Individually Arranged Cross-Cultural Studies
 

Some students choose to conduct their own cross-cultural experience by researching and designing an independent study unique to their preferences and personality.

If you are considering an Individually Arranged Study:

• This requirement can be fulfilled if the experience is designed to be an in-depth academic analysis of a particular culture; it has to be prepared for and intentionally undertaken with an academic goal in mind.

• Language, geographical locations, worldviews, and/or value systems characterize cultures.

• Most mission trips, particularly those done in the U.S., do not qualify as cross-cultural experiences.

• You must spend a minimum of 45 hours (no less than 7 days) interacting with a culture significantly different from their own. This model is based on a typical one credit-hour internship requirement.

• Plan Well In Advance! 1) The destination to which you plan to travel 2) The duration of the trip 3) Where you will be staying (i.e. in a hotel, youth hostel, or in host homes) 4) What types of interactions you will have 5) The type of research you will need to do in order to prepare yourself to interact with the intended target culture 6) How the experience will be funded 7) Whether or not you speak the local language, and if not, whether a translator will be available 8)What goals you hope to accomplish through this experience.

• Many students opt to become active participants in a domestic church or community that differs significantly from their own ethnicity, culture, and where possible language.
  Domestic Church Visitation Policy

Step by Step Process

Application to conduct an Individually Arranged Cross-Cultural Study

IAS Proposal Template

IAS Proposal Sample (1)

IAS Proposal Sample (2)

Cooperative Study Program Link

Local IAS Possibilities

Academic Requirements

• Duration - All individually arranged cross-cultural studies must include a minimum of 45 hours, no less than 7 days, of initiated contact and interaction with members of the target culture.

• Assignments - Students are responsible for completing a daily reflection journal of their activities that includes detailed, reflective entries for each day of your experience, 5 case study interviews with members of the target culture, and a final reflection summary of their experience.

• Reflection - A student must show competency in his/her ability to reflect on another culture and initiative in interacting with people of that culture.

• Interaction – The student must initiate and engage in conversation with members of the targeted culture, observe body language, conduct interviews, participate in cultural activities, and reflect on his/her experiences. Members of the culture should not be watched from a distance and treated as mere specimens.

• Sensitivity – The student should research cultural information to ensure they do not offend culture members through insensitivity or criticism of behaviors that may differ from their own. Strict attention to items of dress, speech, posture, demeanor, interaction with older adults, roles of women and children, etc., requires careful consideration of the student.