Study Abroad Programs

Israel Study (JUC and IBEX)

Living and studying in the land where biblical events actually took place inevitably deepens the students’ understanding of the Scriptures and increases their ability to communicate its message. Living abroad also increases one’s cultural awareness and sensitivity to world events. To facilitate such a learning and living experience, the University has affiliations with both Jerusalem University College, located on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem, and the Israel Bible Extension Program of The Master’s College, located in the Judean Hills just west of Jerusalem.

Both programs provide unique settings for study. Their faculties strive to cultivate an enriched understanding of the Christian faith through a firsthand encounter with the land that includes language, history, and culture. All courses at JUC and IBEX are taught in English. The curriculum offerings are in the areas of biblical studies, archaeology, language, history, and sociology. Although students are not on the Langhorne campus while at JUC or IBEX, they are, nevertheless, fully matriculated PBU students.

In addition to the general study abroad requirements listed above, IBEX requires a minimum GPA of 2.75 and the completion of an Old Testament survey course (met by BIB 201 taken at PBU).

Students can get more information about the specific programs by using the contact information below.

• Jerusalem University College
  4249 E. State Street, Suite 203
  Rockford, IL 61108
  Telephone: (800) 891-9408 or (815) 229-5900
  Web site: www.juc.edu
• Israel Bible Extension Program (IBEX)
  The Master’s College
  Box #16
  21726 Placerita Canyon Road
  Santa Clarita, CA 91321
  Telephone: (800) 568-6248 ext. 3011
  Web site: www.masters.edu/DeptPageNew.asp?PageID=864

The amount of credit taken at JUC or IBEX appears on the student’s transcript. The number of credits students receive toward graduation depends upon their professional program and the total number of credits completed in Israel. Grades and resultant grade points received from JUC or IBEX are included in the student’s grade point average. Since JUC and IBEX classes are not identical with those offered by the University, credit is granted for selected biblical, arts and sciences, or professional courses required in the student’s curriculum, regardless of which courses the student takes in Israel. The following PBU requirements may be waived in lieu of JUC or IBEX credit. The registrar selects the appropriate credits in the student’s curriculum.

• BIB 401 - Wisdom Literature Credits: 3
• THE 301 - Church History Credits: 3
• HIS 211 - World Civilization I Credits: 3
• TSL 401 - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Credits: 3
• PED 101 - Life Management Credits: 1
• Elective Credits: 3-6
• Bible Elective Credits: 3
• Theology Elective Credits: 3
• Social/Behavioral Science Elective Credits: 3
• Humanities Elective Credits: 3
• History Elective Credits: 3
• Natural Science Elective Credits: 3
• Professional Elective Credits: 3-6
• Church Ministries Elective Credits: 3

BestSemester

BestSemester is the study abroad program of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, of which PBU is an affiliate member. BestSemester includes a total of eleven different semester programs and one summer program. Students can study internationally in Australia, China, Latin America, Russia, Uganda, Oxford, or the Middle East. BestSemester also has four programs in the United States.

Students can get more information about the specific programs by visiting www.bestsemester.com.

Credits and grades earned through BestSemester appear on the student’s PBU transcript and are included in the grade point average. The actual number of BestSemester credits applicable toward graduation is contingent upon the student’s program. Since BestSemester classes are not identical with those offered by the University, credit is granted for selected biblical, arts and sciences, or professional courses required in the student’s curriculum. The following PBU requirements may be waived in lieu of BestSemester credits. The registrar selects the appropriate credits in the student’s curriculum.

• Elective Credits: 3-6
• Social/Behavioral Science Elective Credits: 3
• Humanities Elective Credits: 3
• History Elective Credits: 3
• HIS 211 - World Civilization I Credits: 3
• TSL 401 - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Credits: 3
• Professional Elective Credits: 3-6
• Church Ministries Elective Credits: 3
• Bible Elective Credits: 3
• Theology Elective Credits: 3
• THE 301 - Church History Credits: 3
• BIB 401 - Wisdom Literature Credits: 3
• PED 101 - Life Management Credits: 1
• Natural Science Elective Credits: 3
• BUS 499 - Internship Credits: 3
• CHM 491 - Internship Credits: 3
• SWK 491 - Internship Credits: 3