SiMO Program
An academic year at the Near East School of Theology
Lebanon has always been a cosmopolitan country: true, it has been marked by the scars of war and by a geopolitical struggle in recent years. But at the same time, it is a cultural and intellectual hub and a refuge for many Christian denominations. This is precisely where “Studies in the Middle East” (SiMO) takes place: two semesters full of insights into the colorful mosaic of the Eastern churches and in the ways in which Christians (especially members of the small Protestant churches) forge their identity in this Christian-Muslim environment.
Structure of the study program
First semester (October to February)
- Contemporary Eastern Churches: A seminar combined with visits and excursions.
- Islamic Studies: Introduction to the history and doctrines of Islam.
- Optional courses offered by NEST or neighboring institutions. Arabic language courses are also a possibility.
Second semester (February to June)
- The ecumenical movement in the Middle East: Historical aspects and encounters with ecumenical personalities
- Christian-Muslim relations: An overview with a special focus on the Middle East
Target group and requirements
The study program is open to students of theology, religious education and religious studies. Students should have a good to very good level of English (language of teaching and learning at NEST) and be at the end of their Bachelor’s degree or in their Master’s degree.
Costs
The costs amount to approximately US$ 800 per month for accommodation and meals, tuition fees and accident insurance. Additional costs are incurred for additional accredited courses at and outside NEST. Students are responsible for their own travel costs, visa fees and personal spending money.
Scholarships
SiMO does not award scholarships itself but works closely with the joint scholarship department of the organizations “Bread for the World” and “German National Committee of the Lutheran World Federation”. Students can apply for a scholarship there, which covers a large part of the costs. It is also possible to apply for financial support from other scholarship providers.
Application
The application documents can be downloaded here. These are to be enclosed with two references from university lecturers with reference to your previous intercultural experience. The documents with the subject SiMO must be sent to simo@ems-online.org by December 10 for the following academic year.
The addressee of the letter is:
Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS)
Management SiMO
Dr. Uwe Gräbe
Vogelsangstraße 62
70197 Stuttgart
A preparatory and a follow-up seminar in Germany are mandatory for participation in the study program.
Further information
Testimonials
The 9 months of the SiMO programme turned into a total of 2 years in Lebanon, during which I learned an immense amount about religion(s), politics and society. The time in Beirut triggered changes and developments in me that can hardly be overstated, especially through the wonderful, very diverse people I was able to meet there.
I return enthusiastic, critical, touched, (even) more open, questioning, thoughtful, even saddened (about the arbitrariness, corruption and hopelessness in Lebanon), with many treasures in my heart, experiences, time with God and relationships with loved ones.
I came to Beirut with many expectations and hopes, but also with many prejudices and a great deal of ignorance. In nine months at NEST, I learnt an incredible amount: about Lebanon, the Middle East, the religious diversity and, last but not least, about myself.
