Please review the FAQ for Independent trips:
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.
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.
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.
Q: Can I plan a trip with other Grace students?
A: Yes, but all coursework must be completed individually, except the presentation.
Q: When should I propose my trip?
A: See deadlines above.
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 if you're not working with an organization, travel agent, or similar.
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.
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. (This is separate from the rush processing fee for late trip proposals.)