9-Month Costa Rica / Africa
9-Month Costa Rica / Africa
Grow in your understanding of God, yourself, and the world on a 9-Month IMMERSION Gap Year to Costa Rica, South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia!
This Gap Year program is the perfect opportunity to grow personally and find clarity and purpose, as you serve in simple yet profound ways and build real, authentic relationships with people around the world.
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Connect with Experience Mission staff to see if an
upcoming program is the right fit for you!
upcoming program is the right fit for you!
Trip Details
Communities
The southeast region of Talamanca is home to the Bribri and Cabecar people and is the least developed region of Costa Rica. Through ancient beliefs and customs of their ancestors, the indigenous people have maintained a respectful relationship with their natural environment. Embrace local life in the villages as you learn from people who live in one of the most captivating, beautiful places in the world.
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For almost 50 years, South Africa was dominated by an official system of racial segregation by the white minority rule known as Apartheid. While the work of leaders and organizations has made an impact on the country, ethnic tensions still exist. Be a part of the continuing racial reconciliation and stand in the growing gap that exists between the comfortably rich and the desperately poor.
Opportunities and resources in Lesotho are few. Agriculture is one of the main sources of work in the country and local farmers work hard to provide for their family. Get your hands dirty as you learn about farming techniques and challenges in rural villages. Partner with young adults who are working hard to create a better future for their communities.
Namibia is diverse in its people and its landscape, with beautiful blue coastal towns and orange dunes in the desert. While over half of the families in Namibia rely on agriculture to support themselves, HIV/AIDS, unemployment and dependence on expensive imports have made life difficult. Make an impact at locals schools and churches in town or reaching out to kids in little-known desert communities.
What to Expect
What to Expect:
*Please note: IMMERSION team members are stepping into a different culture, where schedules and plans are likely to change. We expect all participants to come with flexibility and a willingness to embrace last-minute changes to schedules, ministry opportunities, and projects. That said, here are some examples of things past team members have done in this community:
- Helped on farms
- Helped students with homework
- Cooked and served meals at schools
- Taken part in construction, painting, and landscaping projects
- Packed food parcels
- Sorted storage units
- Attended church in multiple languages (depending on host family)
- Hosted a kids club (similar to VBS)
- Played sports with locals
- Played games with students
- Shared messages at local churches
- Participated in activities with host families
- Explored and experienced live in the local community
Participant Requirements
Ideal IMMERSION Gap Year Candidate:
- Between age 18-23
- Interested in pursuing the intersections of faith and serving others
- Willing to engage in various projects and serve the local community
- Able to adapt to a flexible schedule
- Eager to participate in conversations with locals and build relationships
- Able to do engage in physical labor (construction, farm work, painting)
- Willing to adjust and abide by the norms of a different culture
- Able to work through conflict and problem-solve well
- Willing to follow and abide by safety guidelines and expectations
Hear from past
IMMERSION team members!
Hear from past IMMERSION team members!
“IMMERSION was the most impactful and meaningful thing I have ever done. The authentic and loving relationships you will create are more meaningful then you could ever think.”
Eden P. 3-Month Belize IMMERSION
Eden P. 3-Month Belize IMMERSION
“IMMERSION is whatever you put into it, so give it everything, be self-sacrificing and lean into God through all of it. This has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I highly recommend it.”
Kailene C. 6-Month Africa IMMERSION
Kailene C. 6-Month Africa IMMERSION
“Expect to be convicted and challenged, and learn how beautiful God is and how detailed he made every single person! Experience scripture coming to life, and understand more fully your calling in the world.”
Ian O. Costa Rica / Africa Gap Year IMMERSION
Ian O. Costa Rica / Africa Gap Year IMMERSION
“IMMERSION shows you how God is the God of every language, every culture, and every country. Take the plunge! Chase after the Lord and see how truly incredible He is.”
Mary A. 3-Month Costa Rica IMMERSION
Mary A. 3-Month Costa Rica IMMERSION
“Absolutely 100% no questions asked—GO! It will be the best month, 3 months, or 6 months of your life. You will learn and grow so much and experience so many things other people will never have the chance to.”
Erica H. 3-Month South Africa IMMERSION
Erica H. 3-Month South Africa IMMERSION
Is IMMERSION right for you?
Take our 10-question quiz to find out if you’re ready for an experience like IMMERSION!
Take our 10-question quiz to find out if you’re ready for an experience like IMMERSION!
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