Welcome to LCTI!

Quickly learn the language and get the cross-cultural skills needed to impact your world…

Click here for New Classes Forming Now!

There are over 7 billion people living in 196 countries including over 1,500 different cultures and speaking over 6,900 “living” languages. For over 25 years, Language & Culture Training International (formerly ISLC) has trained workers for challenging contexts. Start now – the investment will change your life!

China, the Middle East, and the countries of the former Soviet Union. Strategic regions where workers must be thoroughly trained in order to maximize their success. 

Chinese is one of the hardest languages for English speakers to learn. Nearly 100 minority ethnic groups who are in great need of an active witness.
The Russian world – wracked by a thousand years of turmoil. Knowing Russian opens doors to over 120 different ethnic groups that are in desperate need of a viable witness for Christ.
The need to equip workers for the Arab world is overwhelming. Are you ready to serve?

Announcing New Russian Distance Learning!

We now provide new internet-based virtual classrooms via a cutting-edge video conferencing program. Upcoming courses include: Russian Level I  (August-November); and Structure of Russian, covering grammar. Classes begin August 31. No experience necessary for this course.

Students in LCTI’s distance learning enjoy direct face-to-face instruction via conference call with full functionality: white board, listening and conversation exercises. All online programs are directed and taught by our senior language staff. Conversation instructors facilitate a growing fluency.

Structure of the Online Program

Blocks of instruction each week are offered on days that fit students’ schedules. Classes meet either once or twice weekly. Each online course runs for 12 weeks. Class time each week includes 5 hours of instruction and guided or independent practice. A variety of assignments compliment the program. Go to the Online Program page for schedule and tuition information or apply below.

Apply to Study Online here!

Our location:

LCTI is located in beautiful Spokane, Washington. We currently have a strategic partnership with Great Northern University to equip workers with the language and cross-cultural skills they need to make Christ known among the nations.  Please address any correspondence to:

  Language & Culture Training International  P.O. Box 282, Valleyford, WA  99036 (800) 799-7976

 A Word from our Director about language learning

Dr. Marc Canner

Our journey into the language of the people God is calling us to is directly linked with our entry into their culture, their world and their trust.  It is extremely difficult to impact your “new people” without such trust, and learning to communicate well and demonstrate God’s love is the bedrock for gaining that trust. Depending on the approach that is taken, however, the effort to learn a second language and adapt to the culture can either be one of the most rewarding adventures in life, or an experience fraught with frustration and failure…

Language programs at LCTI take into account the principles and strategies demonstrated in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research to be most effective for acquiring native-like proficiency in a new language. It is time for those serving cross-culturally to move beyond the mere fluency (ability to speak with native-like speed) that is developed with so many approaches, and acquire true native-like proficiency, including fluency, accuracy, and good pronunciation.

We now know that the best approaches take into account both the target language and the individual’s learner profile so that all resources can be brought to bear to enable the development of true proficiency.  LCTI endeavors to provide every learner with his or her learning profile. Our new Pre-field Culture and Language Preparation paves the way for success in learning any language, while our intensive language programs emphasize the ability to communicate fluently and accurately.  Our instructors serve our students compassionately, and all our teachers excel in applying the most effective learning principles and methods to the learning experience.

Our Bottom Line

The bottom line for us is that we do not see our “institute” as a school.  It is our fulfillment of God’s calling to help equip you to serve Him in a way that will remove the obstacles to native-like language abilities, proper acculturation, and effective ministry. The result is that LCTI alumni in the Russian world are known as some of the finest speakers of the language and are incredibly effective in serving that vast region. Our alumni have established many new ministries, from rescuing orphans and victims of sex trafficking, discipleship, new theological schools, campus ministries, and so much more. So thank you for giving us a look as you consider where and how to approach learning your new language and adapting to your new culture.  May God’s richest blessings of grace, peace, and strength guide you and keep you for your own journey into His perfect will!

-Marc Canner, PhD