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PLANTS revised*

PLANTS is a participatory program, with the goal of helping people understand how they best learn language and culture. It aims to equip the learners for success in long-term learning and adaptation to a new context of service. During PLANTS you will have 22 hours of instruction and 8 hours with a language helper to practice methods and gain skills and confidence. This will give you an excellent base to help you overcome fears and provide hope and inspiration to successfully learn a new language.


* PLANTS has been offered by MissionPREP for many years as an in-person course but has recently been revised. Its new format (online and condensed) continues to provide the tools needed to enter a new culture by learning how to learn the heart language of the people you live among and serve.

What to Expect

PLANTS is a participatory, ‘understanding-comes-first’, method. It is designed as an integrated, personalized, pro-active, long-term approach for adults to be language and culture learners.

  • an online 6-day program, 22 hours of instruction with a cohort (afternoons (EST) Monday – Friday 4 x 50 min, Saturday 2 x 50 min), pre-session and post-session assignments done asynchronously, and 8 hours of practice with a Language Helper you choose yourself  
  • learn the benefits of a Language Helper approach and Language School approach
  • receive an extensive resource notebook of language learning techniques (LACE Manual)
  • understand the inseparable nature of language and culture (languaculture)
  • discover the importance of entering a new culture as a humble servant
  • create a language learning plan to fit the learner and the context
  • learn foundations of Phonetics: training ears to begin to distinguish the fine difference between sounds and understand the structure of the vocal apparatus and how it is used to produce speech sounds
  • be encouraged by meeting other cross-cultural workers on the journey of transition to a new people group and language

Lead Facilitator: Brenda Noble 

Brenda is a lifelong learner who has spent over 20 years in Thailand, over 10 of those years helping others learn Thai language, culture, and ministry. Since 2017 she and her husband Tim have lived in Winnipeg, where she teaches English and Canadian culture to help newcomers adapt to their new environment. She also helps churches discern how they can best care for newcomers. A small team of facilitators will join Brenda and diversify the instruction and enrich the learning environment. All facilitators have lived overseas and learned other languages during their cross-cultural work.

Dates / Locations

Our registration deadline is 30 days before a program. Please call us to inquire if it is less than 30 days before a program.

2026 PLANTS dates

May 25 - 30, 2026 Online, for adults only

September 28 - October 3, 2026 Online, adults only

When Should I Attend?

 PLANTS gives you the potential to begin learning language before you reach the field by working with a native speaker near you or online. Learning the PLANTS strategy before you depart prepares you well, but leaving is a busy season, and we can also help you discern your best strategy once you are in your new situation. You can start before leaving or wait until you arrive on the field, depending on your circumstances. Feel free to call or write us to discuss your situation.

Fees

The fees below are applicable for 2026. Pricing may change for 2027 programs. A non-refundable deposit of $100 per adult is due at the time of registration and will apply towards your program fees. 


Adult

Pricing

$900


 Alumni Recommendations

ALUMNI RECOMMENDATIONS:

PLANTS is an essential tool for cross cultural workers to thrive in their new environment. It’s more than just a “How to learn a language”. It’s about building relationships, growing in grace & bringing ‘The Light of the World’ to people who don’t know him in a tangible and personal way.  Alumnus 2016

 What I expected from the training was to gain skills, tools and confidence for language learning and I did. What I didn’t expect was a shift in my perspective on language learning and the role it plays in allowing Jesus to be knowable through me. I am most thankful for this and more eager than ever. Alumnus 2016