The logic is compelling and the facts are undeniable. If you must learn another language in order to be an effective cross-cultural messenger of the gospel, you need to be empowered to do so. Quality training makes the difference. Zeal and good intentions are not enough.

That’s where PILAT comes in.

What Is PILAT? (PILAT for Kids/Teens = CHIPs)

PILAT stands for:

Program
In
Language
Acquisition
Techniques.

PILAT’s two-week pre-departure program is designed to help you – and your family – develop the skills, methods, techniques and attitudes necessary to learn another language.

PILAT accomplishes this by providing training in:

Phonetics –

• Get your ears in tune and your mouth in shape
• Sharpen your hearing ability and gain speech flexibility
• Maxim: "If you don't hear it right, you won't say it right."

Language Learning Techniques –

• Learn more than 30 techniques that will enable you to zero in on specific areas of your new language

Orientation to Language Learning –

• Gain a fresh perspective on language and language learning
• Establish criteria as to how languages are best learned

Confidence –

• Discover how all of this applies to your specific language learning situation
• Gain confidence that you can do it

Language learning is a difficult task. There is no “magic pill.” However, there are resources that can dramatically affect the degree of your success. With PILAT you will acquire those resources.

Why take PILAT?

1. Comprehensive language acquisition training. Drawing upon research and the experiences of veteran missionaries, PILAT provides a wide variety of proven and effective tools and techniques for successful language acquisition.
   
2. Here are the distinguishing characteristics of MTI's training: click here for the Top Ten Reasons.
   
3. Available training times - When you are ready to go, we likely will have a PILAT that fits your schedule. PILAT and SPLICE are offered in all seasons of the year, allowing quality training to fit into anyone’s hectic, pre-departure schedule.
   
   Program Calendar

Why do you highly recommend taking SPLICE along with PILAT?

SPLICE and PILAT are meant to be one pre-departure program with two focal points. We strongly believe that you will be best equipped for effectiveness, endurance and personal vitality in missions if you take both programs. And that’s why we offer so many SPLICE programs back to back with PILAT.

Another way to say it: PILAT prepares you to become proficient in language, the most critical tool for effectiveness in a different culture. And SPLICE gives you six vital skills necessary for effectiveness, endurance and personal vitality in cross-cultural work. If you’re able to learn the language well – but can’t get along on your team or help your whole family adjust or learn how to stay spiritually vibrant – then all the language skills in the world will be for naught.

Tell me more about SPLICE

OTHER QUESTIONS PEOPLE ARE ASKING:

What are recent alumni saying about PILAT?

Who should come to PILAT and when?

Should I take PILAT if I am going to language school?

What are recent alumni saying about PILAT?

"This program has the potential to change the entire course of our ministry as we did not prioritize language acquisition half as much as we do now.”

"Because of MTI, I’m looking forward to language learning now instead of fearing it.”

“I have seen and experienced a new way of language learning and it works!”

"I came to this program fearful and anxious about language learning but now I’m leaving hopeful, confident and excited.”

“As a veteran missionary to Asia, I learned in five minutes with Dwight Gradin how to make a sound that I could not make for years, despite my efforts.”

Who should come to PILAT and when?

If you are heading into cross-cultural ministry and must learn another language, both SPLICE and PILAT should be considered necessary training. PILAT is also beneficial for those who are between overseas assignments or for those who have struggled to break through the language barrier.

The optimum time to come to SPLICE and PILAT is two to eight months prior to your scheduled departure. Of course, training at anytime is better than none at all.

Should I take PILAT if I am going to language school?

Absolutely. With the training you get at PILAT, you will not only get more out of language school, you will be able to do personal language learning projects during and after language school.

The history of training missionaries for language acquisition reveals two major approaches and outcomes:

Approach #1:

Go to Language School with no pre-field empowering for language learning.

Outcome #1:

If you bring no training in skills and techniques to Language School, you will be more dependent on the school; and you will leave with fewer ideas for what to do after language school. Language learning is not completed at language school. Much is left to be learned after language school.

Approach #2:

Go to Language School with pre-field empowering for language learning.

Outcome #2:

If you bring training in skills and techniques to Language School, you will be less dependent on the school; and you will leave with many ideas for continuing on in language learning.

Prepare for Language School with PILAT and get:

• Phonetics Training: Ears and mouth ready for language learning
• Awareness of language and how language is best learned
• Acquisition of proven methods, tools and techniques
• Training in comprehension activities
• Training in speaking activities
• Personal projects for ongoing learning
• Learner Empowered attitudes
• Continuing wealth of ideas for what to do after formal language school
• Full chest of tools to continue self-motivated language learning
  
• Life-long learner attitude
  
• All resulting in greater effectiveness for the sake of the gospel

\REGISTER for PILAT

"After just one year on the field, we found our whole family had the same level of language proficiency of missionaries who had been there for 2-3 years… who, of course, never received PILAT training.”

Letter from a grateful alumni