Description

Are you interested in teaching short-term somewhere in the Majority World, in a cultural context that’s new to you?  In this course we’ll try to introduce you to some of the relational dynamics of moving across cultures and in particular to the importance of relationships as the key to intercultural success.

The main ideas in this course are that relationships are the key to intercultural success, and that building relationships of mutual trust across cultures requires a willingness to love others with a humble posture of listening and learning. You will also discover that in many cultures hospitality – often around food – is an important way of welcoming a stranger and strengthening relationships

Please note that this course is specifically for TWB Field Partners (see more) and they will receive individual tutoring and feedback. We also welcome other students to complete this training. However, if you are not part of TWB's Field Partner programme we are not able to offer individual assessment or feedback.

Course Outcomes

This course provides orientation in intercultural relationships for prospective Theologians Without Borders 'Field Partners' at Level I.   This course is particularly suited for theological educators who are operating in cross-cultural contexts.   TWB Field Partners who complete this course will: engage in intercultural relationships in their own home context; demonstrate listening and learning in an intercultural relationship; begin to experience and acknowledge differences among cultural perspectives; and reflect on the importance of a humble learning posture in intercultural relationships.

Course content

• Relationships are the key to intercultural success.
  
• Developing strong relationships across cultures requires a willingness to love others with a humble posture of listening and learning. 
  
• Listening humbly can lead to a recognition that others’ ways of thinking and doing may be ‘different’ rather than ‘wrong’.
  
• Listening and learning is essential because there may be different ways of building trust in different cultural contexts. 
  
• In many cultures hospitality is an important way of welcoming others and strengthening relationships

Authorship

This course is authored by Dr Stephanie Black. Stephanie is Associate Director for Orientation and Training for Theologians Without Borders. She taught in graduate schools of theology in Ethiopia (2000-2008) and Kenya (2008-2013), serving as ACTEA Accreditation Officer from 2007-2011. She is also Affiliate Associate Professor of New Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary. Stephanie’s now serves as international Theological Education Specialist with Serge, in partnership with EPC World Outreach and travels to support leadership development in Africa, Asia and Europe

Delivery mode

This is a self-paced online course.

Duration

10 hours of learning.

ICETE Academy points

10 points.

Completion requirements

You will need to complete the learning sections, invite someone from a cultural that’s unfamiliar to you to share a meal with you and submit a 4-5 min video reflection and a short self-assessment.

Course enrolment key

TWB001

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