9-Month South Africa / Latin America

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Join a 9-Month IMMERSION Gap Year mission trip and experience two radically different parts of the globe!

Start this Christian Gap Year program with a 3-month IMMERSION program in South Africa, where you will be challenged to expand your picture of Africa and gain valuable life experience serving in 3 unique communities. Whether you're volunteering in classrooms, visiting with residents in old age homes, sorting donations, delivering meals to neighbors, or leading VBS-style programs after school, you'll have the chance to give but also receive.

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Trip Details

Communities What to Expect Participant Requirements IMMERSION FAQ

Communities

South Africa

The areas commonly visited by South Africa IMMERSION teams are poverty-stricken communities faced with crime, unemployment, lack of education, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and other social ills, but fraught with life, hope, and love in ways you've likely never experienced before.

Costa Rica

Experience life in city before traveling to the least developed region of Costa Rica, Talamanca, home to the Bribri and Cabecar people, who maintain a respectful relationship with their natural environment while also modernizing in many ways. Embrace local life in the villages as you learn from people who live in one of the most captivating, beautiful places in the world.

Cuba

Just a few hours outside the iconic city of Havana is a small town where residents are eager to connect with international guests. Those who travel here have the rare opportunity to visit a country many have only dreamed of exploring while experiencing life and hands-on ministry with Christians in Cuba.

Peru

Lima, Peru is a city of resilience. Its people, a vibrant mix of indigenous cultures and those with European and Asian heritage, create a unique energy together. While limited opportunities and poverty are a struggle for some residents, the people of Lima are known for their warmth and entrepreneurial spirit, evident in the bustling markets and innovative street food scene. This human connection is a cornerstone of life in Lima.

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

IMMERSION FAQ

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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Take our 10-question quiz to find out if you’re ready for an experience like IMMERSION!

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9-Month South Africa / Latin America

9-Month South Africa / Latin America