Student Trips to Israel | See the Holy Land

The trip is only the beginning.

Israel will change your life. We know because we’ve seen it happen thousands of times.

But what really sets Passages apart—our secret recipe—is what happens after you visit the Holy Land. Through our dedicated post-trip program, you’ll learn to lead, encourage and inspire your own community as you build on everything you saw and heard in Israel.

It’s time to discover your spiritual heritage in the land where it was born and let it fuel the rest of your life.

Walk where Jesus did

During your time in Israel, you’ll visit breathtaking sites from the pages of Scripture that help you contextualize your faith and make it your own. You’ll also hear from a wide range of local speakers who will help you understand modern Israeli culture and complex geopolitical realities of the region.

FAQ

General

What can I expect on this D.C. trip?

Take a look at our sample itinerary to get a sense of the trip and the places you'll be visiting.

What staff will be on the D.C. trip?

There will be Passages staff leading the program and all participants will be assigned to a cohort with a Cohort Leader who will provide details for each day and guide your experience.

How much physical activity can I expect in D.C?

Most activities will include walking so participants will be walking approximately 1-2 miles per day. We would recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers each day. Most walks will be in museums, monuments, and between the hotel and sites.

What should I pack for the D.C. Trip?

The general dress code is business casual. We want to be respectful of the museums and people we're visiting. Regardless, be sure to bring one nicer outfit for Shabbat dinner.

There will be walking and standing so we recommend packing comfortable shoes.

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Where will we be staying in Washington, D.C.?

All participants will be staying at a hotel near the National Mall. More information on accommodations will be provided prior to the trip.

Will there be free time to explore Washington on our own?

There will be limited free time after programming hours. If you choose to explore, travel in groups of three or more and be sure to return to the hotel by midnight.

You can find our full Safety and Security Guidelines here.

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What does my flight ticket include?

Your ticket includes an economy seat, a carry-on, and a personal item. If you wish to upgrade your seat or bring a checked bag, the additional fees will be your responsibility. We will cover up to $600 for a ticket booked through our travel agency, Traveland.

What’s covered vs what am I responsible for?

The total cost of the experience is $2,000; however, our generous donors have subsidized the cost to you.

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Your $250 registration fee covers:

Hotel
Roundtrip flight
All breakfasts & dinners
Museum admissions & other program costs

What you are responsible for:

Lunches
Transportation between the airport and the hotel

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How much does the DC Experience cost?

The total cost of the experience is $2,000; however, our generous donors have subsidized the cost to you. The registration fee is $250 which includes roundtrip flights, all breakfast and dinners, hotel accommodations, and other programming expenses. Lunches as well as a train/uber between the airport and hotel are your expense during the weekend.

What happened on October 7?

On October 7, Hamas terrorists entered communities near the Israel-Gaza border. They murdered 1,200 people and kidnapped over 240 people. Many were also tortured. Hamas committed serious, widespread acts of sexual violence which are considered war crimes.

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What will I be responsible for?

Your domestic flights to and from an international airport determined by Passages, renewing your Passport (if needed), having international cellular service for the duration of your trip, and at times there may be an opportunity for free time and a meal or two on own.

What can I expect on the Israel trip?

Passages will be providing most meals, transport, and programming from the time you land until the time you depart Tel Aviv. Please review this sample itinerary for further details

Will my cell phone work?

You are welcome to call your network provider to discuss international plans. Another option is to turn off cellular while in Israel and rely on Wi-Fi. Most hotels in Israel offer Wi-Fi for guests, as well as many cafes and restaurants provide complimentary Wi-Fi service.

Will we have health insurance in Israel

You will be covered by our travel insurance for anything that takes place during the trip, but treatment for any pre-existing conditions will not be covered.

Why Passages?

Passages believes that the work we are doing to educate the next generation of Christians who will become the future of American leadership, is critical to both the reservation and flourishing of the Church and the building of bridges of friendship between Christians and Jews. Passages has had proven success over the past 6 years taking over 10,000 top Christian college students to Israel, and we invite you to join us in a program that will have lasting impact on young Christian leaders for generations to come.

Why do you need my passport?

Your passport information will be kept secure at all times. Your full legal name, birthdate, passport number, and date of passport expiration will all be required for us to reserve your accommodations and purchase health insurance coverage for your trip. Please note that your passport must be valid up to 6 months after your departure date from Israel or you will be denied entry into the country. If you have more questions about this, you may contact [email protected]

What should I pack for the Israel trip?

See our packing list HERE

What type of bag(s) should I pack?

Please be sure to place any medication, electronics, money, or valuables in your carry-on luggage so that you will not risk being without these items if your checked luggage is lost or delayed. How much you decide to bring is entirely up to you. Most bring a backpack for their carry-on and check a small rolling bag. When packing keep in mind that we will have multiple transfers between hotels and your luggage will need to be checked out and placed on the bus multiple times.

I submitted my application! What now?

Once you’ve submitted your application, our team will begin the review process. Depending on when you submitted your application, this could take several weeks to a few months. Sit back, relax, and be patient. Our team will notify you with a trip acceptance or denial. If you are not accepted for a trip for the season you applied for, you’re welcome to reapply so long as you still meet eligibility requirements.

I'm an international student and not from the United States. Can I participate in a Passages trip?

International students are eligible to participate in a Passages trip and are responsible for any travel documents (i.e. visas, etc) to enter Israel and return to the Unites States.

I just graduated! Am I still eligible?

Congratulations! Yes, you are welcome to apply for a trip with us up to one year after you graduated. If you graduated this summer, your last opportunity to travel with us will be next summer.

Is there anything I need to commit to in order to participate in the trip?

Yes. Before the trip, we ask that all participants complete a brief online pre-trip course designed to prepare them for the trip (sent 3-4 weeks prior to the trip). After the trip, participants are to complete a second online course designed to expand on and develop their on-the-ground learning. The students will also choose three items from a list of post-trip activities. Post-trip activities are meant to build upon what the participant experienced in Israel and to help the participant tell their Israel story to their communities. Overall, these courses and activities can take between 10-20 hours to complete.

Does Passages make accommodations for individuals with medical, developmental, and physical disabilities?

Passages may be able to make limited accommodations. At this time, the program involves long days of walking and standing on uneven ground. If you have more questions, you are welcome to reach out to us at [email protected].

How much physical activity can I expect?

Most activities will include walking so participants will be walking approximately 2-3 miles per day. We would recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers each day. Most walks will be lightly to moderately strenuous and there will be breaks throughout the day as you travel to and from sites.

Where do we go on the Israel trip?

The program includes a mix of Biblical, geopolitical, historical, and religious sites in the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Galilee areas.

Financial

Should I exchange money before my trip?

It is possible for you to change money if you would prefer with your bank or at the airport in Tel Aviv, but we recommend using an ATM to directly withdraw shekels from your account once you arrive in Israel. This will save the headache of the exchange, and carrying around a large amount of cash. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across Israel and you will likely only need a small amount of cash for smaller street vendors. Finally, we recommend notifying your debit/credit card company of your travel plans to avoid their placing a security hold on your account.

If the trip is canceled, will I get a refund?

If Passages cancels the trip for any reason, you will receive a full refund of your registration fee (all refunds do not include the processing fee paid at registration). If you would like to cancel your trip, please contact [email protected] and refer to the Cancellation Policy for more information.

Safety & Security

Has Passages been back to Israel since the war began?

Yes, Passages has returned to Israel twice already. We first returned in January 2024, successfully bringing a delegation of Passages leadership, partners, and select alumni on a solidarity trip. During this trip, the group visited two communities in the Gaza envelope—Kfar Aza and Netiv Ha’Asara—where they saw the sites of the atrocities and presented a $250,000 donation to each community on behalf of Passages.

In July 2024, Passages officially resumed student trips, hosting two busloads in Israel. We successfully carried out a full Passages itinerary, staying true to the foundations of our faith, providing thoughtful exposure to the geopolitical challenges of the Middle East, and volunteering to support communities affected by the war.

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What staff members will be traveling with me to Israel?

Every Passages bus will have 1-2 Chaplains, 2 Passages Fellows, an Israeli tour guide, and an armed medic. Your Fellows will reach out to you before the trip with more information and connect you with the rest of the group. A Passages staff member and Senior Fellow will oversee several buses and be available to address questions or concerns throughout the trip.

Is traveling to Israel safe?

The safety and security of the students who participate in our program is paramount. We provide each bus with an armed medic/guard and our tour operator is in touch with the authorities on a continual basis should a situation arise within the country and the itinerary need to be changed accordingly.

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The war is being fought in a territory adjacent to Israel known as the Gaza Strip. The locations on our planned itinerary are outside areas in which fighting may occur, and it is safe to visit Israel at this time.

To learn more about how we ensure the safety of our participants, please see our Safety FAQs HERE.

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Is a Passages trip fair and balanced as it relates to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict?

Passages is transparent about its beliefs. In particular, Passages believes Israel is a force for good in the region and in the world. That being said, we do not claim that Israel is perfect. In particular, we seek to offer a diverse array of speakers who approach modern geopolitical issues in Israel and the Middle East from a variety of perspectives. In the past we've had students meet with Israeli Jews, Israeli Arabs, Palestinian Arabs (both Christian and Muslim), and a member of the Israeli Maronite/Aramaic Christian community.

We believe Passages participants are smart, good, and have the ability to identify truth and we therefore consider this an educational journey to both connect participants with the roots of their Christian faith as well as introduce them to modern Israel.

Travel and Flight Information

I don't have a passport! When do I need to submit it?

You will need to submit your passport at the time of registering for the trip. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure date from Israel or you will be denied entry into the country

Will I be flying on my own?

All participants travel to Israel on a group flight so you’ll be with other Passages participants on your international flight. Upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Passages staff will meet you in the Arrival Hall and take you to your bus.

Covid Response

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How can I give?

Why should I give to Passages?

When you partner with us, you are enabling your support to go toward training up future Christian leaders who will impact generations to come. Your support helps us provide next-generation leaders with an opportunity to be rooted in their faith through a Passages Israel experience and ongoing leadership training through our alumni program. Our nation and our world need faithful, wise and courageous leaders. By partnering with Passages, you’re making an investment into the future of the Church and of the nation.

What are my options for giving?

You can give in a variety of ways, including: a recurring donation, a one-time donation, a domestic wire transfer, by mail, or other stocks and securities. Please keep refer to other FAQs below for more information.

How do I give?

You can give online by credit card, PayPal, or domestic wire transfer by clicking the "Give Now" button. You can also give by mail. Simply mail your check or credit card information to: Passages Israel, PO Box 870, Allen TX 75013.

For information on giving other stocks and securities, please email us at [email protected].

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What are donor advised funds?

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable investment account administered by a third party that provides a simple, flexible, and tax-efficient way to manage charitable giving. It allows you to donate immediately or over any timeframe you choose. When you give, simply contact your administrator and provide our address (Passages Israel, TX ) and tax ID (81-2453820).

What about legacy and planned giving?

Leaving a legacy gift to Passages impacts lives for generations to come. If you are interested in discussing legacy giving, please email [email protected]. If you would like to name Passages in your will, you can do so simply by adding the following:

Passages Israel

Tax ID# 81-2453820

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