Learning more about a culture, language, and nation can help you to better connect with the people. It is also helpful to learn about ministry and outreach techniques that have been effective and ineffective in the region or with a certain people group, and what obstacles might be standing in the way.  
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PREPARING TO TRAVEL

If you are preparing for a short-term or long-term trip, this handout can assist you with foreign travel preparation.​  Additional resources are available below for country and language study.  
 

• Handout: Foreign Travel Checklist​
   

• Short Term Missions (On Culture):  https://www.shorttermmissions.com/culture
  This site discusses the importance of learning about culture before you travel.  
  
   

COUNTRY REPORTS

These country reports are useful for learning more about a country, the spiritual conditions, the people, culture, and travel considerations.

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• Joshua Project (Country Information):  https://joshuaproject.net/search​
  Joshua Project provides information about the religious affiliation and unreached groups within each nation.
   

• Open Doors (Country Reports on Persecution): https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/
  Operation World provides statistics and information about the cultural and spiritual conditions of nations, along with requests for prayer.
   

• Prayercast (Country Report and Prayer Points):  https://prayercast.com/nations.html​
  PrayerCast is a Christian website that provides country information and prayer points.  
   

• Commisceo Global (Country Culture Guides):  https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/​
  Commisceo Global provides familiarization with culture, customs, and etiquette.
   

• Encyclopedia Brittanica (In-Depth Country Reports):  https://www.britannica.com/browse/Countries-of-the-World
  Brittanica provides up-to-date country reports.  These are helpful for learning about a country, history, and culture.  
   

• BBC Country Profiles (Country Reports):  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
  BBC Country Profiles provide good, concise country reports.  They are no longer kept up to date, but they are good for looking up maps, graphics, and timelines of historic events.   
  
   

LANGUAGE LEARNING
There are many free language learning resources.  The Defense Language Institute (DLI) resource page has publicly available language learning software.  You can also visit your local library, download phone apps, and use other online programs.  

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• Pimsleur:  https://www.pimsleur.com/
  Pimsleur is a highly effective language learning program.  It teaches basic conversational skills in 30 minute audio sessions. It available for free through many libraries.  
   

• Defense Language Institute (DLI) eLearning:  https://www.dliflc.edu/elearning/​​​​​
  The DLI website contains language learning software and cultural study resources, to include Headstart2, Rapport, Language Survival Kits, Cultural Orientation, and GLOSS.  ​​
   

• Duolingo:  https://www.duolingo.com/
  Duolingo is a free language learning app, available for phone and computer use.
   

• Mango Languages:  https://mangolanguages.com/
  Mango Languages is a language learning app.  Many libraries offer a free subscription. 
  
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