Students spend about 4 hours per day as part of the staff in a department on campus. They participate in learning skills and accomplishing tasks that not only grow them as a person, but allow them to be part of the day-to-day operations of Bethany International. In that sense students are actively involved in getting new missionaries to the world as they participate in the training, sending, and supporting activities on campus.
On a personal level Practical Training helps students develop good, consistent work habits and build character. They learn basic skills including working in a team and alone, how to respond to authority, Biblical conflict resolution, taking initiative, critical problem-solving, and finishing tasks that they start. They also get to know other students in a fun, interactive setting, and develop a relationship with a caring supervisor who helps them to grow in their work and interpersonal skills. The time spent in practical training is so important in preparing the student for their internship, where it is assumed that certain work skills will be present, and where it's important to be self-motivated and to be able to self-correct while doing missionary work.
Many students testify that Practical Training had one of the biggest impacts on their lives during their time at Bethany. This really is a powerful time to see growth inside yourself that you never thought was possible.
