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: At least 3 weeks before departure. Remember: you may be required to revise and resubmit your trip.

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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 $225 administrative fee attached to this course.

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Q: How can I get feedback on my plans to see if my trip is eligible?
A: Because the Institute for Global Studies runs over 20 Go Encounter trips a year, we cannot help to plan independent trips. The best way to get feedback on your trip is to submit the proposal found here. The proposal has numerous trip guidelines embedded to walk you through the process of proposing a trip. If your trip is rejected, we will give you advice on how to revise and resubmit.

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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: Submissions can take 2-3 weeks for review and will not be reviewed during any breaks, with the exception of summer. Please plan accordingly.

 

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