The goals of international field education are:

  • To learn about the church in other cultures, languages, and traditions
  • To be stretched and transformed by the gospel as it is lived out in another country
  • To be equipped for cross-cultural ministry and to develop sensitivity to the needs of the world

The Divinity School’s summer internships in International Field Education place theological education and pastoral training in the context of an increasingly interconnected global community. These international placements have been offered since 2001, when three divinity school students spent the summer serving in South Africa. Since then, interest and applications to the program have risen dramatically. The program now includes internships in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda.

Students selected for these 10-week summer placements receive a stipend to offset travel and living expenses as well as tuition assistance.  Many students have ranked this opportunity among the top five reasons that they chose Duke Divinity School over other seminaries.

Review the Field Education Policies & Procedure Manual (pdf) and learn more about the International Field Education process including:

  • International Field Ed Policies & Procedures
  • Student-Initiated International Placements
  • Duke Divinity School’s International Initiatives

Application Process

To apply for international field education:

  • Fill out an International Field Education application and bring it in person to our office by the posted deadline to secure an interview time.
  • Be prepared and prompt for your interview.
  • If selected, you will receive further information specific to your placement. All selected students should plan to purchase airfare before receiving a stipend. In addition, students must have a valid passports and obtain a visa to travel; passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel dates. Some destinations may require additional documents and vaccinations.

    Requirements:

    You must attend an International Field Education Orientation meeting in the spring semester.

    You must complete a learning-serving covenant, reflection papers, and final evaluations.

    You must participate in the International Ministry Awareness week presentations held in September after your return.

    Summer Placements

    Kenya

    • Students travel to North UMC and Northminster Presbyterian in Indianapolis, Ind. to learn about the Umoja Project in Kenya, a partnership that supports a school feeding program for orphans in Chulaimbo
    • Students then spend 7 weeks in Kenya working with the leaders of the project
    • This placement exposes students to a new model for global ministry in an ecumenical setting

    South Africa

    • Students are placed in churches and various community ministries
    • Ministry opportunities include: racial reconciliation, support programs for prisoners, HIV/AIDS patients, refugees, and orphans
    • Students participate in worship leadership, Bible study and teaching opportunities — a great learning environment for students interested in parish ministry

    Uganda

    • Students are placed at a rural Catholic parish and school, Cathedral Parish of Kasana Luweero, led by Father Joseph Kakooza
    • Students teach English and theology classes and assist in worship
    • Students participate in a dynamic community of faith in Africa while living and working in a village parish setting

    Guatemala/El Salvador

    • Four weeks of one-on-one Spanish training in Guatemala
    • Live with a Spanish-speaking family and learn the culture and history of Guatemala
    • Final six weeks spent in El Salvador studying Spanish and working with the Evangelical Methodist Church
    • Opportunities to preach, teach, assist with medical clinics, and do home repair

    Guatemala/Mexico

    • Four weeks of one-on-one Spanish training in Guatemala
    • Students are placed at a Methodist congregation on the outskirts of Mexico City
    • Students will visit congregation members, teach Bible study, preach, and participate in community outreach
    • Students practice their theological vocabulary and develop a deeper understanding of Mexican culture and parish life, allowing them to return to the US equipped to engage the Hispanic population in their communities
    Self-Initiated International Placements

    You may also self-initiate an international internship. The Divinity School does not provide funding for self-initiated placements.

    The Field Education calendar indicates the deadlines for these applications and the interview process.

    Interviews for self-initiated placements take place between the student and the Office of Field Education.

    In the interview process, the Office of Field Education will ascertain the appropriateness of the placement for field education credit. The Office of Field Education may consult with other Divinity School staff and/or faculty in determining the suitability of the placement for field education credit.

    Things to Consider for Self-Initiated International Placements

    • Are you willing to make all financial, travel, and accommodation arrangements — including the procurement of your passport, visa, vaccinations and all other travel documents?
    • Are you willing to raise money in order to fund this experience, understanding that the Divinity School may not assist with any expenses, nor with a stipend or grant?
    • Will the setting offer appropriate supervision for the pursuit of your vocational identity?  Is the international supervisor you have in mind committed to the practice regular theological reflection with you? Is the international supervisor you have in mind willing to complete the evaluative processes required for field education credit?