOT 313a 3
Introduction to Geology TG 313 3

Second Semester

COURSE TITLE COURSE CODE CREDIT HOURS
Flora and Fauna TFF 323 3
Old Testament II TOT 323b 3
Archaeology and History of Palestine I TA 323a 3
Modern and Contemporary History of Palestine TA 323a 3
Field Trips (1) TFT 322a 2

Summer Semester

COURSE TITLE COURSE CODE CREDIT HOURS
Tourism and Advocacy TTA 333 3
Introduction to Geography of Palestine TGP 333 3
Introduction to Judaism TJ 333 3

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

COURSE TITLE COURSE CODE CREDIT HOURS
Palestinian Society TP 343 3
Archaeology and History of Palestine II TA 343b 3
Archaeology and History of Palestine III TA 343c 3
New Testament I TNT 343a 3
Introduction to Christianity TC 343 3
Field Trips (2) TFT 342b 2

Second Semester

COURSE TITLE COURSE CODE CREDIT HOURS
New Testament II TNT 353b 3
Introduction to Islam TI 353 3
Archaeology and History of Palestine IV TA 353d 3
History of Art in Palestine THA 353 2
Ethics of Guiding TEG 352 3
Field Trips (3) TFT 352c 2

Quick Introduction to Diploma in Tour Guiding

Application Form

TOUR GUIDE PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Haytham Dieck

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Registration Status: Closed

Accreditation

  • Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Program Cost

35 JD per Credit Hour

Typical Completion Time

2 Years including summer course

Total Credit Hours

69 Credit Hour

Teaching Language

English language only

Admission

Every Two years

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • Good knowledge of English
  • Preference given to those who have a Diploma or BA degree
  • General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi) or equivalent
  • Has the needed passion and interest
  • Pass an oral interview (in English)

WHAT GRADUATES SAY

Issa Abu Jaber - Bethlehem Local Tour Guide, Class of 2017

“One of the best things that I’ve done in my life is enrolling in this program”

Julia Abu Allan - Bethlehem Local Tour Guide, Class of 2015

“I have learned lots of valuable information that I use when I’m guiding tourists.”

Ieva Aqleh - General Tour Guide English and Latvian, class of 2017

“To have the opportunity to study tourism in BBC was an answer of prayer, because for a long time I wished to deepen my knowledge in the Bible. I thought I will study music and theology, but God had different plans – it was tourism and theology and I couldn’t imagine better way. The program equipped me with everything I needed to become a successful tour guide. This program gave me deep insight in the historical, political, social and theological aspects of the land. These studies helped me to find a way how to explain the complicity of this country for the community I serve- the Latvian pilgrims.”

Emily Rishmawi - Graduate Student, Class of 2019

“I can confidently say that i have learnt about every detail of the Palestinian history, i am able to preserve my story, my nationality, my narrative and my existence. Through Bethlehem Bible College -Tour Guiding Diploma i am an ambassador of my Palestine.”