Presented by SIL's Global TCK Care & Education (TC&E)

GECO is an interactive, week-long orientation providing essential information for anyone who is interested in serving Missionary Kids (MKs) and Third Culture Kids (TCKs). This includes educators and related positions (teachers, school administrators, boarding home parents, youth workers, other education-related staff) preparing to serve or getting updated to return overseas. It is not required that you apply with Wycliffe to attend this course.

Teaching Missionary Kids Overseas from Wycliffe Bible Translators USA on Vimeo.

This orientation will give you knowledge and experiences to maximize your understanding so you will be successful serving missionary kids/third culture kids (MKs/TCKs).

Some of the topics covered include the following:

• Building Connections & Relationships with MKs
• Engaging MKs through Change & Transition
• Identifying the Impact of Trauma on Kids
• Preparing for Cultural Diversity in Your Ministry
• Understanding a Biblical and Other Worldviews

Along with the content above, there will be team-building activities, testimonies by Wycliffe and SIL staff who have served around the world, and simulations to allow you to experience different cultural norms. There will be specific sessions for itinerant teachers, boarding home parents, and youth workers, as needed.

If you are wondering whether this kind of ministry would be a good fit, come and check it out. Experienced teaching staff will be available to answer questions, discuss various opportunities, and pray with you.

“I am loving Mexico and my kids. I miss my family and friends—which is really the only costly thing for me. I am blessed. I think of you guys at GECO often and how well I think I was prepared. That is still in my top 3 conferences. And it is still probably the one I learned the most from.” —Peggy (MK Teacher)

Location:
Wycliffe Bible Translators (USA Headquarters)
11221 John Wycliffe Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32832
(a 20-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport)

Dates:
June 25-July 1, 2023 (Sunday evening through Friday evening.)

GECO is required by Wycliffe USA for anyone serving as an educator, boarding home parent, or youth worker. However, the course is open to anyone regardless of their interest in serving with Wycliffe. Anyone considering serving as an educator, boarding home parent or youth worker can take the course before applying to Wycliffe, although in most cases it is advantageous to take the course after finishing the Wycliffe application and just before you depart for an overseas educational assignment.

Costs
Includes registration costs and room and board at the Wycliffe USA apartments:

• $650 per participating adult
• $400 per accompanying spouse
• $450 per child (11-18 years old) – includes *children’s program
• $300 per child (0-10 years old) – includes *children’s program

*A program to prepare children for upcoming transitions is provided for kids who have both parents attending GECO.

Course Specifics:

• A certificate will be awarded at GECO for twenty-six contact hours.
• Graduate credit, 3 quarter hours (2 semester hours) is available from Seattle Pacific University.

More questions about GECO? Write geco@sil.org.

Education Specialty Recruiter: Kim Nelson, (470) 332-3196, teach@wycliffe.org.