A Digital, On-Demand Offering for Individual Professional Development

Online PD Standalone courses are designed for individuals. They offer the flexibility to start and stop at your convenience, making it easy to fit the course into your schedule and meet your learning needs.

Access to this course is available through the ACSI PD platform.

Price

• Participant: $175.00 per person
• Advisor from the hiring school is $40.00 per person (advisors must still register for access to all components)

What’s Included

• Access to the course on ACSI Online PD, including videos, assessments, assignments, handouts, and recommended resources
• Participant Handout
• Advisor Guide
• x Educational CEUs and x Bible CEUs automatically awarded upon course completion

Course Overview

The ACSI Pre-field Orientation Course, PFO2Go, prepares educators, administrators, dorm staff, and support personnel for successful service in international Christian schools. Featuring Tim Shuman, Jerry Jones, and Michèle Phoenix, this self-paced course explores the foundations of international Christian education, cross-cultural engagement, transition, and the unique experiences of Third Culture Kids. Through practical instruction, biblical reflection, and real-world application, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in global Christian education settings.

Instructors

Tim Shuman

Tim Shuman, now retired, served as the Senior Director for the International School Division at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) from 2010 to 2025. Prior to joining the ACSI team, he and his wife, Sandee, lived and worked in Germany for nearly 25 years at Black Forest Academy, a Christian international boarding school, where Tim served as Director for half of those years.

Michèle Phoenix

Michèle is a mentor, writer, and speaker with a heart for Missionaries’ Kids. She taught for twenty years at Black Forest Academy (Germany) before launching her own ministry advocating for MKs and TCKs.

Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones is a cross-cultural trainer, speaker, consultant, and coach who is passionate about helping people thrive across cultures. After spending 15 years living and working in China, he has dedicated his career to equipping leaders, educators, and teams to build meaningful relationships and work effectively in diverse environments.

Course Outline

• Course Opening
• Bible Study 1: Scatteredness and Implications
• Track 1: Understanding Culture
• Bible Study 2: Facing Struggles, Trials, and Obstacles
• Track 2: Understanding Third Culture Kids
• Bible Study 3: Prepare Your Minds for Action
• Track 3: Navigating Transition
• Bible Study 4: Loving One Another
• Health and Wellbeing
• Closing Challenge