WEC has five cross-cultural training centres around the world

These centres combine theological training with mission studies, so as to equip our students both spiritually and practically to serve God, in cross-cultural situations anywhere in the world.

Many Bible colleges are not specifically orientated towards cross-cultural service.

WEC’s training institutions provide relevant and appropriate training, for anyone wanting to work in a different culture, whether with WEC International or with another mission agency.

Lifestyle is also a fundamental aspect of mission training, concentrating not only on what you know and what you can do, but also on the person you are.

Our English-medium colleges, East-West College of Intercultural Studies in New Zealand and Cornerstone in the Netherlands, offer two-year programmes.

Worldview in Australia also offers longer degree courses. 

For those with some Bible training already, WEC's Gateway Mission Training Centre in Canada offers a special one-year programme in missions.

MTC Latino Americano is WEC's mission training centre in Brazil, where tuition is in Portuguese.

A new mission training centre is being established this year in Mexico offering courses in Spanish.

Entrance requirements

Entrance requirements vary, but that of Cornerstone (in the Netherlands)is typical:

• a clear Christian testimony

• a membership of, and preferably at least one year’s active involvement in a local church

• the recommendation of the local church or Christian organisation

• evidence that you can cope with intensive study and practical activity

• willingness to serve the Lord in cross-cultural ministry

• physical fitness appropriate to the calling or career

• be at least 20 years old (some colleges specify 19)

• able to speak, read and write English well 

Won’t it cost me an arm and a leg?

Colleges are basically funded by student fees and donations from friends, but all staff and helpers are volunteers and are not paid a salary. That keeps costs to a minimum. Fees at Cornerstone for the next academic year are 4,140 euros (about £2,725) for full-time residential students; the enrolment fee is 25 euros.

For those going overseas as professionals, adequate training is essential. You may need to upgrade your skills as many countries now require a high level of professional training and expertise.

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