A Key Piece to Our Curriculum
A unique part of the Grace Core is the cross-cultural field experience (CCFE).
Go Encounter trips are just one way to meet the CCFE requirement. Throughout the year, students go on 7-14 day trips led by Grace staff & faculty to step into a new culture, develop new perspectives, and be transformed.
Important Dates
September 15th: Registration open to all 2026-2027 grads
September 18th: Registration open to all students
November 23rd: Deadline to register for a Spring or Summer trip
OPEN
Spring 2027
Summer 2027
OPEN
Coming Soon!
December 2027
Go Encounter
Spring Break 2027
Egypt
Leaders: Dr. Chad Shively and Dr. Trent Lambert
Dates: March 4-14, 2027
Estimated Price: $4,400
Join us as we encounter the best of modern and ancient Egypt! Our team will embark on a transformative educational journey through Egypt, visiting many of the country's significant biblical, historical, and modern cultural sites up and down the Nile. We will be visiting modern locations, such as a school and orphanage in Cairo, a local farm (where we will learn to bake pita bread!), and a Nubian village, while experiencing modern folk and musical performances. We will also visit ancient landmarks such as the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum with local guides, we will visit ancient and modern churches and monasteries, culminating in an ascent up Moses Mountain, the traditional site of Mount Sinai with local Bedouin guides.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All breakfasts & dinners (lunches on own)
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
El Salvador
Leaders: Matt and Shelly Metzger
Dates: March 5-14, 2027
Estimated Price: $3,250
Experience El Salvador through an active, culture-packed adventure filled with volcanoes, beaches, mountains, historic landmarks, vibrant towns, and unforgettable food. We will go beyond the typical tourist path to explore the beauty, energy, and history of one of Central America’s most overlooked countries while tasting delicious Salvadoran food, meeting local people, and discovering an amazing country.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Los Angeles
Leaders: Judy and Mike Fisher
Dates: March 5-13, 2027
Estimated Price: $2,760
Los Angeles is an opportunity to experience the world without leaving the states. Join us on a unique trip to the West Coast where we will visit a few famous sites, experience the diverse cultural foods and traditions, and have opportunities to do some hands on ministry.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Peru
Leaders: Emily Brenneman and Becky Stowers
Dates: March 5-13, 2027
Estimated Price: $3,850
Experience Peru through the vibrant coastal culture of Lima and the rich history of Cusco, the gateway to the ancient Incan world. Along the way, you'll connect with local communities, explore historic sites, sample Peruvian cuisine, and gain a deeper understanding of life, culture, and faith in a global context. Join Emily & Becky for a transformative and unforgettable experience!
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Spoleto, Italy
Leaders: Dr. John and Meghan Poch
Dates: March 4-14, 2027
Estimated Price: $3,999
This Go Encounter trip to Italy, guided by Dr. John Poch, will take you to Spoleto, an ancient city with an incredible history, a beautiful Duomo (basilica), and authentic Italian culture that you will experience firsthand. We will take day trips to Assisi (longtime home of St. Francis), Foligno (a nearby town that is home to several important museums and the first printing of Dante’s Divine Comedy), and Rome (the Eternal City and the center of Christendom, where both Peter and Paul were martyred). We will experience amazing art, poetry, food, people, and perspectives that will absolutely change for the better how you see and understand the world.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Go Encounter
Summer 2027
Croatia
Leaders: Emily Brenneman and Debora Navarro
Dates: May 9-20, 2027
Estimated Price: $4,367
Spend ten days exploring Croatia's rich cultural heritage in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, from bustling city markets and historic neighborhoods to centuries-old coastal communities along the Adriatic Sea. Engage with local residents, experience Croatian food, music, and traditions firsthand, and discover how history has shaped life in this crossroads of Central Europe and the Mediterranean.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
England and Scotland
Leader: Anthony Graves & Joseph Engle
Dates: May 9-19, 2027
Estimated Price: $4,512
This Go Encounter trip takes students through London and Edinburgh to explore British history and culture, then into the Scottish Highlands and coast to experience some of the most dramatic mountains, lochs, and scenery in Europe alongside iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Westminster Abbey.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Ireland
Leaders: Jaci and Tobe Forshtay
Dates: May 9-19, 2027
Estimated Price: $4,030
Get ready for the ultimate Irish adventure where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come alive! On this unforgettable adventure, we’ll explore legendary sights like the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the ancient Giants Causeway, and historic castles and cathedrals. We won’t just sightsee, we’ll dive headfirst into local traditions with a hands-on Irish cooking class and a lively traditional dance lesson. We'll even step onto the field to learn the ropes of authentic Irish games from the locals themselves. Space is limited, so pack your bags for a journey filled with discovery, fun, and the legendary warmth of Ireland!
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Portugal
Leaders: Aaron Winey and Rusty Martinez
Dates: May 9-19, 2027
Estimated Price: $4,200
Experience vivid tiles, golden coastlines, sun-lit markets, and the vibrantly colored streets of Portugal, one of the most visually alive places on earth. This immersive trip drops you into the middle of it all, connecting you with local culture through shared meals, historic neighborhoods, and the electric energy of cities like Lisbon and Sintra. In addition to cultural immersion, this trip also features a focus on photography. Our itinerary will include instruction and time to photograph our journey, giving you the tools and opportunity to capture the color and beauty of your experience. You will leave with images, memories, and a perspective that only travel can provide.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Thailand
Leaders: Alicia Meyer and Tiffanee Fouts
Dates: May 9-22, 2027
Estimated Price: $4,800
Join us for two weeks in Thailand, where we'll see the bustling life of Bangkok, the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet), the rural pace of life in Mae Chan, and more! We will see modern and ancient temples and palaces, visit students in a school, explore tribal life among Thailand's Hill People, enjoy dinner in a local host home, and learn about conservation at an elephant sanctuary. Equipped with a local guide the entire trip, we'll have the best recommendations for the best local spots for little treats and exploration. Great food, plenty of sunshine, and a wide range of experience are waiting for you in Thailand!
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours
Nova Scotia, Canada
Leaders: Chasity Lucio and Kamryn Booher
Dates: May 31-June 11, 2027
Estimated Price: $2,000
Experience the rich culture and enduring heritage of the Mi'kmaq people through an immersive cross-cultural journey in Nova Scotia. Visit Mi'kmaq communities, engage in hands-on cultural experiences, and learn from Indigenous leaders about their traditions, resilience, and lived experiences. Explore Indigenous history, reconciliation, and cultural humility while discovering the beauty of eastern Canada's "Ocean Playground" and gaining a deeper appreciation for God's diverse creation.
Included:​
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Flights
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Transportation
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Lodging
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All on site meals
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Activities, including entry fees to museums & tours