Exposure programme: Bridging Gaps
Are you interested in reflecting on societal challenges from a theological perspective? Are you curious to see how culture and context influence theology? Our exposure programme might be just the thing for you. Bridging Gaps allows you to come to PThU / VU University in the Netherlands for three months of study and research from September till November. The programme is open to students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle-East and Eastern Europe, and that meet the requirements.
What is Bridging Gaps?
Culture and context have a big influence on theology. Understanding your own context and that of others is key to being an exceptional theologian. The Bridging Gaps exposure programme is designed to connect theology students from different parts of the world, so that they can experience their contextual differences. You will be staying in Amsterdam and will be participating in personal research and lectures with students from the Netherlands, Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. During the programme, you will focus primarily on text interpretation and on the correlation between theology and context. Aside from your study, you will also participate in Dutch church life, society and culture.
Contents of the programme
During the three-month Bridging Gaps programme:
- You will be conducting personal research under the guidance of one of our academic professors. At the end of your research you are required to write a paper.
- You will enroll in three separate classes: Class and Context, Usage of the Bible and an elective that matches your research area.
- You will be introduced to two to four different Dutch churches and participate in Dutch church life.
- You will be exposed to Dutch society and culture through living in Amsterdam and joining various excursions.
Application
Applications open in November, and close mid January. If you are accepted into the programme, you will receive a full scholarship that covers flight, accommodation, study and a contribution to your living expenses. The program always takes place from september-november. For more information about the program, the requirements, and the application, please visit the application webpage.
Do you have questions?
For more information about the programme, download the brochure. For more information and details about applying, visit our application webpage. Here you will also find detailed guidelines for applying, and all the forms necessary for submitting your application.
For questions, you can contact Eline van der Kaaden (programme coordinator) at bridging.gaps@vu.nl.
