International Students

Every day, the United States looks more and more like the cultures of the world as they converge and mingle in the "melting pot" of our country.  RTS Jackson is no different.  In our small student body of 150 full-time students, we have 35 international students from six different continents and a wide variety of cultures and countries.With converging cultures in our classroom, at RTS Jackson your preparation for ministry and your life in the community is not a monolithic, homogeneous experience, but is seasoned with an international flavor of the gospel from around the world.  Christ didn't die only for people like you, but with his blood he purchased for God men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation (Rev 5:9).  International and American students studying together become a picture of the Church, not just here in the States, but around the world.

Missions, in many ways, defines RTS Jackson.  Even if you are preparing for stateside ministry at seminary, Missions is a significant part of church life, and with the way the world is changing today, Missions may not only inform how ministry is done on the other side of the world, but it might shape how you reach out to the community next door.  If you are in one of our strong Missions or Intercultural Studies programs, the many international students will provide valuable insight on what the gospel looks like in other cultures.  In fact, it is not uncommon for our American students to become close friends with international students during their time in seminary and then, once their studies are complete, to go home with the international student and serve side-by-side with them in ministry.  Who better to be your guide in a missions work than a friend who knows the culture and who has studied with you?

International students are a valuable asset to our community.  If you are an international student who is thinking about coming to RTS, you will find important information below.