Types and Standards of
Acceptable Intercultural Experiences

The following are the three main types of intercultural experience that would be acceptable for INCL 311. (The first two preferred, the last by special permission only):

• Formal study program
  A study abroad program, usually 12-15 weeks (e.g. Houghton in Tanzania, CCCU in Latin America, Middle East, Russia etc, or special program such as Edu-Venture, or CCCS in Spain). Provides cultural orientation and immersion, course work, home stays, itinerary, and a full semester of credit. Director of program usually serves as On-site Supervisor. (In addition to INCL approval off campus study arrangements must be approved through the Director of the Off campus Programs Office.)

• Formal service/learning internships
  Application and acceptance under a recognized mission or service organization for ministry or work overseas of six weeks or longer. (e.g. Wycliffe Bible Translators, OMS, SIM, WWM, World Hope etc.). Provides orientation and training, schedule and arrangements, work assignment and expectations, and genuine cross-cultural exposure. Home-stays might have to be made by special arrangement. A missionary or local leader would be identified as On-site Supervisor. (Some formal arrangements with Houghton College are being made, otherwise On-campus Mentor would grant approval of internship arrangements.)

• Non-formal living experiences
  Private living arrangements in a unique cross-cultural setting. Length of time must be six weeks or longer. Must include cross-cultural home-stay, cultural orientation, and planned schedule of activities. An On-site Supervisor must be arranged for and approve by the On-Campus Mentor. See standards below:

Minimum Standards required for all options:

1. No less than six weeks experience in chosen cross-cultural situation.

2. Cultural orientation (formal or non-formal) including readings, interviews, and lectures.

3. Supervision. Approval of a designated On-Site Supervisor who is responsible for keeping student on track and making a final evaluation of student’s program. We are expecting you to provide a copy of your proposal (including your goals for this trip) to your on-site supervisor. You will need to meet regularly with your supervisor to discuss these goals and review what you are learning. You need to inform your on-site supervisor that he/she is expected to write up a statement to your Houghton campus supervisor. This will include his/her evaluation on your adjustment to the culture and level of effort and cooperation toward achieving the projected goals.

4. Immersion. At least one week of home-stay with a family in the new culture. Maximum exposure to the language and culture is encouraged.

5. Language Credit requires formal arrangements with INCL program chairman prior to departure.
   
   Note: The student bears final responsibility for working out details of the proposed experience including locations, supervisor, transportation, housing etc.