Global Education
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Middle East Studies Program

Based in Jerusalem, Israel, the Middle East Studies Program (MESP) offers students a unique opportunity to explore and interact with the complex and strategically important world of the modern Middle East.

The interdisciplinary seminars give students the opportunity to explore the diverse religious, social, cultural, and political traditions of Middle Eastern peoples. Students study the Arabic language and may work as volunteers with various organizations in Cairo. Through travel (typically Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey), students are exposed to the diversity and dynamism of the region. At a time of tension and change in the Middle East, MESP encourages and equips students to relate to the Muslim, Eastern and Jewish worlds in an informed, constructive, and Christ-centered manner.

VISION
The Middle East Studies Program seeks to prepare students to live the Christian life in a world that is religiously and culturally pluralistic, whether that's in the Middle East, North America, or other parts of the world.

QUALIFICATIONS
To gain eligibility you must:

  • Be a junior or senior
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Possess a strong commitment to academics and Christianity

CREDITS
A total of 16 credit hours are possible. Courses include:

  • Introduction to Arabic Language (4)
  • Islamic Thought and Practice (4)
  • Conflict and Change in the Middle East (4)
  • Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (4)

Global Understanding core credit can be fulfilled by this semester program when students participate in the pre- and post-departure New Perspectives course. Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013. Visit the GEO for details or go to the GEO Global Understanding webpage.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES  

REGULAR ADMISSION:
All Gordon students applying to a BEST SEMESTER program must first submit an online seat application (link available to Gordon students only) to participate in a Global Education program. Only after you've been approved by the Global Education Office for study abroad may you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's online application.
  • Seat applications for fall semester must be submitted online by March 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester must be submitted online by September 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application.  Deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: April 1
  • Spring Semester: October 1

EARLY ADMISSION: 
If you wish to apply early admission to the Middle East Studies Program, then the deadlines are as follows:

  • Seat applications for fall semester–EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by January 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester–EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by April 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office, you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application. The BEST SEMESTER's early admission deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: February 1
  • Spring Semester: May 1

COSTS
The cost is generally equal to a 16 credit semester at Gordon and includes:

  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Room and board
  • Round trip transportation to Cairo, Egypt
  • Immigration and Visa expenses
  • Program-related travel

Not included in regular tuition costs are such items as:

  • Personal expenses
  • Books (paid with acceptance deposit)
  • Fee for International Student ID Card (ISIC)
  • Personal medical expenses, if incurred

CONTACT
For further information please contact:

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

Apply to participate in Global Education Programs with the Online Seat Application (link available to Gordon students only)

After being approved for participation you may apply to the MESP.