Debriefing is the deliberate process of unpacking and processing your past field experiences with a facilitator for the purpose of understanding your story in a holistic and life-giving way so that you can transition well into whatever is next. Debriefing is not a substitute for counseling, clinical care, spiritual direction, or coaching, but may serve as an entry point into these avenues for growth and/or healing.

Debriefing is for you if  you are a cross-cultural worker who has served abroad for at least one year. We recommend debriefing after your first term, your final term, and after any terms marked by significant transitions or changes. 

We encourage those seeking debriefing to give themselves at least one month in the US prior to coming to debrief. This provides enough time to begin to get a sense of how it feels to be "back" and how transitions in relationships may impact you.

Although we have had people come to debrief three, five, and even twenty years after their return and receive immense benefit, we do encourage participants to debrief within the first year. We give you lots of tools to help with thoughtful decision-making that can ease the process of transition and help you curate your next steps.

You can register above by clicking the link under the event. We accept registrations year round, but generally our debriefing events are waitlisted 30 days prior to the beginning of the event. Best to grab your spot early!

If you cancel your registration more than 30 days from the start of this event, 90% of your total registration will be refunded, and the 10% deposit will be retained to cover administrative costs. If you cancel within 30 days of the event, 50% of your total registration will be refunded.

If for some reason TRAIN International cancels or changes the event in such a way that you are no longer able to attend, and you are unable to transfer to a different date, your entire registration (including your 10% deposit) will be refunded.

Yes, once registered, you may transfer to a later training session. Please let our team know as soon as possible if you are changing your registration. Price is not guaranteed past the current registration year.

Yes! Children of all ages are welcome! We have age appropriate debriefing experiences designed for ages 3-adult.

We offer childcare for ages 0-2.

For the Joplin debriefings, Joplin, MO airport (JLN) is most ideal at less than ten minutes from our facility. However, it is a small airport and flights are sometimes limited. Other nearby airports include Springfield, MO (SGF) at 1 hour 10 minutes away, Bentonville, AR (XNA) at 1 hour 20 minutes away, and Tulsa, OK (TUL) at 1 hour 40 minutes away.

For our Council Bluffs debriefing Omaha-Eppley Airfield-https://www.flyoma.com is 13 miles from the church (about an 18-minute drive).

For our Savannah debriefing, the Savannah airport (SAV) is recommended.

Sessions typically run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Throughout the day you will engage with group debriefing, breaks, time to connect with other participants and trainers, and time for personal reflection. On Friday, we will be finished before noon in order to leave you time for travel arrangements.

We provide light snacks throughout the day, and full lunches Monday-Thursday. While participants are responsible to secure housing, TRAIN has negotiated rates with local hotels and other housing options for events held in Joplin, MO. Once registered and a minimum 10% deposit is paid, participants will receive confirmation and additional information by email, including housing options, when available.

No, TRAIN is an independent organization and serves participants from various denominations and mission agencies.