Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acts 1:8 Jerusalem?
Acts 1:8 Jerusalem is a 10-week Christian gap semester operated by Jerusalem Light and focused on Scripture, discipleship, community life, biblical study tours, and living out faith in daily life.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for young adults who want deeper discipleship, biblical understanding, community, and a season set apart for growth. It is especially helpful for students considering ministry, missions, Bible college, or simply wanting to take their faith seriously.
How long is the program?
The semester runs for approximately 10 weeks. Students arrive and depart on the published program dates.
Where do students live?
Students live together in shared program housing in the Christian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Travel & Arrival
What is the purpose of the program?
Acts 1:8 Jerusalem is a short-term Christian study and discipleship tour. Students live in program housing in Jerusalem and take part in Scripture study, classroom instruction, daily discipleship, Christian community, and faculty-led study tours at biblical and historical sites.
Why is the program approximately ten weeks?
The experience goes beyond sightseeing. The longer schedule gives students time for in-depth study of biblical sites, to connect classroom teaching with the land, and, when the program dates align, to experience biblical holidays and seasonal rhythms. Students study Scripture while visiting the places where much of it happened rather than taking a brief sightseeing trip.
What entry authorization do students use?
Students attend as short-term visitors/tourists and must hold the appropriate Israeli entry authorization for their nationality and circumstances, such as ETA-IL for eligible visa-exempt travelers or a visitor/tourist visa when required. Requirements can change, and Israeli authorities make all entry decisions. Students must confirm current requirements through official Israeli government guidance; the program does not provide immigration advice or guarantee entry.
When should students arrive and depart?
Students come to Israel for the published program dates. Acts 1:8 requires every student to depart Israel immediately when the program ends, on the published departure date. Students should not plan to remain in Israel after the program.
Do I need Hebrew?
No. Students come with different levels of experience and many arrive with little or no Hebrew background.
Do I need previous Bible college experience?
No. Students come from different educational backgrounds.
Is this like YWAM?
There are similarities, but the focus is different.
Acts 1:8 emphasizes Scripture, discipleship, community life, and studying the Bible while living in Jerusalem.
YWAM programs often place a stronger emphasis on outreach phases and missions training.
Do students travel around Israel?
Yes. Students regularly visit important biblical locations throughout the land.
Places students typically visit include:
• Jerusalem Old City
• Mount of Olives
• Garden of Gethsemane
• Sea of Galilee
• Capernaum
• Jordan River
• Nazareth
• Judean Wilderness
• Dead Sea region
• Masada
• Caesarea
• City of David
• Shiloh
• Archaeological sites and museums
Locations may vary depending on safety and logistics.
What does the program fee include?
The program fee includes:
• Shared housing
• Ground transportation during program activities
• Teaching and discipleship
• Biblical study tours
• Community life
• Program activities
What costs are not included?
Students should plan separately for:
• Flights
• Airport transportation
• Food expenses (about $800 recommended)
• Insurance
• Personal spending money
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. Students are required to have travel medical insurance.
Is Israel safe?
Safety decisions are made carefully and programs only move forward when leadership believes conditions are responsible for students and staff.
Can I earn college credit?
Eligible students may receive college credit through Calvary Chapel University (CCU), subject to CCU’s requirements and approval.
How many students are accepted?
We intentionally keep the program smaller to prioritize discipleship, relationships, and community life.
How do I apply?
Start by completing an application. Students should also expect a conversation with leadership as part of the process.
What if war or security conditions change?
Student safety comes first. Program decisions are made carefully and may be adjusted if conditions require it.
Helpful Links
Want to learn more?
Program Information: /program/
Program Costs: /program-costs/
Apply Here: /apply/
Who Should Apply: /who-should-apply/
Christian Gap Semester vs YWAM: /christian-gap-semester-vs-ywam-whats-the-difference/
Contact Us: /contact/