ESSP Application

European Summer Study Program

Application

The European Summer Study Program (ESSP) began in 1995, a few short years after the collapse of totalitarian communism in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The original purpose of the program was to provide the time, place and resources for pastors and Christian leaders to do intensive research, as for the first time they had the freedom to engage in masters and doctoral programs in fields like Biblical Studies, Theology, Church History, Youth Ministry and Christian Education.

The primary purpose of the ESSP continues to be research and study, though the research projects are not required to be strictly academic, nor are the participants required to work in academia or full-time vocational ministry. In the past two decades, the ESSP has hosted teachers, psychologists, social workers, artists, administrators, worship leaders, writers, public servants, business people and others.

In a typical year, one-third of participants are doing research for a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation, one-third are writing a book or doing post-doctoral research, and one-third are working on a specific topic to further develop their vocational competencies (i.e. strategic planning, curriculum development, leadership skills, fundraising strategy).

The qualifications for acceptance into the program are as follows:

1. The ESSP is a Wheaton College Graduate School Program, thus applicants must have earned at least a Bachelor’s Degree for acceptance into the program.

2. Applicants must be fluent in both written and spoken English, as demonstrated by an acceptable TOFEL score or the equivalent.

3. As described above, applicants must have a specific project or program of study to pursue during their time at Wheaton. In addition, project must be on a topic for which the Wheaton College community can provide sufficient resource.

4. Applicants must be personally committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Applicants are not required to work in full-time vocational ministry in a church, school or para-church organization; however they do need to be endorsed by at least two qualified recommenders as having significant influence for the cause of Jesus Christ and his Kingdom within their cultural context.

Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name

Photo *

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Nickname or name you prefer to be called

Gender*

Age*

Marital Status*

SingleMarried

Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear

Country of Residence*

Country of Birth*

Country of Citizenship*

Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip CodeCountry

E-mail Address*

Current Job and/or Ministry Role*

Church Denomination*

Beginning with the most recent, list the schools from which you have graduated after secondary school. Also include your field of study and year of graduation.

School 1:*

School 2:

School 3:

Explain any health concerns you might have of which we should be aware.*

Please write an essay (up to 1000 words) in which you address the following:

Describe your journey in the Christian faith and what your faith means to you today.
Summarize the main chapters in your educational and vocational journeys.
Explain in as much detail as possible your proposed topic of study in the Wheaton program, including 1) how it relates to your professional development and/or sense of vocational calling; and 2) how it will impact your ability to do what God is calling you to do in your service to God’s Kingdom.

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Type or copy/paste your essay here:

References:

In addition, your application requires the written recommendations of two individuals who can speak to your faith, character, intellectual ability and vocational impact and potential. Acceptable references include a pastor, ministry leader, professor, employer or supervisor. At least one of your recommenders must be a former participant or person with direct knowledge of the Wheaton College European Summer Study Program (a list of alumni is available on the ESSP website).

Please send us the names and email addresses of the two individuals you are asking to recommend you. Also tell us their professional role and how they know you.

An automatic email will be sent to your references with a link to fill out the recommendation form.

1st Reference Name*

First NameLast Name

1st Reference Email Address*

example@example.com

Reference Professional Role*

Relationship to you*

2nd Reference Name*

First NameLast Name

2nd Reference Email Address*

example@example.com

Reference Professional Role*

Relationship to you*

ESSP Language Proficiency Requirement

In order to participate in the European Summer Scholar Program, one must have fluency in English. A person with less than excellent English skills simply cannot gain the maximum benefit offered by the Summer Program.

Applicants should submit one of the following (please check all that apply and attach applicable documentation below):*

TOEFL or other recognized English language testWritten confirmation of English ability on school letterhead from a U.S. post-secondary, accredited degree-granting academic institutionConfirmation of an English language schoolStudied/lived abroad in an English-speaking country, include information in CV or explain belowA copy of a published scholarly article in EnglishNone of the above. I would like to schedule a Skype interview conducted by the ESSP director or designee.

Please attach English fluency documentation here: *

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Additional Comments: