The CCCU Board of Directors just approved a new BestSemester off-campus study program  in India. The India Studies Program (ISP), scheduled to begin during the fall 2011 semester, will be offered to CCCU students in partnership with the CCCU’s international affiliate, the CSI Bishop Appasamy College of Arts and Sciences. Bishop Appasamy is located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, one of the major states of India and is affiliated with Bharathiar University.

The program is structured to provide students with both immersion in a local community and broad exposure to a variety of peoples, places and customs in India. Students will participate in two core courses: Contemporary India, and India’s Religious Landscape. The tentative list of elective courses includes:

• Indian Society & Social Work Intervention
• Dimensions of Culture: Indian Cuisine, Traditions and Festivals  
• Indian Literature   
• Indian Arts & Paintings 
• Indian Design: Traditional Costumes and Textiles
• Current perspective of Business in India

The ISP will be the third “partner program” on the BestSemester roster. The Australia Studies Centre is offered in partnership with the Wesley Institute in Sydney, and the Uganda Studies Program is offered in partnership with Uganda Christian University in Mukono. Other BestSemester programs include: American Studies Program, China Studies Program, Contemporary Music Center, Latin American Studies Program, Los Angeles Film Studies Center, Middle East Studies Program, Oxford Summer Programme, Russian Studies Program (which will end in fall 2010), Scholars’ Semester in Oxford, and Washington Journalism Center.

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 185 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 110 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 23 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

• American Studies Program:  46
• Australia Studies Centre: 62
• China Studies Program: 34
• Contemporary Music Center: 53
• Latin American Studies Program: 74
• Los Angeles Film Studies Center: 107
• Middle East Studies Program: 62
• Russian Studies Program: 24
• Scholars Semester in Oxford:  115
• Uganda Studies Program: 67
• Washington Journalism Center: 24

“As we conclude another semester we continue to be thankful for God’s abiding care and blessings,” says CCCU Vice President for Student Programs Ken Bussema. “Students and staff have traveled thousands of miles, engaged in hundreds of challenging conversations and encountered new friend from every corner of the globe. Once again, we are grateful and humbled when we hear returning students say ‘this semester has made me feel more alive in my heart, head and spirit than I knew was possible’ (written on an evaluation form for the Latin American Studies Program).”

The application deadline for spring 2011 programs is October 1, 2010. Visit www.bestsemester.com for more information.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

• Janine Paden Morgan (Abilene Christian University; ACU in Oxford)
• John D. Barbour (St. Olaf College; semester in Asia)
• Andrea Smith Shappell (University of Notre Dame; Center for Social Concerns)
• Lon Fendall (George Fox University; semester in Bolivia-Paraguay)
• John Skillen (Gordon College; semester in Orvieto, Italy)
• Don Briel (University of St. Thomas; semester in Rome)
• Laura Montgomery and Mary Docter (Westmont College; Westmont in Mexico)
• Ronald J. Morgan (Abilene Christian University; ACU in Oxford)
• Scott McClelland, Karen Andrews, and Brad Berky (Westmont College; San Francisco Urban Program)
• Richard Slimbach (Azusa Pacific University; Global Studies Program, India, Philippines, and Haiti)
• Chris Elisara (Creation Care Study Program, San Diego, California; Belize, New Zealand, and Samoa)
• Thomas J. Meyers (Goshen College; Study Service Term, primarily working in developing countries)

“What I enjoy most in this book is the contributors’ shared appreciation for the uniquely personal way each participant must wrestle to achieve their own insights and answers to fundamental questions of identity, group membership, and vocation,” says Bussema. “More importantly, the authors argue convincingly that willingness to serve the global community as agents of reconciliation, justice, and shalom is the primary catalyst in real student transformation. Reading this volume convinces me that study abroad experiences, affording rich opportunities to discover self, other, and God, are more important today than ever.”

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

For more about the film, please visit the Web site: www.flintcreekmovie.com.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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Uganda Christian University (UCU) and Uganda Studies Program (USP) employee Adeline Kamwasir has been awarded an international Christian leader award by Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Center Scholarship Program. The full-tuition and partial living expenses scholarship will bring Kamwasir to Wheaton in August 2010 for the master’s program in Christian formation and ministry, with a concentration in student development.

“As a dedicated leader in the Uganda Studies Program at Uganda Christian University, Adeline exemplifies the scholarly service and commitment that the Billy Graham Center Scholarship Program seeks to support with its endowed loan/scholarships,” said Diane Garvin, the scholarship program’s coordinator.

Upon completion of her studies in December 2011, Kamwasir will return to UCU and USP for at least three years. “I’ve wanted to do training in Christian ministry since I was 15,” she said. “That desire has been strengthened over time, with a growing focus on ministry to college young adults. My own undergraduate years were formative in many ways, with the presence of some key mentors who continue to positively impact my life. I, too, would like to add to the richness of the university years for students.”

Because Kamwasir will take courses directly related to her work with USP students, Mark Bartels, director of USP, said USP will benefit when she returns. “In addition [to theoretical training], her experience on a CCCU campus will give her invaluable insight into the undergraduate experience of USP students, allowing her to understand the experiences they bring to Uganda and better connect that background with their experiences in Uganda.”

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

“The new program location will feature an expanded music building and apartment style student housing,” says CMC Director Warren Pettit.  “Our program curriculum, while operating in Nashville, will enhance the student experience with access to a huge talent pool of industry professionals.”

As details are confirmed more information will be posted on BestSemester.com and on CCCU.org.. In the meantime, questions or comments may be directed to cmc@bestsemester.com  or the BestSemester Campus Relations Manager Danara Schurch at 202-548-5201.

The start and end dates of the semesters have also changed to the following:

Fall 2010
Start Date: Saturday, September 4th, 2010
End Date: Friday, December 10th

Spring 2010
Start Date: Saturday, January 15th, 2011
End Date: Friday, April 22nd, 2011

For more information on the CMC, visit: http://www.bestsemester.com/cmc/

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Nashville, Tenn.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 184 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 109 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 75 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council’s mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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When you enroll in the American Studies Program (ASP), the benefit will last far beyond your semester on Capitol Hill. With the creation of its brand new Alumni Advisory Council, ASP has not only renewed its commitment to its students, but established a new way to serve its 2700 (and growing) alumni.

At any given time, between 250-400 ASP alumni work in the D.C. area. Ten of these well-established alumni sit on the Advisory Council, bringing a wealth of experience and perspective to keep the program as relevant as possible. While you’re a student with ASP, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with these alumni and pick their brains on issues of faith integration or professional development. The alumni also help the program improve the quality of internship placements (see smartURL for a list of where you may work) and mentorship matches.

As an alum of ASP, you’ll benefit from new initiatives recommended by the Advisory Council to help you network with ASP alumni across all semesters. Already, ASP alumni can use a Facebook page and LinkedIn.com to connect. You can search by professional category, region, looking for work or looking for employees.

“This is part of our expanding vision to allow ASP to serve as a continuing resource for its alumni in the areas of professional networking and vocational encouragement and exploration,” says ASP Director Peter Baker. “The Alumni Advisory Council tells us what would be most helpful for them, so these initiatives are demand-driven. We’ve been very excited already about what’s come out of that.”

Below , meet the charter members of the ASP Alumni Advisory Council.

Anthony Campau
Associate Manager of Donor Relations, The Heritage Foundation
ASP: Fall 2004
Southeastern University

“Experience matters. You might be bright, but what have you done? ASP helped me to gain the real-world experience I needed to gain footing in Washington.”

David Cummins
Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, ACS, Inc. (Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.)
ASP: Fall 1992
Messiah College

“ASP was the most formative experience of my undergraduate and graduate school years – expanding my worldview and giving me life-long friendships. Specifically, three of my roommates at ASP and I have been getting together each year since the fall of 1992. We have been groomsmen in each other’s weddings. Most importantly, we have been writing letters to each other over the years to raise difficult issues we are dealing with and to receive written advice from our three friends.”

Darren Dick
Manger, Government Relations, EMC Corp.
ASP: Spring 1992
Sterling College

“While I certainly enjoyed my time as an ASP student in the spring of 1992, I did not begin to recognize the full importance and value of that experience until the past couple of years.  It's for that reason that I am happy to serve on the ASP's Alumni Advisory Council.”

Denise Dick
Personal trainer
ASP: Fall 1992
Taylor University

Heather Gonzales
Association Director, National Association of Evangelicals
ASP: Fall 1999
Huntington University

“My ASP experience greatly influenced my life path – without it I wouldn’t be married to my wonderful husband [Nathan Gonzales] or living in Washington DC.” 

Nathan Gonzales
Political Editor, The Rothenberg Political Report
ASP: Fall 1999
Vanguard University of Southern California

“ASP is an integral part of my life. I wouldn't live where I do, work where I do, or be married to my wonderful wife without my semester in Washington. Besides my wife, I still talk to other ASP friends almost every day and it's been 10 years.”

Robin Landauer
Associate Director for Outreach, Mercatus Center
ASP: Fall 2001
Vanguard University of Southern California

James McCament
Chief of Office of Congressional Relations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
ASP: Spring 1996
Mount Vernon Nazarene University

“ASP was a critical gateway in my professional development and opened the way to future career opportunities.  Most importantly, ASP indelibly molded and continually validates how I evaluate, and wrestle with, my personal and career decisions-from mundane to life changing-with a Kingdom-focused perspective.”

Townsend McNitt
Strategic Consultant on Education Policy
ASP: Fall 1987
Gordon College

Aaron Mercer
Project Director, National Association of Evangelicals
ASP: Fall 1999
Cedarville University

“ASP enriched my understanding of the Church by connecting me with fellow Christians from across the country and across denominational lines.  In addition, ASP allowed me an in-person introduction to the world of Washington, DC, and it helped grow my thinking about Christian engagement with both the power and poverty evident in that world.”

Julie Peterson
Vice President, American World Services, Inc.
ASP: Fall 1987
Dordt College

One-of-a-kind resume builder
The Alumni Advisory Council isn’t the only new thing about ASP. Whether you participate in the Public Policy Initiatives track or the Global Humanitarian Enterprise track, plan on coming away with something to show from your research that you’d never get anywhere else. Here’s how it works: the first five weeks are spent learning research methods and attending seven professional briefings from experts in D.C. on the issue you study. But during the second half of your semester, your class time will be blocked out for field work, a.k.a. conducting interviews with working professionals, attending Congressional hearings and briefings and going to conferences at think tanks or international organizations. When it comes time to apply for a job after college, you’ll not only have a unique research product, but you’ll have a wealth of experiences to share in your cover letter and interview that will set you apart from the competition.

In addition, changes have been made to the header of the CCCU.org and BestSemester.com Web sites in support of the new online donations process.  For the CCCU.org Web site, the username and password fields have been replaced with icon links. Visitors logging into the Web site may click on the "Login" button to proceed to the username and password login prompts.  The new icons will provide users the opportunity to retrieve their password, create a profile or edit an existing profile.

Please direct any questions regarding donation opportunities for BestSemester and CCCU initiatives to Lisa-Jo Baker, director of development and research at lbaker@cccu.org or 202-546-8713.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 181 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 111 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 70 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council's mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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Within the last six months, the ASC has held two successful Outback Trips at our new destination in Louth, NSW (“back o’ Bourke”).  The ASC staff is thrilled to grow our new relationship with Liz and Gary Murray at Trilby Station, our home base for the trip.  Trilby is a massive, 200,000-acre property that takes more than 12 hours of driving to reach, but it is well worth the trek.

Many of the activities on the trip remain the same, though new land affords some new opportunities.  The focus of the trip is still learning about land and culture, how land can shape culture and how culture can shape land.  ASC students also spend time in solitude during a “Letter to Self” exercise, they discuss the devotional book “Can You Drink the Cup?”, and they share life stories around the campfire.

Other highlights from the week include kangaroo spotting, yabby (crawfish) catching, sleeping under the stars, and mud fighting in the clay of the Darling River.  The students are also taken on a tour of the property, first the area around the homestead (including the shearing shed and the airplane hangar), then the larger property.  Old cars, a double-decker bus, and even a furnished home that have all been abandoned decades ago can be found out in the red dirt of the station; it’s a photography student’s dream!

The ASC hopes that our Outback Trip continues to give students a taste of the “dead heart” that is so critical to understanding Australian life and culture.

by Matt Woods

pictures courtesy of Kimberly Spragg and Will Pitney

Eastern University students Kat Moorman and Marissa Phillips had the unique challenge this semester of performing a piece of art in front of a man whose years of work had gone into creating it.  Moorman and Phillips participated in Wesley Institute’s production of “Perfectly Frank,” a new Australian musical written by Melvin Morrow, who attended both rehearsals and performances of the premiering show.  “It is always a very special occasion if you get to put on the premiere of a show, and even better if it is an Australian work,” director Herman Pretorius said.

“Perfectly Frank” tells the tale (entirely through song) of Saint Francis of Assisi, the playboy turned friar, though it’s told with a distinct modern, Australian flavor, including references to Cluedo and the wealthy Sydney suburb of Mosman.  The story also turns the rags-to-riches format on its head, as Francis gives up his exorbitant lifestyle for the simple life.  Moorman played the female lead and love interest of Francis, Clare, while Phillips acted as a singing narrator.

Musicals at Wesley Institute are unique in that they are the rare productions that include students from different disciplines.  “Integration of the arts is a very important aim of the Institute,” Pretorius said.   In all, 40 musicians, dancers, and drama students participated in the production of “Perfectly Frank.” 

“During the process, all the students of all disciplines came together and became an ensemble, feeding off of each other’s energy,” Pretorius said.  Moorman noted that while groups from different disciplines may have stuck together at first, strong bonds had formed by the end of the show from the energy and hard work of the process.

Moorman also noticed a major characteristic of working on Australian productions, the laidback attitude of everyone involved.  She said that her directors believed that there’s no point in doing a show if you’re not having fun.  “It got me to loosen up a little bit,” Moorman said, adding that it was nice to be able to relax and enjoy doing what she loves to do.  Still, Pretorius said that he was particularly appreciative of the professionalism and the work ethic demonstrated by both Moorman and Phillips.

The writer of the show agreed that the hard work paid off, particularly in the performance of the female lead.  “Clare [Moorman] is excellent,” Morrow wrote to Pretorius after the performances.  “She lives the part because she knows it and inhabits it. Bravissima!”

Pretorius, like Morrow, was pleased with the results of the premiere performances of a Christian, Australian musical at Wesley.  “Thank you for taking the risk of staging the Aussie premiere of “Perfectly Frank,” Morrow wrote.  “I hope that the Wesley Institute sees it as a colorful artistic feather in its cap!”

by Matt Woods
Pictures courtesy of John Leung

The Australia Studies Centre will continue as normal with its curriculum, study travel, home stays and service learning opportunities.

The application process for attending the Australia Studies Centre in the spring 2010 has begun and we are seeing a strong number of applications.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the BestSemester student programs staff at (202.548.5201) or go online to www.BestSemester.com/asc

You don't have to live in Australia to know the answer to that question (it's Billabong), but do you know what Thai restaurant also is the emergency meeting place for the Wesley Institute?

For the more than 45 past students who came to Washington D.C. for the five-year reunion of the Australia Studies Centre, trying to remember the answers was just part of the fun in remembering back to their time in Sydney.

"In spite of being the only attendee from my semester, I struggle to put into words how much this time with fellow ASCers meant to me. In addition to seeing Kimberly (Spragg, the ASC director) and the staff again, I got to meet so many new people from other semesters who took me right in as one of their own. The ASC is more than an experience, It's a community," said Geoffrey Millette, who attended ASC in spring 2006.

Aside from playing trivia, participants visited the National Museum of the American Indian (as a continuation of their Indigenous Cultures class), watched video updates from home stay parents, favorite lecturers and service placement supervisors, enjoyed the fireworks on the National Mall, hung out in the District and yes, had a processing session.  Terry Mattingly, director of the Washington Journalism Center, also spoke to the alumni about reading signs in all cultures, be it Australian culture, popular culture or even Christian culture. 

"My favorite part of the reunion was seeing how much one semester in Australia continues to influence the lives of these alumni.  Everyone at the reunion was having fun, catching up with old friends and enjoying the Fourth in D.C., but through their conversations it was obvious that most were continuing to wrestle with ideas that they first began to consider deeply and fully in Australia," said Kimberly Spragg, the ASC director. "They didn't just come to the reunion for a good time.  It was beautiful to witness this ongoing transformation in process."

As part of a partnership with the Wesley Institute in Sydney, Australia, students have the opportunity to study theology, issues of global justice, indigenous cultures and the arts. Home stays, service learning and travel are important components of the ASC. Students live in Sydney, travel to Canberra and the Outback, as well as spend time in New Zealand.

More so, ASC is a pivotal moment in learning how to be a global citizen and how to figure out and live out one's calling of being and doing.

"As we were singing in the worship time on Sunday morning, I looked around the room at all the faces of the attendees and experienced an overwhelming feeling of hope. Hope for what these current students and recent graduates will do in their vocational ministries, hope for how they will continue to change and grow over the next seasons of their lives and hope that they will live differently because of their time with the ASC," Spragg said.

Starting July 22, 25 more students will join the growing number of ASC alumni. For more on the Australia Studies Centre and other BestSemester programs, visit. www.bestsemester.com.

Mattingly, who contributed a chapter to Blind Spot, was in Kiev, Ukraine May 29-31 and also traveled to Manila, Philippines; Bangalore and New Delphi, India in early June. The book was produced by the Media Project of the Oxford Centre for Religion & Public Life and published by Oxford University Press.

Speaking to journalists and journalism students of all religious backgrounds, Mattingly discuss trends in religion coverage in international media and the importance of knowing and reporting the religious context in stories. Media outlets, such as the Times of India, Filipino Inquirer and other papers, were on hand to cover the sessions.

"You always learn a lot when you meet journalists in these kinds of settings, but I was stunned by the complexity of the task that journalists face in India when covering religion," said Mattingly. "In America, you mess up a story about religion and people get mad at you. In India, you can start a riot-with an inaccurate report or an accurate report. It's just that volatile a situation."

In addition to his "On Religion" column (click here for link to the Kiev column), which is syndicated by the Scripps Howard News Service, he also runs GetReligion.org and helps facilitate InkTank, the student blog for the Washington Journalism Center.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 181 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 111 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 70 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council's mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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Herbert has served as director of the American Studies Program for 28 years, providing leadership and guidance to more than 2000 students during his tenure, with more than 400 ASP alumni who currently work in the D.C. area.

"As I look back on 28 years with the American Studies Program, I am most grateful.  It has indeed been a good run for me.  Teaching at ASP has been such an incredible blessing," said Herbert. "Working with John Bernbaum and Rich Gathro when Jeannie and I first arrived in DC, teaching now with Peter Baker and Gerry Hartis, and serving with ASP faculty and staff over the years has without a doubt helped me grow both professionally and as a follower of Jesus.  Perhaps most of all, I have benefited richly and been deeply shaped by the invaluable experiences and friendships I have had working with ASP students and alumni over the years.  I thank the Council for giving me the chance to have learned and experienced so much.  Now it is time for me to move on to new opportunities.  I have the highest regard for the current ASP team and am confident the program is in good hands as it looks to the future."

Baker is a spring 1996 ASP alum and a 1997 graduate of Olivet Nazarene University (IL). He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame in 2008. He arrives with a background in both academic research and business development that includes a significant amount of work experience outside the United States.

"We in Washington, D.C. are learning to live with these themes of change and complexity and there is a great deal to be excited about regarding the new opportunities opening up to our students in the present environment. Consequently, ASP is uniquely positioned to create opportunities for Council students to directly engage individuals and institutions of global influence as they prepare to take their place among them. The transformative potential of the program remains rooted in the original vision of ASP's early leaders, expressed in our commitment to resist the compartmentalization of our faith and instead challenge students to consider how thinking biblically can create new opportunities in public policy and sustainable development," Baker said.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 181 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 111 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 70 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council's mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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                                                            Melanie Vacik

On a Friday afternoon on Pitt Street in downtown Sydney, past the skyrises and the subway stations, the Starbucks and the St. George Bank, 21-year-old Matt Johnson from Massachusetts carried his cross – literally. 

Johnson, a junior at Taylor University studying with the Australia Studies Centre (ASC), played the role of Jesus Christ in Wesley Institute’s annual Good Friday Way of the Cross Procession, a re-enactment of Christ’s journey to Calvary held on the streets of Sydney.

The procession began in the outdoor amphitheatre at Martin Place, where Johnson, dressed as Christ in a white robe and sandals, was whipped and mocked by Roman soldiers and had the crown of thorns placed upon his head. A crowd of hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the scene.

“To see [the crowd’s] faces as this was happening to me was incredibly powerful,” Johnson said.

From Martin Place, Johnson shouldered a wooden cross and dragged it across the asphalt of Pitt Street. The crowd followed slowly behind and watched as Johnson, scarred and bloodied, stumbled and fell to the ground. Finally, an alumnus of Wesley Institute playing Simon of Cyrene came out from the crowd to help carry the cross of Christ, who by this point was physically trembling.

“It was possibly the most intense role that I’ve ever played, just based on who it is that I portrayed,” Johnson said.

The performance drew attention from national media, including the Sydney Morning Herald and the front page of the Yahoo! Australia Web site. Johnson said he even unexpectedly saw footage of himself on TV at the airport the next day, where he was waiting to travel to Magnetic Island on vacation.

The Way of the Cross Procession was just part of Wesley Institute’s larger Easter Programme. At the end of the procession, Johnson led the gathering crowd into Wesley Theatre, where drama, dance and music students performed “Eve’s Daughters.” With their Australian classmates, Johnson, Lindy Smalt from Wheaton College and Audrey Henderson from Taylor University created and starred in the show, which centred around the powerful effect of Jesus’ love on several prominent women in history.

A crowd of 500 watched the performance, which was followed by the sharing of communion together.

Then, on Easter Sunday, the Wesley Institute choir sang at a sunrise service at the famed Sydney Opera House.  ASC students Jason Collier from Eastern University, and Kelsey Nyberg and Laura Costerisan from Trinity International University sang with the Wesley Institute choir, which backed popular artists on songs such as “Worthy is the Lamb,” “Great Southland,” and “The Prayer.”

In all, over 70 students from different disciplines participated in some way in creating and performing this year’s Easter Programme, including the six students from the ASC.

“It was amazing to be offered this opportunity, and to take it and enjoy it for all it’s worth,” Johnson said.

by Matt Woods

Students have until April 17^th to start and/or complete applications for those programs. Applications completed during the extended deadline period will be reviewed in the order of completion.

If you have any questions, please contact info@bestsemester.com or call 202-546-8713.

"With the redesigned site, we are able to better serve our members and serve students in helping them make an informed decision about coming to one of the BestSemester programs," said Vice President for Student Programs Ken Bussema. "We are thankful for all the hard work that went into the development of this site and welcome your feedback."

The new look and design of the homepage will allow visitors to search for programs in one of four ways:

• Program name
• Location
• Topic of interest
• Student's major

In addition, sections dedicated to parents and campuses provide key information to each audience. Visitors to specific programs will find some of the same structure as before but with a new look and functionality for categories such as: Overview, Academics, Faculty & Staff, Student Life, Admissions, and News & Updates. 

MyBestSemester is the login area for students who wish to receive more information or to start the application process. Once they have received a log-in and password, students can update their address information, request a copy of the BestSemester magazine, or return to the site to complete the application process. The application and reference systems and the campus contact portal have not changed and will continue to look and function as they did on the old Web site.

The deadlines for applying to the BestSemester programs for the 2009/2010 academic year are:

Oxford Summer Programme, March 1

Fall semester, April 1 (February 2 Early Admission)

Spring Semester, October 1 (May 1 Early Admission)

For more information, contact the Office of Student Programs at 202-546-8713 or visit www.bestsemester.com.

The 12 semester- or summer-long student programs offered by the CCCU are categorized as either culture-shaping programs or culture-crossing programs. Culture-shaping programs are: American Studies Program (Washington, D.C.); Contemporary Music Center (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.); Los Angeles Film Studies Center (L.A., Calif.); and Washington Journalism Center (Washington, D.C.). Included in the culture-crossing programs are: Australia Studies Centre; China Studies Program; Latin American Studies Program; Middle East Studies Program; Programmes in Oxford; Russian Studies Program; and Uganda Studies Program. All programs undergo regular site visit evaluations by the Student Academic Programs Commission (SAPC).

The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities is a higher education association of 180 intentionally Christ-centered institutions around the world. There are now 110 member campuses in North America and all are fully-accredited, comprehensive colleges and universities with curricula rooted in the arts and sciences. In addition, 70 affiliate campuses from 24 countries are part of the CCCU. The Council's mission is to advance the cause of Christ-centered higher education and to help its institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth.

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