Missionary Training at ABWE
Field Preparation Seminar
April 7-18, 2008 | November 10-21, 2008
"We have returned from spending two weeks at Field Preparation Seminar at ABWE and it was hugely encouraging."
- ABWE Missionary to Russia
"I feel so prepared for the field after having gone to the Field Preparation Seminar."
- ABWE Missionary to Mexico
Field Preparation Seminars (FPS) occur twice a year, one in April and the other in November. Each Field Prep Seminar spans about twelve days and is divided into two distinct programs. The first three days are dedicated to the LANCE (Language Acquired Naturally through Cultural Encounters) workshop, which provides interactive instruction and experience in learning how to learn to speak a second language. The three days of LANCE include three emphases:
- Learning many practical tips for acquiring a second language, using common resources within the culture
- Learning to hear and pronounce the basic phonetical sounds that are represented in various languages [View Phonetic Alphabet suggested for use in language learning]
- Receiving coaching from language helpers in the use of appropriate phonetics in non-threatening small group contexts
The remainder of the Field Prep Seminar focuses on a variety of other topics that are essential for a successful first term of missionary service. There are also three emphases in this part of Field Prep Seminar:
- Transition to the mission field
- Major adjustments to living in another culture
- Adapting to the existing ABWE field team
FPS Seminar Downloads
Teamwork: Group Dynamics