World Wide Witness whets cultural appetite
Aaron Ballard, Student Reporter
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News
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Applications are being accepted for World Wide Witness, a program that provides students an opportunity to gain practical missions experiences under the guidance of missionaries around the world. Students can participate in one of two ways: through a summer internship that lasts 6 to 10 weeks, or through a post-graduate apprenticeship that lasts 6 to 24 months.
"The most common feedback we get from students after these experiences is how life-changing it was," said Wimon Walker, co-director of World Wide Witness. "It can be challenging, but for the most part it is an incredible learning experience."
Applications submitted by November 16 are guaranteed to be processed before Christmas break, so that fundraising can begin as soon as possible. However, applications will still be accepted through January.
This year, there are close to 50 different sites available around the globe, including locations in Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. On average, two interns are sent to each site during the summer, so the program hopes to have nearly 100 students participate. Last summer around 80 students participated in an internship.
"We try to send only 2 to 3 students to each location so that they can become fully immersed in the local culture," Walker said.
Anyone can participate, undergraduate or graduate students, and not just Bible or Missions majors.
"Although Bible and missions majors make up a large portion of those that participate, usually more than half come from different majors," Walker said. "We are delighted to have students from all majors. You do not have to be a missions person for this to benefit you. It really gives you a new perspective on everything."
Once students turn in their applications, Walker and codirector Gary Green have the final say on how students are matched up with the various locations. However, student desires play an important role in the decision.
"Deciding who should go where is really a collaborative process," Walker said. "We try to make sure that students are a good fit for the locations they are assigned."
"The most common feedback we get from students after these experiences is how life-changing it was," said Wimon Walker, co-director of World Wide Witness. "It can be challenging, but for the most part it is an incredible learning experience."
Applications submitted by November 16 are guaranteed to be processed before Christmas break, so that fundraising can begin as soon as possible. However, applications will still be accepted through January.
This year, there are close to 50 different sites available around the globe, including locations in Africa, Europe, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. On average, two interns are sent to each site during the summer, so the program hopes to have nearly 100 students participate. Last summer around 80 students participated in an internship.
"We try to send only 2 to 3 students to each location so that they can become fully immersed in the local culture," Walker said.
Anyone can participate, undergraduate or graduate students, and not just Bible or Missions majors.
"Although Bible and missions majors make up a large portion of those that participate, usually more than half come from different majors," Walker said. "We are delighted to have students from all majors. You do not have to be a missions person for this to benefit you. It really gives you a new perspective on everything."
Once students turn in their applications, Walker and codirector Gary Green have the final say on how students are matched up with the various locations. However, student desires play an important role in the decision.
"Deciding who should go where is really a collaborative process," Walker said. "We try to make sure that students are a good fit for the locations they are assigned."
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