ABOUT CROSS CULTURAL EDUCATION
History/Purpose
“In a world where diversity is often an excuse for
hatred and a trigger for violence, Drew students learn to use diversity
as a key to unlock the mysteries of a God beyond individual understanding,
who is revealed more fully through our shared faith and experience.”
(Drew catalog 2003-2005, pg.9)
In May of 2000 the faculty of Drew Theological School voted to require
all Master of Divinity students to enroll in a cross-cultural course
as part of the degree requirements. Students choose from several options,
both domestic and abroad, to fulfill this requirement. This experience
of difference will allow students to view their own lives, values, and
belief systems with greater objectivity while encouraging them to experience
a culture that is not their own. The following topics are representative
of the issues addressed in cross-cultural study in the Theological School
: Health care, healing rituals, liberation theology, economic development,
socialism and politics, inter-religious conflict and dialog, ecology,
women and children, family structures and systems, social justice and
the role of the church in social transformation. Reflection on these
and related topics enables students to think more critically about issues
of ministry and the role of the religious leader in the greater society.
Details of Course Credits
All cross cultural courses consist of an on-campus class prior to a
two to three week immersion experience in a culture with which the student
is not familiar. Traveling in groups of 10-15 and accompanied by a member
of the Theological School faculty, students study the religious, political,
economic, social, and historical realities of the region. Upon returning
to campus students engage in several hours of debriefing and discussion
of the experience. The class makes a presentation to the wider Theological
School community about the experience, usually in a chapel service in
the semester following the travel off-campus.
Registration/Financial Issues
Students register for a cross-cultural course the semester before they
travel off-campus. Pre-departure courses are scheduled in the fall for
January trips and in the spring for summer trips. Students receive one
(1) credit for the pre-departure coursework and two (2) credits for
the off-campus immersion experience. Students are responsible for both
tuition and travel costs for the trip.
Tuition costs for the 3 credit course are covered by financial aid
at the same percentage as regular academic coursework.
Travel costs, i.e. airfare, lodging, meals, admission fees, are not covered
by financial aid and are calculated based on the number of participants
and vary dependent on destination. Estimates will be recalculated closer
to departure times to reflect prevailing economic realities. Prices quoted
reflect a substantial subsidy through the Melander-Bollenger Fund of Drew
Theological School and therefore no additional scholarship help is available
from Drew. Prices are based on 10 student participants.
Proposed Schedule
A schedule of courses, which is available on a separate page, is offered
as an aid in planning to fulfill the requirement. It is updated periodically.
To view current schedule, please click here.
Deadlines and Timelines
Two-thirds of the travel cost will be billed upon enrollment in the
pre-departure course. The remaining one-third will be billed with the
two credit course. Once the add drop period for the pre-departure course
is over, the student is liable for the travel fee even is he/she does
not go on the trip. Additional costs, i.e. visas, shots, may be incurred
depending on destination. Consult the lead professor for details.
The travel component of each course is subsidized by the Theological School
. Students receive one subsidy during their time at Drew. Students electing
to do additional cross cultural study will be charged the full price of
the trip.
Other Approved Programs
BorderLinks. A bi-national
non-profit organization that offers experiential educational seminars
along the border focusing on the issues of global economics, militarization,
immigration, and popular resistance to oppression and violence.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.borderlinks.org.
Ghost Ranch. An education and retreat center
of The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which grounds its life and program
in reverence, hospitality for all people, and respect for creation.
For more information, visit their website at http://www.ghostranch.org.
Any non-Drew programs must be approved in advance by the cross-cultural
committee.
Academic Programs