CCCU Announces Updates to Middle East Studies Program

September 22, 2023 (WASHINGTON, DC) –After encouraging active Christian engagement in the Middle East since 1993, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) will no longer be operating the Middle East Studies Program (MESP) after the spring 2024 semester. Students are encouraged to apply and attend the program for the spring 2024 semester. 

The changing nature of global higher education has impacted the Middle East Studies Program. In today’s academic climate, campuses are better equipped to assist and prepare students for new realities and expanded their own off-campus programs to meet the needs of current and future generations.  

The MESP program has faithfully educated over 1,100 students in Egypt, Jerusalem, and Amman, Jordan. The CCCU extends our deep gratitude to all who have made this program successful, especially to the staff members who faithfully taught, mentored and guided our students while offering them new cultural opportunities. There are thirty years of stories revealing the value of this program for individual students and campuses. The stories of MESP alumni whose experiences instilled a commitment to lifelong cultural engagement will continue to be shared and celebrated. 

Please email Dr. John Addleman at jaddleman@cccu.org with questions.

Please view our website for other valuable GlobalEd offerings.

UPDATE: on July 8, 2024, the CCCU announced that the Middle East Studies Program (MESP) will transition to being run under the guidance of Jerusalem University College (JUC) and will resume offering student programming beginning with the Spring 2025 semester. The full release can be found and read online here.