| Poor cultural awareness and a mono-cultural perspective have been major problems for Korean missionaries, resulting in a lack of confidence in their ability to adapt to, and minister effectively in, the host culture (Lee, 2006; Park, 1999). While the utility of pre-field training is widely accepted, the effectiveness of utilizing highly focused cross-cultural awareness courses to increase cross-cultural confidence among Korean students is unknown.;The purpose of this mixed methods study is to examine the effectiveness of three highly focused cross-cultural awareness courses in increasing cross-cultural confidence (i.e., cross-cultural awareness, cross-cultural skills, and biculturalism) among Korean speaking students at Bethesda Christian University (BCU) in Anaheim, California and at Grace Mission University (GMU) in Fullerton, California.;Thirty-seven students participated in the study: 29 undergraduate students in 2 courses at BCU and 8 graduate students in 1 course at GMU. This study utilizes a mixed methods design, employing the data collection and analysis strategies associated with both qualitative (i.e., unstructured group interviews) and quantitative (i.e., pre-test & post-test using Winkelman's questionnaire (2005, pp. 211-215) approaches. While I attempt to use the approaches in a balanced fashion, analysis of the interview data received more attention in the study.;The analysis of the data demonstrates that the highly focused cultural awareness courses foster 5 key cross-cultural attitudes in the students, thereby increasing cross-cultural confidence as the interview data demonstrated. The questionnaire data supports the interview data. The 5 attitudes are: (a) students' self-perception as advanced learners; (b) students' desire for more cross-cultural training; (c) students' sense of a clearer call to missionary service; (d) students' changed perception of foreign cultures; and (e) students' perceived increase in cross-cultural ministry competence.;These courses serve as an effective model for cultural training for Korean missionaries and cross-cultural communicators. The methodologies employed in this participatory approach (i.e., case study method along with small group discussion and student presentations) should be integrated into existing cultural training programs for more meaningful, relevant, and effective cross-cultural preparation and readiness. |
