Prepare for what's ahead.

Training, encouragement, and community for educators preparing to live, teach, and serve at international Christian schools.

  • Self-paced online learning
  • Three core learning tracks
  • Welcome & closing sessions
  • Advisor-supported & CEUs
PFO2Go promo featuring Tim, Jerry, and Michèle
Why PFO2Go

Moving overseas changes everything.

Starting at an international Christian school is exciting — and it can also be overwhelming. PFO2Go gives new appointees the mindset, tools, and confidence to begin well.

Navigate cultural differencesRead a new culture wisely and sidestep the common pitfalls.
Support Third Culture KidsUnderstand the world TCKs live in and help them flourish.
Prepare for life transitionsMove from tourist to resident with eyes wide open.
Build resilience and well-beingDevelop a long-term wellness plan and a healthy risk mindset.
Begin with confidenceStart your assignment ready to serve and make an impact.
The Learning Journey

Six stops from called to classroom.

Three core tracks — Culture, Understanding TCKs, and Transition — framed by a welcome, a focus on health and wellbeing, and a closing challenge.

1
Welcome session
with Tim Shuman

Welcome

Begin with a course overview and an introduction to the wide world of international Christian education — and what to expect ahead.

2
Core track
with Jerry Jones

Culture Track

Learn what culture really is, gain tools to engage a new one well, and pick up practical tips to navigate the differences.

3
Core track
with Michèle Phoenix

Understanding TCKs Track

Take a journey of discovery into the fascinating, complex world of Third Culture Kids — and how to work with them well.

4
Core track
with Jerry Jones

Transition Track

You've traveled before — but this time you're staying. Prepare for the emotional, spiritual, and practical realities of the move from tourist to resident.

5
Session
with Tim Shuman

Health and Wellbeing

Build a plan for staying healthy — emotionally, spiritually, and physically — with a resilient, healthy risk mindset for life overseas.

6
Closing session
with Tim Shuman

Closing Challenge

Finish with purpose: a closing challenge that helps you commit to next steps and step into your assignment ready to serve.

Woven throughout: four short Bible studies in 1 Peter accompany the journey, with reflection activities for each session.
Meet Your Guides

Learn from experienced international educators.

Tim Shuman

Tim Shuman

Welcome, Health & Wellbeing, Closing Sessions

Now retired, Tim served as Senior Director of ACSI's International School Division from 2010 to 2025. Before that, he and his wife, Sandee, spent nearly 25 years in Germany at Black Forest Academy — a Christian international boarding school — where Tim was Director for half that time. A parent of two TCKs himself, he opens the course, leads the health and wellbeing session, and returns to close it, helping you finish with a wellness plan, a healthy risk mindset, and clear next steps.

Jerry Jones

Jerry Jones

Culture & Transition Tracks

Jerry is a cross-cultural trainer, speaker, consultant, and coach passionate about helping people thrive across cultures. After 15 years living and working in China, he has dedicated his career to equipping leaders, educators, and teams to build meaningful relationships and work effectively in diverse environments. He now lives in Bakersfield, California, with his wife and two children, coaching individuals preparing for global assignments. In PFO2Go he leads two of the three core tracks — Culture and Transition.

Michèle Phoenix

Michèle Phoenix

Third Culture Kids Track

Raised in France by a Canadian father and an American mother, Michèle is a mentor, writer, and speaker with a heart for Missionaries' Kids. She taught for 20 years at Black Forest Academy in Germany before launching her own ministry advocating for MKs and TCKs, and now travels the globe to teach on this unique group. Her first nonfiction book, Pieces of Purple, won the 2026 Christianity Today Book Award; she has also published five novels. In PFO2Go she leads the TCK track, plus a bonus session on trauma awareness.

Registration

Ready to begin?

Choose your role at checkout — participant or advisor — then complete your registration.

One link for everyone — you'll select Participant or Advisor on the registration page.

After registering you'll receive a confirmation email granting access to the full course and its resources.