Cross-Cultural Studies Major:
Building Bridges between Communities

What is the purpose of the Cross-Cultural Studies Program?   

The primary purpose of the program is to provide students with an understanding of the basic elements characteristic of any culture or subculture and to equip those students to work and minister effectively within various cultural contexts. 

Why is this field of study important?    

With advances in communication technology, travel, and immigration, our world continues to shrink.   We live in a global society in which different cultures are constantly nudging up against one another, often resulting in violent clashes.  One of the most pressing needs in our world today is for greater cultural understanding and ministry.  Yet because we are faced with seemingly insurmountable global problems and threats, the temptation is to build protective walls and hide behind them.  As Christians, we are compelled to go out into the world and meet the needs of those we encounter.  The HPU Cross-Cultural Studies Program helps prepare students to understand cultural dynamics and the people within those cultures.  Students learn how to build bridges, not walls, so that physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.  Rather than being a source of conflict, students learn how to become peacemakers and a source of blessing.

What specific kinds of things will I learn about? 

The CCS degree enables students to increase their knowledge of world geography, civilizations, and religions, while teaching them how to minimize culture shock and successfully adjust to different cultural customs and practices.   The fall workshop provides an opportunity for the students to learn from experts representing a vast array of countries and methods for doing cross-cultural ministry.    Other courses focus on practicum matters so students can gain valuable experience in different cultural settings.

What can I do with a degree in Cross-Cultural Studies?   

Because the CCS major and minor are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to work successfully in different cultural contexts, this degree serves as excellent preparation for short- and long-term international jobs and ministries.   Students may also use their training to organize and lead groups on international trips.  Moreover, with the increasing number of subcultures here in the United States, students can readily apply their cross-cultural knowledge without leaving the country.  Some of the possible vocational areas for CCS graduates include:

  • English as a second language
  • Careers in international business
  • Short- or Long-term mission work
  • Missions ministry for local churches
  • Community development ministries
  • Church planting
  • Social work

Will I be able to get any hands-on experience as part of the degree?    

One of our goals is for each of our majors to acquire meaningful work experience in international contexts.   A number of students take 2-3 week trips in order to work or minister briefly in another country while others choose to work with different nationalities within the United States.  Many of our students spend at least one summer working in countries as near as Mexico and as far away as China.  Other students spend an entire semester studying at an international university.  Both the CCS major and minor are designed so the students can earn a number of credit hours as they gain practical experience under guided supervision.

What if I don’t know what specific type of work or where I’m going to work?     

Several of the CCS courses lend themselves to exploration of different cultures and types of work.   Our faculty members also consult with students and help connect students with opportunities for them to participate in cross-cultural ministry.  This process has proven most beneficial as the students clarify their calling and vocational goals.

If you would like more information, feel free to contact us.