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
Summer 2024 -
- Wesley and Methodist England Immersion: August 14 to 26 - Dr. Robert Hunt with guest lecturer Dr. Ted Campbell, England Immersion Registration, England Immersion Itinerary
J-Term 2025
- Waco Mission Immersion - Dr. Hugo Magallanes
- Palestine/Israel Immersion – January 2024 with Dr. Robert Hunt and Dr. Wes Allen
Spring Break 2025
- Cuba Immersion - Dr. Wes Allen
Summer 2025
- South Africa/Cape Town Immersion
- Wesley and Methodist England Immersion - Dr. Ted Campbell
J-Term 2026
- Waco Homeless Immersion
- Israel/Palestine Immersion - Planning for this immersion has been suspended indefinately.
Spring Break 2026
- El Salvadore Immersion
Summer 2026
- Wesley/England Immersion
J-Term 2027
- Waco Homeless Immersion
Spring Break 2027
- Cuba Immersion
Sumer 2027
- South Africa/Cape Town Immersion
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.