Q: What are the basic criteria for a CCFE trip?
A: Your trip must constitute a minimum of seven days immersed in the community of a distinct national/ethnic group. You must plan 8 hours per day of cultural immersion activities.

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Q: Can trips take place in the United States / in the state of Indiana?
A: Yes, although it can be more challenging to plan a domestic trip entirely focused on the culture of a distinct ethnic/national group. For your assignments, you’ll need to have many conversations with cultural representatives from the target culture. Examples of distinct people groups within the United States: Latinos, African-Americans, the Amish, or a particular Indigenous/immigrant people.

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Q: Can my trip take place during the fall or spring semester?
A: No, the CCFE is an academic requirement, and as such it is subject to the Academic Calendar created by the Provost's office. Independent trips cannot conflict with in-person classes.

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Q: Can I plan a trip with other Grace students?
A: Yes, but all coursework must be completed individually, except the presentation.

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Q: When should I propose my trip?
A:  See "Deadlines and Fees" below for more information, including rush processing fees. 

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Q: How long does it take to plan an Independent CCFE trip?
A: Our Go Encounter leaders spend at least 40-50 hours planning their trips when they are not using an organization! Assume it will take you at least 40-50 hours of researching and planning to propose a successful trip.

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Q: What kinds of activities should I include in my trip?
A: Attending a church service led by representatives of the cultural group you’re engaging, finding a tour guided by a cultural representative, visiting a museum focused on the culture, setting up an interview with a local cultural representative, completing a service project where you work with cultural representatives, signing up for a workshop run by a cultural representative, etc. You will need to spend time researching what is available in the city/cities you are visiting.

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Q:  Is there a fee for the course?

A: As is the case with all CCFE Independent projects, there is a $300 administrative fee attached to this course. Students may also incur rush processing fees for late proposals.

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Q: How can I get feedback on my plans to see if my trip is eligible?
A: As a part of the CCFE Independent proposal process, students are required to have their itinerary reviewed by a Writing Lab consultant in person. In addition to working through the proposal form, we encourage you to bring your CCFE Independent Travel Itinerary Proposal to the Writing Lab while you are still planning your trip, so you can develop a strong proposal.

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Q: Are there recommended CCFE Independent trips?
A: Examples include Re-Member in South Dakota and Urban Hope in Philadelphia or LA.

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If you believe your trip may be eligible for credit, please submit your proposal here.

After your submission is reviewed, you will receive an acceptance or denial email and information regarding next steps.

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Please note the deadlines and fees laid out in the page below.

 

Please review the syllabus in detail and feel free to contact us with any other questions.