Policies and Standards

Although clothing standards vary from region to region in the Middle East, some U.S. contemporary clothing styles are inconsistent with expectations of dress for many residents of Jerusalem, who generally belong to orthodox--and very conservative--Christian, Muslim, or Jewish faiths. Even commonly accepted clothing styles worn by students on campus at BYU would be considered inappropriate by many in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the Middle East. Jerusalem Center students are asked to adopt a reserved standard of dress and grooming, sensitive to Jerusalem's cultures and religions, that will both set them apart and show respect to others. JC students will be expected to dress consistent with these standards for the entire program. 

General

The Center’s dress and grooming standard is conservative and what might be termed “dressy casual.” It is very important that clothing be loose-fitting and reserved in terms of body coverage and style. In addition to the specifics detailed below, students may not wear tight, torn, grubby, stained, patched, "camo" print fabrics, or military-green clothing.

A clean and well-cared for appearance should be maintained. No extreme hair colors or styles. Men should have clean-cut missionary-type haircuts with hair trimmed above the ears and above the collar. Men are also expected to be clean-shaven each day. Mustaches are not permitted on the program.

Everyday Clothing

Clothing with slogans, political statements, U.S. flags, or other U.S. insignia are not allowed. Most brand names and school logos are acceptable. All blouses, shirts, and tops must be loose-fitting and long enough to cover fully. They must have sleeves that cover the upper arm, with the length closer to the elbow than the shoulder. All tops must cover in front up to at least the collar bone. Cotton or cotton blends are preferred and strongly recommended. Pants for both men and women must fit at the waist, come down to the ankle, and be loose-fitting. The current style of wearing leggings or “skinny” pants is not permitted. Jeans are acceptable as long as they are not ripped, worn out, or shabby looking. Cargo-type pants and cotton or cotton blends are preferred and strongly recommended. Shorts for the gym must be loose-fitting and no shorter than mid-thigh. They can be worn when going to or from the gym, but not for lounging around outside of rooms or on balconies. Knee-length shorts may be worn in limited situations, but they must be loose-fitting and extend to the knee. They can be worn as a cover-up for bathing suits in Galilee, at the Dead Sea, or in other locations, and possibly on some field trips when it is very hot and only as directed by the instructors. Skirts and dresses should be loose-fitting and reach well below the knees while standing and sitting. Dress tops must be loose-fitting and have the previously described sleeve length.

Footwear and Swimwear

Students may never walk barefoot or in stocking feet in the Center, except in student rooms. Sandals and flip-flops are acceptable, but they must be kept on the feet at all times. Good walking shoes with closed toes are strongly recommend for all field trips. For women, no two-piece swimming suits; for men, no speedo-type suits. Sunbathing is not allowed at the Center.

Headwear

Hats are not to be worn in the Upper Auditorium, as it serves as a chapel on Sabbath and as a performance hall at other times.

The Center has made a firm commitment that no one associated with the Center, BYU, or Church will engage in Christian proselytizing activities while in the Holy Land. Students may not proselytize, directly or indirectly. Proselytizing is defined as any activity that could be construed as aimed at including, encouraging, or leading people in the country of Israel to investigate any religion for possible conversion. Such activities are strictly contrary to the desires of the government and people of Israel and to the commitments made by BYU, the Jerusalem Center, and the Church. Students must agree to not distribute, either directly, by mail, or by internet, any materials pertaining to the Church or its doctrines within Israel or Palestine. It is not permitted to discuss the Church or its doctrines or answer any questions regarding the Church or its doctrines with individuals who reside in the Holy Land or who may be visiting there. Guests who are not LDS are not permitted to attend Church services held in the Holy Land. If asked questions about the Church, students must state that they are in the Holy Land as a student and are not permitted to discuss the Church or its doctrines.

• Any student who cancels their Jerusalem Center program participation after initial placement will forfeit the $400 deposit.
• Students may receive a deposit refund if they do not qualify for the program, do not receive initial placement, or cannot be accommodated from a waiting list.
• A student cannot transfer an application and fee from one program (semester) to another—each program requires a separate application and deposit.
• Failure to meet program deadlines can result in an accepted student being replaced by a waitlist applicant.
• If a student’s airline ticket has been finalized prior to withdrawal from the program, a ticket cancellation fee will be assessed by the airline (currently $300). At this point, the airfare may also be non-refundable.
• Canceling within two weeks before departure requires a $100 cancellation fee. Other cancellation charges may also be assessed, along with any other costs already incurred.