 What do they say?
"As a mature student my main concern was the possibility of not fitting in with younger students or feeling isolated because of being a non-resident. I needn't have worried. The community has such a warmth and love of God in it and the fellowship of the student body has been a blessing." (Stan, BA(Hons) student, 2009) "I found the MA flexible learning mode exactly right for me. It enabled me to continue with my work in Asia and to do the study alongside that with just the 3 weeks summer school each year. What I did not want to do (and other colleges were offering) was a full year in the UK. The summer schools also made me feel a real part of the college and even if we did not meet the main student body, we got to know all the faculty and so it was far easier to carry on the e-learning side of the course." (Val, Flexible learning MA student, 2005-2008)
"The course is closely enough linked to my day to day work for me to relate what I am learning to what I do, but sufficiently different to stretch me. I have found my studies relevant and inspiring, particularly the modules on globalisation, post-colonialism and partnerships.
(Tim, Flexible learning MA student, 2008)
"After a 30 year career in the Police service, attending Redcliffe on the Certificate course was a great transition period to enable me to discover more about faith, my relationship with God, and where He might be leading me. My concurrent and block placements, along with a number of the taught modules and college life in general, all helped to clarify a calling I first felt some years ago to full-time church ministry which I am exploring further."
(Charles, Cert(HE) student, 2007-2008)
"My time at Redcliffe prepared me in an incredibly holisitic way for what I am moving on to; it equipped me with skills such as pastoral care, how to lead Bible studies and public communication skills. I learnt in-depth about Scripture and theology, and to view myself and others in a healthy way.
"Importantly I discovered how to interact with people very different from myself. Living in such a multi-cultural community, eating, socialising, worshipping together was a part of the experience of Redcliffe which challenged, changed and shaped me as much as the lectures!"
(Claire, BA(Hons) student, 2004-7)
"During my time at Redcliffe I realised how important it is to go to a mission training college before going on mission. It was important to learn about other religions, and to learn about living and working cross-culturally. I learnt to see the Bible in the context of its own time and culture, and this helped me to see how I am culturally influenced in my reading of the Bible, as are people in other countries."
(Lianne, Across the Cultures, 2007)
"My time at Redcliffe was fantastic preparation for the mission field, in so many ways. It was a time of stretching and learning, about myself, about my faith and about my Lord. The mission training aspect of the courses helped me enormously to have a better idea of what to expect once I reached the mission field. I appreciated the focus on the realities of living and working in a different culture; there were plenty of opportunities to discuss ethical questions and hear from people who had years of experience on the mission field.
"Here on the field, I am frequently reminded of things I learned at Redcliffe. All in all, I highly recommend Redcliffe to anyone who is considering following God to a different culture because I can't think of any better preparation."
(Fiona Cooper, 2004-2005)
"Redcliffe prepared us in several ways. Being in a cross cultural environment was helpful, especially living with people who were all preparing for similar changes in the future. Secondly, the fact that all the lecturers have had experience of cross-cultural work and their approachable manner meant that we felt able to go to lecturers and ask questions. Thirdly, the balance between practical and spiritual was good. We felt we were being asked to think about things that related to our spiritual and practical development."
(Jo and Dave, 2005-2006)
"Studying at Redcliffe has been challenging, inspiring, fulfilling and motivating. I feel that I will leave having achieved the purposes for which I came - i.e., to get a good scriptural foundation for ministering in the local church. The Pick & Mix course has been key in this for me, giving me flexibility to choose courses from a wide range of subjects and levels, thus being able with advice and guidance to tailor my studies specifically to what I needed."
(James, New Zealand, Pick and Mix, 2009)
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