A. Cross-cultural awareness: 1 hour

• What is culture? – understanding where you come from
• Introduction to the culture you’re visiting (traditional practices; behaviour; social/political issues; dress code)
• What is culture shock? And how to deal with it?
• Case studies – of cultural dilemmas
• The view from the other side – how might you be viewed by your hosts
• Language learning

B. Pre-travel logistics: 1 hour

• Health tips
  • Physical
  • Emotional – keeping balanced when adapting to a new culture
  • Spiritual – growing in faith whilst away
• Travel and Safety / Security / Risk Assessment
• Practicalities
  • Outcomes and goals of the trip
  • Itinerary
  • Finances
  • Lines of responsibility /authority
  • Insurance cover
  • Emergency procedure and contact details
  • Involving your Church
  • Time management and coping with different perceptions of time
  • Child protection issues / relationship guidelines
  • Team dynamics whilst abroad

C. Background information on partners that team will visit / work alongside on trip: 1 hour (depends on number of different partners to be visited)

D. Advice re planning for activities that may be included within the trip itinerary: 1 hour introduction, plus 30 min progress update at a later date (as agreed with team)

• practical activities e.g. children’s ministry, life-skills workshops
• teaching opportunities
• evangelistic events
• music and worship ministry

E. Background on issues surrounding work of partners e.g. trade justice, international debt, HIV and AIDS, climate change etc (2 hour workshop, or 2 x 1hour workshop)