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 graduate education enrollment counselor 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 2008
Date: June 21 - July 4, 2008
Location: Houghton, NY
Grad Courses Offered: MTE 757 Intercultural Communication and Multi-National Teaming; MTE 758 Growth and Development of Third Culture Kids in the International Context
Date: June 23 - July 5, 2008
Location: Southaven, MS
Grad Courses Offered: MTE 757 Intercultural Communication and Multi-National Teaming; MTE 758 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 thirty-three 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 Bangkok, Thailand.
 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
Roger and Jill Dyer, Retired International Christian School Educators, Australia
Sandy Entner, Cedarville University, Ohio
Evan & Jewel Evans, Dakar Academy, Senegal
Cindy Fox, International Schools of China
Roy & Carol Johnston, International Member Care, Lancaster, PA
Peter Muller, Head Counselor, Morrison Academy, Taiwan
Bonnie McGill, Recruitment Officer for Personnel, Morrison Academy, Taiwan
Graduate Credit
Individuals interested in earning six graduate credits
for PFO as either a matriculating or non-matriculating student
should contact Katerina Penkova, Enrollment Counselor, at
800.572.2472 or register here online.
The process will require completion of proper application and
registration forms. Visit the PBU Graduate Program admissions
and financial aid page for current tuition rates and
scholarship information. Scholarship applications must be submitted before May 1.
Costs & Conference
Registration
For conference information, contact the PFO secretary at 719.867.0210 or
pfo@acsi.org.
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