Global Theological Education Immersions
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.
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
Summer 2026
- Arkansas Immersion: May 18-22 – Dr. Wes Allen
- McAllen Immersion: July 11-15 – Dr. Hugo Magallanes and Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
- England/Wesley Immersion: July 17 - 28 - Dr. Emily Nelms Chastain
- England/Wesley Immersion (SPANISH): July 17-28 – Dr. Hugo Magallanes
Registration for the England/Wesley Immersions opens April 4 at 7 a.m.
*Enrollment is not complete until you enroll in the academic course AND GTE. Please enroll in both as soon as possible. Only those who complete both academic enrollment and GTE enrollment will be registered for the course/trip.
- North Carolina Immersion: July 27-31 – Dr. Michael Beck and Elaine Heath
J-Term 2027
- Waco Homeless Immersion, Dr. Hugo Magallanes
Spring Break 2027
- Cuba Immersion - Dr. Wes Allen
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.