The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has preserved an oral tradition of theological education. Students undergo a long and arduous course of study located in the churches and monasteries of Ethiopia and using oral methods. The syllabus includes hymnody, music, poetry and dance as well as more formal theological interpretation. It is practised alongside other more modern forms of education, and prepares students for a career in the church. It shows no sign of dying out and provides an approach to education different from and challenging to western models.