Effective Leadership in a culturally complex world requires a combination of Cultural Intelligence and cross-cultural experience. The Perkins Global Theological Education Program prepares Christian leaders for culturally complex churches and communities. Through seminars and significant immersion experiences in other cultures we prepare our students for lifelong growth in cultural intelligence and cross-cultural competence. Students gain firsthand experience in building intercultural relationships, resolving cultural conflicts, and guiding intercultural ventures.
READ THIS FIRST: You cannot register for an immersion outside the US unless you have a valid passport in your possession. Registrations must be accompanied by a photocopy or scan of a valid US passport.
Registrations for 2022 Immersions will be accepted beginning August 19th, 2021. Registration for Spring Break 2022 immersions closes November 30th, 2021.
Alumnae are Welcome - Unless otherwise noted all immersions are open to adult family members of Perkins students and to Perkins Alumnae.
Registration is through NelNet - Links available below.
Travel Stipends are available on the basis of need and availability of funds. Students planning to request a stipend must file a FAFSA. Further information is found through the registration links below.
Upcoming GTE Immersion Courses
January Term 2023
- Waco Mission Immersion – January 3 - 8 2023 with Dr. Hugo Magallanes, Itinerary and Information. Homeless Immersion Registration
Spring Break 2023
- Cuba Immersion – March 10 - 19, 2023 - Dr. Robert Hunt, Cuba Registration, Tentative Itinerary
- Paris Pilgrimage Immersion - March 10 - 19, 2023 - Dr. Jim Lee (with Dr. Bonnie Wheeler), Paris Registration, For further information on the itinerary please contact Dr. Lee.
Summer 2023
- Parliament of the World's Religions - August 13 to 18 - Dr. Ruben Habito and Dr. Robert Hunt. Registration not yet available. Seehttps://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2023-chicago/2023-schedule/for information about the Parliament. Or contact Dr. Habito.
January Term 2024
- Palestine/Israel Immersion – January 2024 with Dr. Robert Hunt - Palestine Israel 2024 Schedule, Palestine Israel Immersion Registration
- Waco Mission Immersion – January 2024 with Dr. Hugo Magallanes
Spring Break 2024
- El Salvador Immersion - Dr. Hal Recinos.
Participants in immersion courses are required to attend a designated GTE Orientation session.
All immersions outside the U.S. require a U.S. passport valid for six months following the ending date of the immersion. No application will be accepted without a copy of a valid U.S. passport.
For inquiries about the academic content and travel schedules of immersions, please contact the faculty member in charge.
Application forms must be submitted to the GTE office at 303C Selecman.
For all other inquiries, contact the Global Theological Education office, globaltheology@smu.edu.
No advance applications will be accepted.
Effective Leadership in a culturally complex world requires a combination of Cultural Intelligence and cross-cultural experience. The Perkins Global Theological Education Program prepares Christian leaders for culturally complex churches and communities. Through seminars and significant immersion experiences in other cultures we prepare our students for lifelong growth in cultural intelligence and cross-cultural competence. Students gain firsthand experience in building intercultural relationships, resolving cultural conflicts, and guiding intercultural ventures.
