Everyone is on a journey with their Creator. The Island Encounters Gap Semester is 90 days of drawing close to our heavenly Father, ministry to the least of these, living in community, service, and adventure, all while located in the breathtaking country of Fiji. Students with a heart to love God and love people will find a place where they will be stretched to grow and challenged to give to those God has called us to serve.
Join us on the journey!
**Please Note: We are being diligent to watch the situation regarding COVID-19. At this time, we ARE excepting applications and expect that students will be safe to study with us.
What? Island Encounters Gap Semester 2022
When? Aug. 18th to Nov. 19th (92 days)
Where? Nadi, Fiji (Oasis Farm)
How much? $4,450 USD (plus airfare to Fiji)
Who? 18-24 yr olds wanting to grow in their faith and serve the people of Fiji
How to Apply? Email, jeff@islandencountersfiji.org for an application or fill out our Contact Form below!
Learn More: Check out the details below…
The 5 Core Elements of Our Student Program
Training in Discipleship
How did Jesus make disciples? This vital question guides us as we apply the techniques and methods Jesus used to train up those who he called friends and disciples.
Life On Life Ministry
Ministry is done through relationships! This was a central component to the way Christ made disciples and a central component to our ministry here at Island Encounters. We focus on application of the scripture through personal relationships.
Cross Cultural Training
Understanding your target culture is vital to effective ministry. We will spend concerted time talking about ministry in a cross cultural setting to help identify the best techniques to minister in the context God has placed you.
Travel & Adventure
We want you to experience the fun and beauty of the nature God has given us to explore and steward here in Fiji. Trips we’ve taken in the past include sailing to the outer islands, waterfall hikes, river bilibili (raft) floats, zip line excursions, and other experiences await you. It’s breathtaking!
University Credit
Do you want to earn some university credit in this beautiful location? Our program is worth 15 hours of credit through a partnership with Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. Don’t want to pursue credit through us? We will help facilitate your online class learning with daily time set aside for online classes of your choice, exams, papers, and more. Can you imagine a more beautiful setting in which to gain credit for college?
Our Program
We believe these 5 core elements of the IE Gap Semester will encourage dramatic growth in each student and provide a cohesive discipleship experience. Our goals are to see participants love God more, love people more, and leave us having been equipped to make disciples wherever God places them.
- Culture Training
- Travel & Adventure
- Discipleship
- Life on Life Ministry
- University Credit
Student Stories
While in Fiji, God used nationals and missionaries to teach me about how important intentional relationships are. He also used the children during kids clubs to teach me what true joy is; seeing their energy and smiles as we drove up gave me so much joy myself. While you go on the trip to help change and impact lives, your life will also be changed by the experience you have in Fiji. – Liz Endicott
God is working in unique ways all around the world, and my time in Fiji revealed the reality of His presence in the little, daily moments as well as the exotic, breath-taking ones. Life in Fiji changed the way I view relationships, culture, missions, work, and personal connection to God. It was a journey that left me with precious memories I will never forget. – Alyssa Farrell
My experience with Island Encounters in Fiji was one of the best investments I have made, and I’m confident it will bless anyone else who does the same. – Kyle Swart
Meet the IE Staff
Brent Reimer
Meet Brent! He is the IE Director of Operations and has been leading international trips with students for two decades. His love for God, people, and missions is contagious.
Jeff & Kyndra Reed
Meet Jeff, Kyndra and their 4 girls. Jeff was a Student Pastor in the States for 15 years before God called his family to Fiji to serve. As the IE Student Programme Director, you’ll be getting to know Jeff real well!
Meliki Talolo
Meet Liki, Ola, and baby Titi! Liki is the IE’s Farming Ministry Director and keeps the farm productive, which in turn, supports ministry to the community in numerous ways! You’ll love his family.
Ray & Laura Pittman
Ray & Laura Pittman, are the Founders and Team Leaders of Island Encounters. They have been serving the people of Fiji, as well as, working with students, for 20 years. Their wisdom regarding mission work is unparalleled.
Tim & Tawnya Green
Tim & Tawnya are the Directors of Children’s Ministry. You’ll be working hand in hand with them as they love on kids and teach them what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Sample Weekly Schedule
Housing
Our housing is great! Students will reside in our dorm house situated in the foothills of the Sleeping Giant Mountain Range. The rooms are gender based, providing opportunities to build close friendships, as well as, engage with others in true community. We also have a large covered deck where we will eat, relax, and learn together.
Contact Us To Learn More or To Apply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Links
FAQ
Student Programs Payment Policy
Statement of Faith
Lifestyle Covenant
Recommendation Form
Alternatively:
If you’re more interested in scheduling a solo internship, visit our Internships page.
If you’re more interested in our Fijian Student Life and Mission Programme, visit our Life and Mission page.
If you are looking for a shorter-term summer outreach opportunity, visit our Summer Outreach page.
If you’d like to lead a group, visit our Team Outreach page.
We’d love to talk to you!