Intercultural Learning Trips

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“The only people who see the whole picture are those who step outside the frame.” - Indo-British novelist Salman Rushdie

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s World Mission Initiative organizes intercultural trips to help participants see their own ministry with new eyes by stepping outside their context. These trips are part of a required Intercultural/Experiential Learning course (MI 310) that is offered by the Seminary every January Term. This course will provide pre- and post-experience orientation and reflection in cultural proficiency and anti-racism, intercultural communication, a theology of short-term mission engagement, area studies for the specific context to be studied, and spiritual practices for mission. 

Since 2002, WMI has sent 600+ individuals to 40+ destinationa (both domestically and internationally).

Read reflections from previous student participants.

The Seminary's required intercultural experiences for MDiv students puts PTS in a category of its own in U.S. theological education. No other seminary is investing the resources PTS is to get our students and faculty to the cutting edge of where God is engaging in mission today.

 

Hunter Farrell, WMI Director
Student Reflections
Seminarians reflect on their recent intercultural mission trips to Cuba and the Philippines.

January 2027 Trips

 

Appalachia, Kentucky: "Understanding Our Region’s Appalachian Roots"

There is not a church in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania that has not been shaped by the cultures of Appalachia, the large mountainous area often characterized by outsiders as “poor” and “backward.” But a journey to understand poverty in Appalachia can help free us of simplistic—and often racialized—notions of poverty. We’ll examine the role of Appalachian Christians and social organizations in the struggle against poverty and for sustainable development with dignity, and we’ll reflect on God’s call to us in the face of endemic poverty everywhere.

Travel Dates: Jan. 8-19, 2026

Co-Leaders: Stacie Fugate, Executive Director of Appalachians for Appalachia and TBD

Cost: Please refer to the instruction on the application form for the cost of each trip and financial support.

 

Guatemala: Exploring the Causes of Migration

How do we love our neighbor in a time of increasing anti-immigrant discourse and legislation? An opportunity to understand the context and "push factors" of poverty and violence that accelerate Central American emigration to the U.S. with help from CEDEPCA, the Central American Center for Pastoral Studies. We will be particularly attentive to the ways that violence is experienced by women in Central America and the impacts on the migration of women and children.

Travel Dates: Jan. 8-19, 2026

Co-Leaders: The Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell, Senior Research Fellow for the World Mission Initiative at PTS, and the Rev. Bala Khyllep, Director for the World Mission Initiative at PTS

Cost: Please refer to the instruction on the application form for the cost of each trip and financial support.

Important Dates and Application

  • Trip Application Period

The trip application will be open from Aug. 28 to Oct. 3, 2026,

  • Information Session

Want to learn more? Join us Sept. 15, 2026, for:

  1. Worship at 11:30 a.m. in Hicks Chapel 
  2. Information session at 12:15 p.m. in Dining Room 1, Kadel Dining Room, McNaugher Hall. Lunch will be provided. RSVP required by e-mailing wmi@pts.edu if you need food by Sept. 8. 

  • Class Registration

First time travelers need to register J-Term course MI-310 in October 2026.

  • Mandatory Trip Orientations  

All trip participants are required to attend two virtual trip orientations: Sat., Oct. 24 and Sat., Nov. 14, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

Trip With Credit

Any PTS student planning to participate in an Intercultural Learning Trip for the first time is required to enroll in the Intercultural Experiential Learning (MI 310) course, which consists of 15 hours of pre-trip orientation (plus preparatory readings) and 15 hours of post-trip reflection and integration. Students will receive three credits or can audit the course.

Trip Without Credit

Students who have traveled before and completed the course are required to attend pre-trip orientation and post-trip classes.

Non-PTS students are required to register/audit for the course. The three credits are transferable to the Graduate Certificate in Missional Leadership. Non-registered applicants are required to complete five hours pre- and post-trip classroom time.