What is Immersion?
Immersion gives young adults an incredible opportunity to experience God in a unique way. It is a one-year intense internship program with an emphasis on academic study, personal discipleship and practical hands-on equipping.

Of course, plants grown inside the green house will eventually leave and go out into the “real world,” but because of the intensified environment, the statistical difference in their growth and vitality is staggering. Our passion is to see young men and woman thrive beyond the walls of a church or of Eternal Impact. We inspire them to live out the Gospel in the marketplace while loving God with their whole life and serving others as a spiritual leader.

Immersion is a green house for Christ-following World Changers!

How does the Immersion compare versus other internship programs?
There are currently hundreds of internship programs worldwide that may seem comparable to Immersion, each with their own flavor and style. We know that God can develop you in a variety of different locations. We certainly know that we are not the only place where great character development can take place inside an individual and acknowledge that other training programs out there have great elements to offer. We also know that our brand of training may or may not be for everyone. That’s okay! However, we believe that Immersion has several unique components and equips young men and women authentically as disciples of Jesus Christ and as cultural change-agents that few other programs have. We believe in the quality of our leadership, our staff and our volunteers who have sacrificed to make Immersion a reality and who demonstrate a proven commitment to see our participants thrive! After reading through our Immersion Overview Packet and talking with one of our ministry representatives, I think you will find we are truly unique!

What is Eternal Impact’s Statement of Faith?
Click here to read the Mission, Vision and Statement of Faith of Eternal Impact.

What do Immersion participants do after the program?
The possibilities are endless. Participants can go directly into college/university, full-time ministry, vocational training, the marketplace and the military. There are a multitude of ministry and work opportunities available for Immersion participants after graduation.

Is Immersion like college?
Immersion certainly has an academic element. We seek to balance academics with a hands-on learning approach. College credit for Immersion is on an individual basis and varies depending on the partnering academic institution.

Why should I be a part of Eternal Impact’s Immersion?
We believe in the Gap-year Philosophy and we are absolutely certain that a productive "gap-year" will help launch you into a lifetime of success!

Our program has so much to offer you as you endeavor to seek God’s best for your life. We have a strong vision and give participants great opportunities for personal discovery, leadership development and spiritual growth.

Is it too early or too late to apply for next fall?
No, there’s no better time than the present time! The sooner you get your application in, the sooner we can begin to process your information and select candidates. Applications are due no later than May 1, 2010, so apply now!

Can I have an outside job while I am involved in Immersion?
No, participants are not allowed to have an outside job while at Eternal Impact. Life as an intern will stretch you in all areas of your life. In order to ensure that you have the time and energy needed to devote to the program, participants are not permitted to seek outside employment. However, occasionally temporary “side-jobs” will be made available through our partners and will be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Immersion Director.

Do I need all my money at registration day?
No, you do not need to have your complete tuition on registration day, however, you must have enough to meet the necessary payment for the payment plan you have chosen. For financial details, click here or please contact our offices.

How long is the application process?
After receiving your complete application and your confidential pastoral reference questionnaire, someone from our team will contact you within one (1) week to set up a series of phone interviews. During that process we will be in contact with all of your references. Following the phone interviews, the Immersion staff will prayerfully evaluate your acceptance into the program, asking for God’s very best in your life this fall. We ask that you do the same. The entire process should be completed within a few short weeks.

Does everyone who applies to Immersion get accepted?
Unfortunately, not every person who applies to Immersion will be accepted. We are looking for those individuals who are ready and willing to give their all for the entire duration of the program and desire to have Christ change their lives forever. We want to select missional participants who have a shared vision for Eternal Impact and who demonstrate the maturity and capacity to thrive through this experience.

If your personality and/or your specific spiritual needs do not fit with our purpose and vision then we would rather help you find a school or internship program that better suits you. As an applicant, we are committed to your success regardless of your participation in Immersion.

What are we looking for in a potential Immersion intern?
The ideal Immersion participant is one who naturally possesses some leadership qualities and who hungers deeply to know Jesus intimately. We will look for participants who will benefit most from our program. An applicant may not even be an incredibly mature Christian, but if the applicant has an obvious hunger to know God more and has a teachable spirit, than that applicant is a strong candidate for Immersion. Spiritual maturity is important, however, we realize that every person is a work in progress. Another factor to consider is simply this: an applicant may be qualified and willing however it simply just may not be the will of God for you to participate in Immersion this year. As we prayerfully consider each applicant, the Holy Spirit will guide us towards His desires.

Does Immersion offer any scholarships?
ABSOLUTELY! Of course we do! Feel free to click here to check out the details.

How much spending money will I need?
The specific spending amount varies with every intern. Although all housing, LTE’s, meals, and classes are provided, interns are responsible for personal items such as toiletries, bedding, laundry money, cell phone, etc. Interns often budget approximately $50-150 for spending each month.

Can I get a letter for my insurance company?
Yes, we certainly could send you a letter for your health/auto insurance company to confirm your enrollment at Immersion.

Does Eternal Impact provide health insurance?
No, Eternal Impact does not provide health insurance for Immersion participants.

Is health insurance required?
All Immersion participants must prove that they are fully covered by health insurance before attending Immersion. Participants must have active health insurance upon arrival to Eternal Impact and are responsible to keep their insurance current throughout the year. We here at Immersion are not responsible for a participant’s hospitalization, doctor’s fees, or health related costs.

Is a high school diploma required?
Yes, we require a high school diploma or a GED of each applicant to Immersion. If there is any issue regarding this requirement, please contact us so that we might discuss it with you.

Will I need a vehicle as a part of Immersion?
Each candidate must bring their own car when they come to Immersion. Participants will be required to supply their own transportation. If you believe you are unable to bring a car to Immersion, please contact our offices so that we may discuss with you all of your options.

How can I raise money for tuition?
Start saving now! Many incoming Immersion participants have worked more than one job to raise money prior to coming to Immersion. Some participants send support letters to family, friends, their church, and local businesses in their area to raise monthly supporters. Contact us for more fundraising ideas.

Why is there a No-Dating Covenant?
A major goal here at Immersion is to have each participant give one full year to God, whole hearted and undistracted. It is hard to give one's heart fully to God if it belongs to another person. This seems like one big restriction, but it turns out to be one big relief! The participant knows that everyone is there for the one purpose, to pursue Christ.

Do all participants get to travel?
Yes! All participants will attend a 5-week spring mission’s trip (Global Expedition) to East Africa and the UK. This cost is an additional $5,200 above monthly enrollment expenses and includes all your international travel, lodging, food and expenses for the entire trip. Fund-raising training will be available to all participants to aid them in raising their mission funds.

What is Extreme Week?
It is a 7-day adventure in the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific Northwest that will stretch you physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is an intense wilderness experience that combines solitude, team building, physical challenge and spiritual reflection. You will want to be ready by the 3rd week of September when the adventure begins!

What are Life Changing Encounters (LCEs)?
They are 2-4 day encounters that challenge a specific area of your Christian journey. This includes prayer retreats, conferences and service project.

How much free time is available for interns?
Being an Immersion participant is a special opportunity. An opportunity you may never have in your entire life again. With that in mind, we want to make sure you maximize the time with as much training and ministry service as possible. We also want to make sure our interns are never too tired to be effective. We work hard to strike a unique balance of rest and leisure with tremendous amounts of intense ministry service. Immersion interns will be busy for most of every day including weekends, however each intern will have a day off every week to relax, read, and rest. You will also find many hours build into your weekly schedule for physical fitness, recreation and “down time” to relax and enjoy friends, host families and solitude.

When does the year start and end?
Immersion begins Labor Day weekend and ends the last week of May.

Are there any breaks or vacations during the year?
Yes. In addition to your regular breaks built in to the schedule, you will be off during:

Thanksgiving Weekend
Christmas Eve through New Years Day
Spring Break (prep for 5 week international experience)

Please note that although you are free to travel home during these vacations, we will gladly welcome you to stay and enjoy your time off with your host family or Eternal Impact Staff.