What is PFO?
Those who work with third culture kids (TCKs) fill some
of the most vital roles in world-wide missions today. Their effectiveness
often determines the success or failure of the expatriate
family. But today, many overseas Christian school personnel
are not properly prepared to help TCKs reach their full potential.
This pre-field orientation (PFO) gives you the tools you
need.  The
two-week orientation thoroughly focuses on the cultural,
interpersonal and professional preparation of caregivers
who minister to the unique needs of TCKs in the context of
the overseas Christian school.
Our PFO is designed to prepare the whole family. The program
will help each family member learn about transition and ministry
issues at their own level. The resulting family discussions
can provide a basis for a renewed commitment to the call
and provide an understanding of specific issues facing each
member in beginning a life of service within the overseas
Christian school. Children will adapt better to
new life in a cross-cultural setting when exposed to upcoming
transitions. PFO is an outstanding program sponsored by
ACSI that will multiply the effectiveness
of your ministry overseas. PBU graduate credit may be earned through PFO. Contact the Assistant Director of Admissions at msed@pbu.edu or 800.572.2472 for details.
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PFO Will Help You...
- Assess, clarify and refine interpersonal skills and attitudes
that will enhance future ministry with the children of missionaries and cross-cultural transition
- Examine individual strengths, limitations and professional
backgrounds relating to the uniqueness of the multicultural
MK and international Christian schools
- Identify significant characteristics of the MK, the
MK school, the international Christian school, the missionary family
and community and the multinational international community
- Understand the unique challenges and experiences of third culture kids and the culturally diverse MK and international Christian school setting
- Examine and discuss job-specific issues for teachers
and boarding parents in the multicultural MK and international
Christian school
- Adapt your teaching skills to be culturally sensitive
- Understand the basics of effective cultural entry and
cultural differences
- Value the importance of integrating biblical knowledge
and personal faith into daily life and ministry within
the multicultural school setting
 Program Outline
- Understanding the Third Culture Kid (TCK)
TCK Profile--The Third Culture Syndrome
Developing and Releasing the Potential of the TCK
Dealing with Differences
The Transition Experience--Understanding Challenges of the TCK
The Missionary Family and the MK/TCK
- Understanding Ministry Issues
The MK school and international Christian school community
Personal Inventory/Impact for Service
Individual Differences in Interpersonal Relationships
Trust, Self-Esteem, Communication, Conflict
- Understanding Cultural Differences
Developing Attitudes and Skills for Effective Entry
The Host Country Culture
The Mission Sub-Culture
Living with Daily Cultural Stressor
- Understanding the Task
Issues in Curriculum and Instruction--A Spiritual
Dimension/An International Dimension
Cultural Differences in Education
Professional Challenges in the New Setting--Adaptation Skills
Relationships in the Boarding Home
Resources for Boarding Home Parents
Parenting Skills
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PFO Events for 2010
Date: June 26 - July 9, 2010
Location: Houghton, NY
Grad Courses Offered: EDU 751.20 Intercultural Communication and Multi-National Teaming; EDU 752.20 Growth and Development of Third Culture Kids in the International Context
Date: June 21 - July 2, 2010
Location: Southaven, MS
Grad Courses Offered: EDU 751.40 Intercultural Communication and Multi-National Teaming; EDU 752.40 Growth and Development of Third Culture Kids in the International Context
 Register now!
Please note that PFO courses can be applied to PBU’s M.S. in Education program. With advance standing in Bible, the program may be completed with 27 additional credits. Courses are available on PBU’s Langhorne Manor Campus in Pennsylvania, as well as the European Campus in Kandern, Germany and the Pacific Rim Campus in Hong Kong. Scholarships for teachers serving in international or mission schools are available for the Germany and Hong Kong campuses.
 Program Coordinators
Daniel Egeler , Vice President for International Ministries, ACSI (Houghton, NY site)
David Wilcox, International Director for Asia and Latin America,
ACSI (Southaven, MS site)
Sampling of Faculty
Houghton, NY
Roger and Jill Dyer, Retired International Christian School Educators, Australia
Sandy Entner, Retired Counselor, Cedarville University, Ohio
Evan & Jewel Evans, Dakar Academy, Senegal
Cindy Fox, International Schools of China
Roy & Carol Johnston, International Member Care, Lancaster, PA
Bonnie McGill, Director of Human Services, Morrison Academy, Taiwan
Southaven, MS
Mike Epp, International Director for Europe, CIS, and Africa, ACSI
Cindy Epp, ACSI
Susan Karrer, Associate Professor of Education, Bethel College
Libby Stephens, TCK Consultant, Interaction International
Mark Troyer, Vice President for Student Development, Asbury College
Graduate Credit and Scholarships
Individuals interested in earning six graduate credits
for PFO as either a matriculating or non-matriculating student
should contact Katerina Penkova, Assistant Director of Admissions, at
800.572.2472 or register here online.
The process will require completion of proper application and
registration forms. PFO registrants are eligible for a half tuition scholarship. Individuals must apply and register before midnight on the first day of class in order to get the half tuition scholarship.
Costs & Conference
Registration
For conference information, contact the PFO secretary at 719.867.0210 or
pfo@acsi.org.
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