International Students
International Student Handbook
Asbury is happy to become a second home to 145 international students and their families who have gathered from 50 countries in order to pursue further graduate studies in theological education. The International Community is a unique and vital aspect of life at Asbury and helps us to better understand one another’s cultures and the Kingdom of God.
Most of Asbury’s international students live on the Wilmore campus and enjoy the following aspects of community life in Wilmore.
Fellowship Opportunities within the International Student Body
- New International Student Welcome Potluck
On the Monday of New Student Orientation week in the fall semester, the campus community gathers for a potluck meal on the campus green to welcome the incoming International Students. It is becoming a signal kick-off celebration for the start of each school year participated in by hundreds of our students and their families.
- International Fellowships
Open to the entire community, and taking place once per month, these gatherings include potluck suppers, foreign film nights, cultural celebrations and the like.
- Culture Shock Workshop
This seminar is led by a faculty member from the ESJ School of World Mission and Evangelism. It is a catered event during which the issue of culture shock for international students is addressed.
- Priscilla/Aquila
The purpose of Priscilla/Aquila is to build intercultural relationships in order to experience the life-giving gift of Kingdom community. Worldviews will be expanded through intercultural learning and concern for God's world will be enlarged.
- International Women's Day Celebration (sponsored by the ILT)
An evening that celebrates International Women's Day. Events in the past have included special speakers and a panel discussion, with a question and answer session afterwards.
- International Potluck
This is a part of the larger event known as Kingdom Conference. International and national students are invited to bring dishes unique to their home country. Tables are arranged so that each table has one international student as a host, someone who shares about their home culture and can answer questions. There are also separate potluck events throughout the semester for smaller groups of international and national students.
- The Koinonia International House
A home located just off campus that was given to Asbury several years ago and provides a place of hospitality and refuge for all students, but particularly for the International community. The house has a guest room available for the visiting families of International students. As well, the facility is available for birthday parties, baby showers, and other social gatherings. A host family lives in the house to assist the community.
- International Transportation Services
A service that is available to our students without vehicles via our International Van owned by the seminary. The van is available to be reserved through contacting the hosts of the Koinonia House.
International Community Office
Asbury Theological Seminary is an international community. Recently, more than seven percent of Asbury Seminary students have come from outside the United States. There are over 40 countries represented on our campus. Asbury prepares persons for worldwide ministries, and the presence of internationals is integral to the Seminary's mission, ethos and vision.
The Office of Community Life-International, located in the Sherman Thomas Student Center, addresses the needs of prospective and enrolled international students and their families by providing guidance and information during and after the application process. The Financial Aid Office helps in the award of International Scholarships and assists admitted students and their families to acquire necessary travel documents, including immigration forms and visas. The International Community Office maintains a network of help for transportation, household necessities, social services, English tutoring, and dependent schooling. The International Community Office staff helps orient newcomers to life and study in the U.S., provides advisories concerning travel and maintaining good status with the Seminary, the United States and home governments, and oversees an International House which serves as a center for international fellowship and community.
For more information, please contact the Office of Community-International (ext. 2378)
international_ministries@asburyseminary.edu
You can reach the above extensions by dialing 1.800.2.ASBURY (1.800.227.2879).
Additional Resources