Study trip to Jordan/Jerusalem
The study trip offers strong encounters and rich cultural and natural experiences. If the current level of conflict in the Middle East persists and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Norwegians against traveling, we will go to Morocco instead. Both options offer Arab culture and architecture, historical landmarks, religious history, and insight into conflicts over occupied lands and violations of international law and human rights. We visit locals, go to bazaars, swim in the sea and watch the sun set over the desert.
OCCUPATION, MEETINGS AND SOLIDARITY
On a study trip to Jordan/Jerusalem, we explore the conflict in the Middle East in general and the conflict between Israel and Palestine in particular. We meet the school's partners in the Palestinian YWCA-YMCA in the West Bank. We see the Israeli occupation and colonization with our own eyes and hear the experiences and perspectives of young Palestinians: How do occupation, war, and discrimination affect everyday life? We work one day in a Palestinian olive grove and join an Israeli human rights organization on a tour of Jerusalem. In the case of Morocco, we learn about the occupation of Western Sahara, which is a forbidden area for visitors. What can we do together to contribute to a just peace?
CULTURE, RELIGION AND ARCHITECTURE
Through our acquaintances, you will experience genuine hospitality, delicious food and personal encounters that give you new perspectives. Whether we travel to Amman, Jerusalem or Marrakech, we promise a bustling life full of colors, smells and flavors. Whether we travel to the Middle East or Morocco, you will encounter a diversity of cultures and religions. In ancient Arab cities, we see how tradition meets modernity in building methods and life choices. In Amman, you will see ancient ruins such as the Citadel and the Roman theater side by side with modern cafes, shopping centers and art galleries. In Jerusalem, you will experience the city as a religious center for Jews, Christians and Muslims as we go on a journey of discovery along the Western Wall, in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The study trip is full of fantastic experiences, from camel riding with Bedouins in the unique lunar landscape of Wadi Rum, to sunrise over the Jordan River and snorkeling among colorful fish and coral reefs in the Red Sea. We visit the lowest point on Earth, where the water in the Dead Sea is so salty that you almost float on top of the water. If the study trip goes to Morocco, the beaches here offer waves and surfing, and we go on adventures up into the mountains and touch the Sahara Desert.
