The TWU Intercultural Studies program explores the richness of material, social, philosophical, and spiritual aspects of global societies. The program focuses equally on engaging in meaningful dialogue with and developing Christian responses to world cultures. 

Students experience interdisciplinary approaches to intercultural issues. The major is ideal for students interested in diverse types of cross-cultural work or ministry in North America or abroad. 

Led by passionate, award-winning faculty, the Intercultural Studies major offers three streams of study: Christian missions, global development, and linguistics. Experiential learning includes a cross-cultural practicum. Additionally, obtaining a certificate in Teaching English as a Second or Other Language (TESOL) is possible within the linguistics stream of the degree program. 

Christian Missions

Are you interested in being a positive change agent in the world?  Do you believe that inviting others into a relationship with Christ is the first step in building a just society?  If so, perhaps you’re being called into Christian missions.

Courses in anthropology, intercultural communication, and religious studies provide a solid grasp of this field.

Global Development

Are you passionate about global justice issues such as ecology and the environment, or food, education, and wealth distribution, or refugees and migration, or conditions of human habitation and work?  Studies in global development may be well-suited to your interests.

Global development focuses on capacity-building in the world’s most needy societies.  Courses in culture, economics, politics, and religion will enable careful consideration of trends in relief work, socio-economic development, and how Christian and other Non-Governmental Organizations operate to effect positive socio-economic change.

Linguistics

Are you fascinated by the interplay between words, languages, cultures, and peoples?  Linguistics may be the right option for your academic focus.

Studies in linguistics combine theory and practice.  You will be enabled to learn how languages develop and to discover how to describe and transcribe languages—even unwritten ones.  Becoming a Bible translator or teaching English abroad may be in your future.   A TESOL (Teaching English as a Second or Other Language) diploma may be earned in this stream of Intercultural Studies.