FOCUS @ NTE

A growing number of students studying at universities around Australia are not actually from Australia. To care for these students and to reach them with the good news about Jesus we run FOCUS (Fellowship of Overseas Christian University Students) groups on many university campuses.

If you are an international student we would love you to join us for NTE in December. NTE provides a unique opportunity for you to meet with other international students studying at university in Australia and together hear what the Bible says about issues that you're thinking about.

Here's what Matthew Meek (AFES' FOCUS Director) has to say about NTE:

Strand Groups

Strand groups are small groups in which you will look at a particular passage of the Bible, or biblical doctrine, and learn the skills to be able to explain the passage to someone else. For more information on the individual strands click here.

Strand 1 (Understanding the New Testament) and Strand 2 (Understanding the Old Testament) have been written in easy-to-understand English. And Strand 1 has even been translated into Mandarin!

When you are registering for NTE, make sure you tick the box that says "Please put me in a strand group with other international students".

If you select that your native/first language is Mandarin, we will contact you to see whether or not you would like to be placed in a Mandarin speaking group (Strand 1 only) or a mixed Mandarin-English speaking group. Where possible, we will place you in a strand group with students who speak the same language/s as you.

Gospel Thinking track

During the Gospel Thinking time on the programme, a special track will be run for international students for whom English is a foreign language.

When you are registering for NTE, be sure to choose the "Gospel to the nations" option when choosing your Gospel Thinking track.

Gospel Living electives

This year we will be offering two electives that are designed to meet the needs of international students. These are designed to help prepare you for returning home or living well in God's world wherever you are. Topics include:

Returning home (Ken Lim)

As international students your visas have expiry dates and thinking about going home is essential. Explore issues facing returning students like reverse culture shock, family and work. Come and hear about how you can thrive as Christian when you return home.

Honouring your parents (Michael Kwan)

The commandment is clear: "Honour your father and mother..." What does it mean to honour them? And if they oppose my Christian commitment, how can we do that whilst staying faithful to our Lord? Dreaming about saving the world? Start your Gospel Living at home.