Start your journey

Imagine reading the Bible from a site where Jesus may have preached. Or studying art and history in locations where the events you’re discussing actually took place. You will journal, reflect, discuss and process the experience as a group along the way, led by experienced professors.

All students complete a cross-cultural, most spending a semester in another part of the world, like the Middle East, India, Central America or Africa. One of the few programs of its kind, EMU’s cross-cultural requirement can be fulfilled in one of many locations across the globe or in the United States through EMU’s Washington D.C. center, which offers students an urban setting and meaningful internships.

Ours is one of the strongest cross-cultural study programs in the country – most EMU faculty have lived and worked internationally – part of what makes EMU a Christian university like no other.

New culture, new perspective

Cross-cultural is more than study abroad. It’s a unique chance to change your outlook, immerse yourself in another culture, and grow in your faith. It’s an opportunity to learn about yourself and the broader world, developing character and values while building relationships. Students regularly say the time is “life changing.”

Our program gets students into homes with local people, like Bedouin tents in Egypt and in the townships of South Africa, for example. Host “sisters” and “brothers” provide companionship, insight and support in language learning. Expert professors who have lived internationally for years lead the groups and routinely go off the beaten path for a journey like no other.

An EMU cross-cultural experience will open your eyes and heart while it prepares you to be comfortable and effective in our complex world. Check out journals and photos from students on cross-cultural right now!