Your KIVU Gap Year Experience

September 2010 to April 2011

Discover Urban America

September 9 to November 19th

Purpose: Students consider the challenges of those living in the margins of society in their own country.

Partnerships: Mile High Ministries

Vocational Opportunities: See website for the wide variety of options.  Click here.

Students will live in downtown Denver together as they discover the challenges facing the urban poor.  Through a healthy balance of classroom instruction (Monday and Friday) and internship experience (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), students will see the margins of society at eye level while gaining up to 15 college credits through spiritual formation and leadership development class work.  This experience will be foundational and preparatory for the rest of the program that moves towards an international focus.

Discover South America

Early December (10 day trip)

Purpose: Students explore the historic Inca ruins while finding personal growth and team challenge among peers in the outdoors.

Partnerships: Kivu Expedition

Students will experience personal growth and team challenge as they hike the famous Machu Picchu Inca Trek in Peru (ranked among the top 10 trekking trails in the world).  Students will be able to connect with their Creator in His creation on this unique adventure as they process their first semester while working their way up this mountaintop experience.  This experience will not only be a highlight of their travels, but it will also give them a chance to process their first semester experience away from the noise and busyness of city life.

*Students may also forego this opportunity to stay at home and work to raise more funds for the overall gap year tuition costs.

Discover East Africa

January 3 to February 28th

Purpose: Students observe the progress and challenges of vocational work in a developing African nation by observing best practices.

Partnerships: Kids Across Africa Camps Rwanda

Vocational Opportunities: Students will have opportunities in education, medicine, and business.

Students will live in 2 separate housing facilities in Northern Rwanda (Musanze).  From there, they will learn how Rwanda has developed into a nation of hope and progress after recovering from a devastating war 15 years ago.  They will also be exposed to Rwanda's rapidly developing economic and political system by observing the coffee fields in the south and observing healthy government practices in the capital of Kigali.  Other exciting trips within the Africa experience include:  a Silverback Gorilla Tour, Rafting the Nile in Uganda, and Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Discover Southeast Asia

March 1 to April 30

Purpose: Students live among the poor, experience the simplicity of life, and are given outlets to process and implement what has been learned throughout their gap year in slum communities.

Partnerships: International Care Ministries

Vocational Opportunities: Students will be exposed to microfinance, community development, and effective outreach programs that have a long term impact.

Students will have opportunities to observe effective microfinance programs through the Uplift program.  They will also contribute to the planning and implementing of a kids camp around Easter weekend as well as the follow up into those communities impacted by the ministry.  They will also assist in the KIVU Philippines Mission Trip in 2011.

__________________________________________________________________

TUITION:  The cost of this program will range from $22,500 to $32,700 depending on whether students opt into college credit ($335 per credit for up to 15 credit hours) and the optional South America Machu Picchu Trek.

*There are a variety of ways students can work to make this program affordable.  We encourage students to consult us for suggestions as well as consider raising a portion of their funds through the support raising process.