Corban University

by admin on October 18, 2018

The Power of Relationship: Two Students’ Summer Experiences

Corban students Kristen Collins and Mark Morud spent their summers on separate continents, in vastly different cultures with different focuses for their time. However, each returned having learned a similar lesson: the value of building relationships.

Kristen spent the summer in the Philippines on an internship with Brand New Day for her intercultural studies major. During her internship, she was able to observe how ministry is operated in a different context.

“They are so relational,” she commented, “They are still productive, but they focus more on the people they’re working with rather than what needs to be done.”

Her ministry was focused mostly on building relationships herself. Throughout this six-week experience, Kristen participated in outreaches where she and her team would pick up children off the street and take them to a church to spend time with them. Throughout the summer, Kristen got to watch how the kids began to accept her.

“It was cool watching them start to open up to our hospitality and be more willing to let us in,” she said.

Meanwhile, 7,000 miles away in South Africa, Mark Morud was working as a resident assistant (RA) at Camp10. As an RA, Mark was tasked with investing in the students that attended the three-week camp.

“A lot of what I did was follow them around and engage in what they were doing,” he said.

Mark walked through life with students as they studied for classes, did service projects, and even as they ventured out on wildlife safaris.

Over the course of the three weeks, Mark got to watch as students transformed from strangers into friends.

“Lasting relationships can form so quickly,” he commented, “That was kind of a surprise. It doesn’t take a lot to become friends with someone for a long time. It takes both of you to be willing to invest in it.”

Mark and his students left with a changed perspective on what it means to impact the world.

“I think the students came out of it with a lot more of a heart for the world and the people in it. They were all excited to be there with the people.”

Although Mark and Kristen had different summer experiences, one theme of their trips remains clear: whether you are playing with kids in the streets of the Philippines, or watching wildebeest with students in South Africa, relationships are essential. It is through these relationships that we can make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.

by Sam Pearson on May 21, 2018

“We don’t want to forget”: Bakar Batu in the Pacific Northwest

“We don’t want to forget our culture,” commented Corban University student Korwa Wanimbo, “even though we live abroad.” Wanimbo, who is an Indonesian student from Papua, joined 80 others in a Salem, Oregon backyard to celebrate an Indonesian tradition called Bakar Batu.

Students dig an oven at the *Bakar Batu* celebration. The oven would contain enough food to serve more than 80 people

To recognize the achievements of three Indonesian students who graduated from Corban University, the Indonesian student community at Corban devised an ambitious plan – an outdoor Bakar Batu (barbecue) with a menu of traditional Papuan fare – pit oven and all.

Bakar Batu is an expression of collectivist cultural values. “Feeding many people is one of the important things in our culture,” confirmed student leader Arso Gombo.

Preparing for Bakar Batu requires teamwork and a broad range of specialized tasks – emphasizing the value of community participation and collective organization in highland Papuan society. In the days before the event, Indonesian students from Papua scoured local grocery stores for corn, potatoes and pork. Others harvested ferns, firewood, grass reeds, rocks and sticks on Corban University’s forested acreage. “We did [it] by working together as a family,” reflected Corban University student Korwa Wanimbo.

Feeding many people is one of the important things in our culture

Still others networked with Indonesian diaspora in the U.S. to publicize the event. To visit friends and observe this important tradition, visitors came from Texas, California, Corvallis and Portland, Oregon. “We do Bakar Batu everywhere,” said Wanimbo, “because we don’t want to forget our culture.”

Students erected a pyre, stacked rocks on it and lit the pyre on fire.

The morning of the event began early. Students meticulously sliced vegetables and meat, strained to dig a three-foot pit and stacked logs to build a huge pyre. Stacking rocks on the pyre, they kindled a fire to heat the rocks and transferred all the hot rocks to the deep pit on top of the grass.

Giant wooden tongs are used to transfer hot rocks from the pyre to the cooking pit.

Into the pit went corn, kale, cabbage, lettuce, a whole pig chopped into slabs, 15 chickens, three turkeys and several pork roasts, all seasoned. Students carefully wrapped the meat in the grass and ferns, then scattered it among the hot rocks in the pit.

Sitting around grass mats in a circle suggests a preference for group rather, than individual, identity. All share a common meal, no one has an individual plate, and no one sits at the head of the table.

At last, It was time to eat! Carefully they laid grass and ferns on the lawn to make circle-shaped serving mats. The grass circles “represent the family table even though people come from . . . different villages, backgrounds, and religions” said student planner Arso Gombo. Students rushed the still warm food onto the grass mats. Participants crouched on their heels and ate with both hands.

We do Bakar Batu everywhere because we don’t want to forget our culture.

Indonesian student Wis Wakerkwa encouraged students and Corban University staff at the *Bakar Batu*.

“As soon as I walked into the backyard my first thought was ‘I’m not in the US anymore,'” remarked Corban University student Jamie Barta. Carol Kruse, who hosted the event, said, “I have a strong feeling this will become an annual event at my home, but I don’t mind one bit!”

Corban University Mailroom Supervisor Carol Kruse contributed to this article

by admin on March 15, 2018

Transformation in the Hoff School of Business Study Tour

His global passion is evident from the moment you step foot in his office. Apart from the large, eye-catching world map on the wall, there are numerous photos labelled with years and countries – Uganda, Singapore, Germany. His end table is plastered with currencies from the countries he has traveled to. It does not look like the office of a business professor – perhaps it could be the office of a missionary or world traveler. In reality, it is both of those things. At the desk, settled behind two computer monitors, sits Dr. Eric Straw.

Dr. Straw teaches business classes at Corban University. Starting next year, he will begin leading the International Study Tour for the Hoff School of Business, a class in which students travel to a foreign country and experience business in a new context. Previously, this class has been offered every other year, and has primarily focused on Asian countries. However, starting next year, the trip will occur annually and will stretch into new areas of the globe.

“I get to pick anywhere in the world,” Dr. Straw says. “…we can respond more to contacts that we have and business interests that we have around the world to give a variety of experiences.”

The study tour offers students a look at how business operates in different cultures, and gives glimpses into the history of business. Students who have participated in previous study tours will see a change in the way the class operates, however; “We’re multiplying it by a hundred-fold from the standpoint of variety and depth of what we’re going to be providing,” Dr. Straw comments on the course content. Additionally, he hopes to give the class a new focal point. “…I want them to be able to grapple with their theology of business,” Dr. Straw says. “What is the purpose of business in the kingdom of God?”

Dr. Straw is someone who has a good grasp on what business for the kingdom looks like. Apart from teaching at Corban, he serves as the director of Mark 5 Ministries, an organization that works to help missionaries solve computing technology problems. With his work at Corban and Mark 5 Ministries, Dr. Straw has been able to explore what it looks like to do business as mission. “Probably the better term to use is Business for Transformation,” he comments. “We’re in business to transform communities and the lives of people.”

Transformation happens not only in the lives of the people impacted by business, but in the lives of the students. “We are changed when we encounter other cultures, and we’re forced to recognize we’re not the center of the planet,” Dr. Straw states. This experience is crucial for building a Christian worldview that transcends our own cultural bubble and combats apathy.

“We are not the only place God is working around the globe. To know what it feels like to be a foreigner makes us sensitive to foreigners. To know what it feels like to be weak makes us sensitive to the weak… It changes you entirely.”

To know what it feels like to be a foreigner makes us sensitive to foreigners. To know what it feels like to be weak makes us sensitive to the weak.

Dr. Straw makes a point to cross out his title on his business cards and email signature and write the word “learner”. This attitude will carry over into the study tour. “I’m going to be a learner with the students in this,” he says of the class. Through the class, Dr. Straw’s hope is that his students will become life-long learners themselves.

“That is one of the key things we want to teach here: you can’t learn everything while you’re here, but you have to learn how to learn.”

For more information about the Hoff School of Business, follow along here.

Written by Brianna Ashmore

Brianna Ashmore is a junior at Corban University. She is passionate about encouraging Christians to be more engaged internationally.

by Sam Pearson on May 19, 2017

Five Ways to Maximize Your Semester Abroad

Navigate with maps – Instead of relying on your smartphone’s map app, use a paper map. Navigating a city with a map helps build problem-solving and orienteering skills. You will build independence as you rely on your directional skills to get from your hostel to the city center.

Consider your transportation options – Most urban study abroad destinations in Europe are connected to multiple transportation options. This allows you to compare air, rail, bus and water transportation. Deutsche Bahn, for example, offers a Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket for unlimited travel within Germany for a single day for 44 euros per person and an additional 8 euros per person.

Understand your own cultural identity before you leave the U.S. A 2015 study found that high levels of motivational Cultural Intelligence (one’s confidence and interest in engaging in cross-cultural relationships) produced higher “well-being” and “suitability for overseas work” in a business program’s study abroad students.¹ Consider participating in the next Corban University Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training before your international experience.

Set goals – What personal and professional outcomes do you want to get from study abroad? Make this financial investment count. For example, 80 percent of study abroad program participants surveyed by the American Institute for Foreign Study reported that they developed “an ability to adapt in diverse workplace environments.”² Verbally articulating results such as an appreciation for cultures and a growing sense of personal independence in ways that potential employers will value is the topic of our workshop, Marketing Your International Experience.

Think critically about your coursework – As Amanda Doty observed after her semester at the American-Bavarian Exchange, “I thought that it would be a course where I would learn some facts about a country and then move on to the next subject without applying the information, but nothing could be further from the truth. . . . My classes taught me how to defend ‘Truth’ to a lost world without being judgmental or condescending. They taught me that not every situation is black or white and pushed my boundaries.”

¹ Peng, A. C., Dyne, L. V., & Oh, K. (2015). The Influence of Motivational Cultural Intelligence on Cultural Effectiveness Based on Study Abroad. Journal of Management Education, 39(5), 572-596. doi:10.1177/1052562914555717

² American Institute for Foreign Study. (2013). AIFS Study Abroad Outcomes: A View from Our Alumni 1990-2010.

by Sam Pearson on March 22, 2017

Cultural Intelligence in Action at Corban University

“I have become all things to all people,” writes Paul in First Corinthians, “so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor 9:22).

As Christian leaders embrace cross-cultural situations of growing complexity, Paul’s words remain as important to the twenty-first century church as to his first century audience.

On March 11, students, staff and faculty converged in the Emitte Center for a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) workshop led by the Center for Global Engagement.

Dr. Janine Allen, Associate Provost of Global Engagement, leads a discussion on culturally intelligent strategies at the CQ workshop.

Cultural Intelligence is a multi-dimensional construct, valid across social, demographic and personal variables, that measures one’s capacity to lead and serve effectively in diverse cultural settings. Examples of CQ in action include saying “no” in appropriate ways across cultures, knowing how to negotiate a business deal effectively and moving a diverse team toward innovative thinking and action.

Strategies covered included adapting one’s personal communication style to fit the preference of diverse colleagues, allowing time for all to participate in accordance to their comfort level, engaging a cultural mentor to help you lead effectively in multi-cultural tasks, and forming a strategic action plan for the next culturally unique scenario you enter.

Research indicates that homogeneous teams low in CQ are more effective than diverse teams; however, diverse teams high in Cultural Intelligence are much more innovative, effective and have a higher return on investment than homogeneous teams with low levels of CQ.

CQ workshops help participants:

Compare and contrast their cultural values with others

Participants compare their cultural values, such as individualism versus collectivism, cooperation versus competition, and short term versus long term outcomes.

There is no “correct” combination of cultural values. Rather, as one participant reflected, the CQ workshop “helps with finding where I am and how much more I need to learn.”

Likewise, as workshop facilitator Dr. Janine Allen advised, we should each become aware of the “cultural backpacks” we carry as a result of our upbringing, education and social circles.

Create an action plan

Each participant received a feedback report detailing their CQ assessed via a 15-minute online survey prior to the workshop.

The feedback reports showed leaders their own motivation, understanding, strategy, and behavior within culturally diverse scenarios.

Each participant used the CQ feedback reports to develop a personal action plan to improve effectiveness in a specific cross-cultural setting.

One student pledged to work on motivation: “I will have more purposeful conversations with the international students in my dorm.”

“I will have more purposeful conversations with the international students in my dorm.”

My own score on the Being/Doing value spectrum, an 83 out of 100, aligned closely with Anglo countries and Germanic Europe. This correlates with an emphasis on meeting goals and affirming accomplishments in colleagues.

By contrast, colleagues in Latin America or Sub-Saharan Africa may view relationship-building as more essential to effectiveness than a task-driven agenda.

Acknowledging this dynamic this led me to create goal: to adjust my expectations for the speed of activities and accomplishments as I come to appreciation which colleagues prize “Being” over “Doing”.

Count the cost of cross-cultural ineffectiveness

Paul’s drive to adapt himself to the ways of Jew and Gentile, slave and free, grew from a heart changed by Jesus Christ. He did “all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Cor 9:23).

Dr. Allen stressed the need to count the cost of not developing cross-cultural effectiveness. Missing out on CQ might mean losing our grasp on what it means to make disciples in the world at our doorstep.

May God grow in us a desire to explore the richness of his glory and see the stamp of His image in every culture.

Develop your CQ with us at the next Cultural Intelligence workshop, and find other upcoming events, on the CGE facebook page.

by Sam Pearson on January 23, 2017

Study Abroad Alumni Share about Culture, Communication, and Careers

A report by the Institute of International Education found that 1 in 10 U.S. undergraduates studies abroad before graduating (as of academic year 2014/15).

Undergraduate Participation in US Study Abroad — Image shared with permission from the Institute of International Education

The number of US students studying abroad has increased four-fold since 1989/90.

Image shared with permission from the Institute of International Education

Europe absorbs the majority of US students studying abroad as of academic year 2014/15.

As global experiences grow in importance to U.S. undergraduates, how can students take advantage of study abroad? What are the benefits of study abroad? What pitfalls must we avoid?

The Center for Global Engagement’s first Study Abroad 101 seminar brought together prospective students and alumni of the American-Bavarian Exchange (AMBEX) to discuss these questions. Seminar participants discussed culture, communication and the challenges of re-adjusting from Germany to the U.S.

1. Plan early

Understanding one’s financial assets, options and limitations is key to making an informed choice about study abroad.

AMBEX alum Morgan Nims (Fall ’16) encouraged prospective students to start the AMBEX application process as soon as possible. Visiting Financial Aid and talking with her academic adviser helped Nims prepare for the semester abroad.

The deadline for the AMBEX Scholarship Application is March 31, 2017.

2. Learn the language

Learning a foreign language is not required for Corban study abroad programs.

However, learning German before going to AMBEX helps students engage more effectively with German culture:

Relating to the local population and sharing the Gospel
Navigating public transport
Engaging with a Bible study or church

3. Prioritize study time

Prioritize study time during study abroad

With AMBEX classes lasting two weeks at a time, it is important to prioritize tasks and maintain focus on essays and homework.

To avoid isolating yourself from your host country during study abroad, find a coffee shop or restaurant to focus on reading and writing tasks.

4. Seek cross-cultural experiences

Seek ways to build skills that are relevant to careers and ministry in a globalized world.

AMBEX alum Chico Guerra (Spring ’15) reflected that the skills in cross-cultural communication he acquired in AMBEX have equipped him for greater flexibility and understanding with overseas business clients. Guerra graduates this Spring with a Corban University Business degree.

Corban students can choose from 13 semester-length study abroad programs and two Corban-sponsored study tours.

The next Study Abroad 101 seminar is offered February 16, 2017 in PV 102 at 4.00 PM.

by ksappington on October 21, 2016

International Chapel

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” John 14:6

International Chapel: Scripture Reading

Wednesday, October 19th International Chapel opened with the reading of this scripture in English, Malagasy, French, Walak, Lanny, Bahasa and Namma/Damara (see link above for video). These are only a few of the diverse language backgrounds of our student body. God has brought each student on a unique journey to where they are right now.

International Chapel Panoramic — International Chapel in the Psalm Center

Worship was led by Pathway and undergraduate students. Here is a link to part of the song Te Amo: Te Amo Multicultural Worship & Dance

Some students are the first one in their family to learn English or to attend college. Some students come from modern cities and others come from villages with limited technology. Some students come from cities or countries with strong Christian heritage and others are one of the few Christians in their region. We got a small glimpse at some of these stories with our international testimony and panel. Likus Hafeni shared his testimony about God’s faithfulness and his journey coming to Corban. The panel shared serious and funny reflections on their transition into life at a U.S. university. I would challenge you to get ask questions and get to know the story of someone new on campus, maybe even an international student.

Corban has international students from many different countries including Namibia, Australia, Madagascar, Indonesia, Jamaica, South Korea and more. The Pathway to English program is the IELP (Intensive English Language Program) that helps prepare students for academic English and American university culture.

The international student panel expressed they have felt welcomed into the Corban community. When asked, “What are ways we can make the transition easier?” Here are a few suggestions they mentioned:

Be Friendly This can mean being warm, open, welcoming and non-judgmental.
Dinner Dates Ask someone to join you for a meal. This could mean sitting with them or knocking on their door when you’re heading to get food. Everyone needs to eat right!?
Be Inclusive If there’s an international student in your classes, dorm, major or club, treat them as you would anyone. Just because someone is shy or quiet does not mean they do not want to participate!
Be Curious Learn about individual interests, culinary preferences, experiences, etc. Each student has a different story.
Be Light Students will often go through times of cultural shock, this can include when they love American and Corban culture and also times that they struggle. It can be difficult to deal with illness, family loss and other major events, often without being able to go home.

by Sam Pearson on August 5, 2016

South Korean Students Study English and Explore Oregon

Seventeen South Korean students joined the Corban University community for a three-week English training camp this summer. The first Summer of Success program brought Corban faculty, community leaders, and Korean guests together for intensive English and leadership courses in the Corban Language Institute. “This was a very special experience for us,” noted Awana Korea missionary Charlie Lee.

English Communication: Students focused on English and leadership in daily courses.

Cultural Trips: Students explored Silver Creek Falls, the Oregon Coast and Portland in outbound cultural trips

Gospel Truth: John Scott presents on the biblical worldview in a Gospel Truth session

by Sam Pearson on May 2, 2016

International Students Reflect on Spring Break Mission Trips

Former CUEST students are making a difference for Jesus Christ in Papua, Indonesia–and the United States.

Three former CUEST students seized the opportunity to join Spring Break mission trips.

Far from Papua, the students traveled a combined total of 9,800 miles by car and plane to serve in Los Angeles, Utah and New Hampshire

Pallo (2) — The New Hampshire team served up meals as part of their mission at His Mansion Ministries.

Sherina Msen traveled with a Corban team to the Dream Center in Los Angeles.

The team shared hope and healing with the physically and spiritually broken in the Los Angeles area.

Despite being an English learner, “the greatest thing I got to see,” Msen noted, was “that God’s love is never limited by these [language] barriers.”

944904_10201269591257435_4498242882178448726_n — The limitlessness of God’s love impacted Sherina Msen at the Dream Center in LA

Jacline Sajori journeyed with a group of friends to rural Utah.

The team built relationships and shared the news “that Jesus is enough” with communities in Utah.

Sajori exchanged testimonies with Mormons at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, visited rural communities and engaged with students at Snow College.

Along the way, Sajori engaged with many who “had never had contact with Christians before.”

Sajori 1 — Jacline Sajori paused to pose for a photo during her mission in Utah.

Maria Pallo accompanied a Corban group to His Mansion Ministries in southwestern New Hampshire.

The Christian community provides a year-long residential recovery program for those overcoming substance addiction and destructive behaviors.

The missionaries went “to work, play, eat, worship, share and pray” with residents. Preparing an Indonesian meal for the residents became a highlight, but the takeaway for Pallo was that “no matter how broken our lives are, God is able to make us whole again.”

Pallo (3) — The New Hampshire team built relationships and memories at His Mansion Ministries.

by Sam Pearson on March 12, 2016

Cultural Trips Week Develops English Skills, Builds Teamwork

Students in the Corban Language Institute’s Pathway to English Program are learning English in the classroom—and putting it to the test on the street.

Last week, students split into teams of ten and set off on three cultural trips.

Students:

Explored downtown Portland
Surmounted obstacles at a bouldering gym
Went airborne at a trampoline park

Downtown Portland: Teams Practice English in an Immersive Environment

Teams launched from the base of Pioneer Square to the malls, bookstores, and coffee shops heart of Portland’s cultural district.

Cultural Trip PDX — Pioneer Square, Portland

Equipped with maps, students navigated downtown Portland while practicing their English studies in an immersive environment.

IMG_20160301_100712990 — Downtown Portland

Mirius Wenda enjoyed a coffee shop but remarked that “togetherness is more important [than independence]” after reuniting with friends in Pioneer Square.

IMG_20160301_124800003 — Mirius Wenda at Pioneer Square, Portland

Bouldering: Teams Build Dexterity and Learn Practical Skills

Students pushed to the summit of climbing walls at a bouldering gym.

12801433_981798631874156_3652670242980622827_n — Colored blocks offer multiple routes to the top

Cheered on by their peers, the adventurous maneuvered around a variety of challenging obstacles.

Aimur Pagawak maintains balance on a slackline

DSC_0061-min — Pemare Yigibalom ascends the face of a rock wall

DSC_0060 (002)-min — Wis Wakerkwa surmounts a “boulder”

Bouldering, Wenda reflected, teaches “a good lesson: we have to work hard and not give up.”

12794567_981798701874149_6445339773089007428_n — Students pose at the summit of a rock wall

Get Air Trampoline Park: Better Together

Cultural Trips week concluded with an evening of fellowship at a local trampoline park.

Current Pathway students united with their undergraduate peers, building friendship and camaraderie.

The payoff of Cultural Trips Week? Students enjoyed the encouragement, fellowship and “togetherness” of a community of fellow English language learners in the Corban Language Institute.

by Sam Pearson on March 3, 2016

Workshop Engages Students and Faculty in Cross-Cultural Communication

Thirty-eight Corban University students and faculty explored cross-cultural communication in a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) workshop held February 26 and 27. Led by Dr. Janine Allen, participants considered concepts such as:

Power distance
Leadership styles in culturally diverse settings
Individualism versus collectivism
Direct versus indirect communication
Uncertainty avoidance

DSC_0026-min — Students and faculty alike contributed to the 2016 Cultural Intelligence Workshop

Why study CQ?

Leadership development: Offering training in effective cross-cultural ministry, the CQ workshop prepared faculty and students for leadership development opportunities abroad.
Ministry: Cultural sensitivity helps us “become all things to all people” in ministry, as Paul writes in I Corinthians 9:22.
Career: As Dr. Annette Harrison observed, “In an increasingly pluralistic and diverse American society, and in an increasingly globalized world, learning what Cultural Intelligence is and how to leverage it in our careers and vocations is essential.”

CQ _ 1-min — Corban University faculty discussed cultural values at the 2016 Cultural Intelligence workshop.

The takeaway? Many students found the portfolio of their unique strengths and weaknesses in intercultural communication, based on comparison to globalized norms, to be the most compelling aspect of the workshop. The workshop “not only furthered my understanding of Cultural Intelligence,” reflected Lexi McQueary (Business, ’18), “but expanded my interest in the study of cultures all around the world.”

CQ _ 3-min — Participants in break-out sessions considered the rich diversity of cultural values even within groups as small as six.

by Sam Pearson on February 11, 2016

International Christian Higher Education Conference

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”

Abraham Kuyper understood that all God’s truth is linked in seamless, integrated whole. As a Christian thought leader, Corban University seeks to bring biblical integration to all disciplines. The Second International Christian Higher Education Conference, co-sponsored by Corban University and Biola University and hosted at the Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, asks how scholars can strive for this biblical integration.

How do methods or approaches in the Christian university deepen a biblical perspective and transform culture?
How do Christian academics use the power of the biblical story to engage and impact the world to promote excellence in education and media?

Dr. Lindell and Dr. Dixon visit a classroom at the First International Christian Higher Education Conference (2013)

Keynote speakers will address additional questions:

What is the Christian approach to the public life of culture in education and through media?
What are the implications of the Christian worldview?
How does the biblical story transform the culture we live in?

Please prayerfully consider submitting proposals for a paper, panel or workshop. Proposals are due March 31.This conference is a perfect opportunity for Christian faculty and scholars to share their biblical insights and strategies. Come delight in the variety of cultures and in the beauty of Indonesia. What are you being asked to share?

Questions? Considering how to become globally engaged? Please contact global@corban.edu.

by Sam Pearson on February 4, 2016

Teaching Indonesia: Corban’s Global Engagement in Action

Greeted by the joyful shout of children at play, we emerged from a van to an onrush of curious grade-schoolers at Sekolah Lentera Harapan, Kupang, Indonesia. As we passed through the schoolyard, children scampered out of the way in shy but awestruck amazement at the visitors only to tumble over each other to keep up.

Entering a classroom, a respectful silence fell upon the students assembled, only to be interrupted when an observant student recognized one of us as a subject of utmost hilarity and burst out laughing. This act called forth a similar chuckle from his peers, which soon set the whole room in transports of delight.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Students at work at SLH Kupang.

The longer we lingered at SLH Kupang, the more the students’ initial reticence gave way to a sense of wonder and joy. They clamored to include us in ball games and jump-rope or posed for pictures.

Sponsored by the Pelita Harapan Foundation, these students receive education from a biblical worldview in one of Indonesia’s more remote and unprivileged islands: Timor. The schools require families to pay a small fee towards tuition to show a commitment to high quality Christian education.

Sam and Liane 3 — Students paused P.E. class to honor the guests with a picture

Through education, the Pelita Harapan Foundation is meeting the region’s economic development needs. East Nusa Tenggara, in which the island of Timor lies, relies on subsistence agriculture.

More importantly, the Foundation trains teachers from a biblical worldview. Graduates of the Corban University accredited Teachers College at the Universitas Pelita Harapan teach at schools across Indonesia after attaining a four-year Bachelor’s of Education. They are following Christ’s call to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Liane DeHart (Office of the President) and Sam Pearson (Center for Global Engagement) visited Sekolah Lentera Harapan, Kupang, as part of a mission to help Corban alumni make a difference for Jesus Christ in Indonesia. Thanks to the hospitality of Foundation contacts in Indonesia, our visit included Foundation schools and hospitals in Karawaci and Kupang.

The mission and vision of the Foundation, which is transforming Indonesia through gospel-centered Christian holistic education, impressed us with the need for Christian teachers to transform the next generation of Indonesian leaders for Jesus Christ.

Corban supports these efforts through recruiting alumni to teach at the Foundation’s elite Sekolah Pelita Harapan schools while partnering with Teachers College to train biblically-grounded teachers for schools at all levels.

The Lord is at work in Indonesia!

For more information, please contact global@corban.edu.

by Janine Allen on March 4, 2015

God is using Corban University worldwide

Janine Allen, Ed.D., Dean, Global Initiatives, Corban University

I continue to be encouraged by the way God is using Corban University to establish and build up the multi-ethnic church worldwide.

It is my prayer that we will continue to live into Romans 15:20-21, which says, “and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, ²¹but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.’”

A few days ago I flew to Auckland, New Zealand to visit Laidlaw College. This is a small evangelical Christian college in Auckland interested in partnership with Corban University. Our discussions will include everything from student exchange during general education core or an exchange semester for a specific major area.

Our CUEST coordinator Evan Brammer continues to lead our English transition program with excellence. Our Papuan students are settling in and Evan provides strong mentoring to these students. I recently had the opportunity to meet up with our 15 new students from Papua and to watch Evan lead. What a treat! God has surely called them ALL to Corban at this time. I am currently in conversations with the Papuan province government regarding new students and additional memorandum of agreements. Ben Moll and I are working on descriptive research to help determine both short-term and long-term CUEST program effectiveness.

Teachers College and International Teachers College at Universitas Pelita Harapan are growing in student enrollment and faculty. As an ITC Advisory Board member and the NWCCU accreditation liaison, I am involved in hiring new faculty for ITC. Several strong candidates are being considered for ITC from the US, Kenya and Ireland. We are eager to receive our final statement from NWCCU on ITC. I thrive on the different cultures within our Indonesian programs. I am always reminded of Paul’s statements in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.

Aaron Imig is leading an online professional development program with Teachers College through Converge. I have the privilege of observing, commenting on posts and learning alongside. This is truly innovative and the TC lecturers are very appreciative of Dr. Imig’s authenticity and efforts to make it contextually relevant. Ask Aaron about it!

I am currently in conversations with UPH regarding graduate programming for TC and ITC. This would be a Masters of Education and may provide visiting scholar opportunities for our Education faculty.

In the recent visit to Indonesia, Dr. Sheldon Nord and I visited many secondary schools to present Corban. Through new agreements I am writing, we hope to have additional students from Indonesia joining us in Salem the near future.

Partnership ideas in Lima, Peru continue. We are still in the formation stage but getting close! I’ll keep you updated

Please continue to pray for my safe travels and discerning God’s wisdom and leading. What a magnificent opportunity we have to be innovators all on behalf of the gospel kingdom!

by Janine Allen on December 1, 2014

Corban expands its commitments within Indonesia

Signing a MOU with Universitas Pelita Harapan for an International Teachers College.

Shortly before Thanksgiving break I arrived back home after a fast-paced yet wonderful trip to Indonesia. God gets all the glory for what was accomplished. Three highlights stand out.

1. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the William Soeryadjaya Foundation (WSF) targeting students of low-income families that attend one of the foundation’s two schools, Ora et Labora (OeL). The students who attend OeL learn in Bahasa, the official language of Indonesia. WSF is known for its work on equity and social empowerment in Indonesia. The target of this first MOU are students who would not be able to attend university without financial support.

The other WSF school, Raffles International School, is an international school that works with high-income families and expatriate students. All instruction occurs in English. WSF wants to create a second MOU to encourage students to attend Corban University. They are eager to promote Corban due to our development of leadership characteristics in our students, and the strong discipleship and biblical training our students receive.

Both schools are focused on developing strong leaders from a Christian worldview.

2. On Thursday, Nov. 20, I signed a MOU with Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) for an International Teachers College (ITC). The new ITC department within UPH’s Teachers College (TC) will target expatriate students from all over Asia, while TC itself will continue to focus on preparing Indonesian students to become high quality teachers specifically for the Indonesian context.

Corban’s ongoing UPH partnership provides rigorous teacher preparation to national teacher candidates in Indonesia. These teachers teach both in the national schools of Indonesia and private independent schools associated with the foundation that provides organizational and financial support to UPH.

Now more than ever, Corban University is committed to preparing effective educators to raise the educational attainment of the continent of Asia and reduce poverty through high quality holistic education.

Massive and high-paced change fueled by technological innovation is sweeping across the globe, and Asia is a central part of the technological advances. Asian governments grapple with these changes as they face age-old challenges of poverty and corruption. Education is a critical element in the development of each nation’s infrastructure.

The continuance of the partnership with UPH and development of the ITC department is consistent with Corban’s strategic goals (1) to enhance and expand the teaching/learning environment where students are offered a Christ-centered education and (2) expand Corban’s global engagement.

3. On Saturday, Nov. 22, I had the opportunity to attend the latest UPH graduation ceremonies. Although we did not have any students graduating mid-year, I was able to meet Pak Din Syamsuddin, the second highest leader of the Muslim clerical party in Indonesia. His children were graduating from UPH. I was given the chance to share the story of Corban’s UPH partnership. You can read more at http://www.uph.edu/component/wmnews/new/1971-wisuda-xxvi-uph-artikel-2.html.

by Janine Allen on September 25, 2014

Corban Unleashed — Globally

The Summer 2014 and Fall 2014 issues of CORBAN Magazine both focus on our University's Global Initiatives — The Summer 2014 and Fall 2014 issues of CORBAN Magazine both focus on our University’s Global Initiatives

Welcome to Corban’s new Global Perspectives blog!

My name is Janine Allen, and I serve as the Dean of Corban University’s Global Initiatives.

Why “global”? It’s Corban University’s mission “to educate Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.”

By strategically using our resources and personnel, Corban’s partnerships extend our reach around the globe.

Under the title “Corban Unleashed,” our University’s leadership has outlined four strategic goals. Each goal has objectives and outcomes that define our plans for the near future.

In my leadership role, I’m particularly focused on the fourth and final strategic goal: “Expand Corban’s global interaction.”

The first global objective is “to provide learning opportunities and educational programs that expand the University’s international presence.”

How? By pursuing these five outcomes:

Develop a global Ed.D. program that focuses on
international Christian education.
Develop an intentional partnership with the Papua
government to academically prepare high school students
for an international university.
Investigate and design relevant professional development
programs for international partners.
Publish journal articles describing Corban University’s global impact.
Develop a Center of Global Engagement to train Christian
professionals to serve in international contexts.

The second global objective is “to diversify the Corban community to reflect the Kingdom of God and prepare students to impact a global and pluralistic society.”

How? By pursuing these three outcomes:

Increase the percentage of international students to 10% of
traditional undergraduate program.
Increase ethnic diversity in the student population to match
Pacific Northwest demographics.
Develop employee recruitment and retention strategy to attract
and retain qualified, ethnically diverse faculty and staff.

The third and final global objective is “to network with other globally-minded organizations to further the Gospel.”

How? By pursuing these two outcomes:

Achieve the lead host position for the annual international conference
at UPH, which can benefit like-minded partners in education.
Establish two other programs at our AMBEX partnership in Regensburg.

Do any of these outcomes excite you? I hope so! I’d love to hear from you. You can write to me at jallen@corban.edu.

Just be sure to watch for my reply!

PS You’ll find the brand-new Fall 2014 issue of Corban Magazine, “Touchpoints of Influence on a Global Campus,” online at http://issuu.com/corban/docs/corban_magazine_fall14_web/0