Frequently Asked Questions:

1. I'm not 18 yet, but I will be soon. Can I come to Encounter anyway?
2. Can I come for just part of the summer?
3. What if I'm dating someone? Can my boyfriend / girlfriend come on the trip?
4. What do I need to bring?

Answers

1. I'm not 18 yet, but I will be soon. Can I come to Encounter anyway?
   

   LCI has set an age requirement for the sake of maturity, which is really the issue of importance. However, we will prayerfully consider applications from students who have considered the expectations of our program and prayed about whether God is calling them to this experience this summer.

   Here are some of the considerations with regard to maturity. These should help students and their families as they pray about the Lord will for the summer.

   • Eight weeks away from home
   • Limited opportunities for phone and e-mail contact with family and friends
   • College level classes, homework, and discussions requiring self-disciplined study
   • Appropriate behavior while interacting with and living with locals - even when the behavior is perfectly acceptable in your own culture
   • No smoking, drinking or illegal drugs
   
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2. Can I come for just part of the summer?
   

   Encounter is an integrated program that starts with several days of orientation, followed by a few weeks of education and cultural involvement, and culminating with an experience that is an opportunity to apply the principles learned. As such, coming late or leaving early would detract from the experience.  Due to the number of colleges and universities starting classes earlier, we have divided the program into two parts.  The core educational component is 6 weeks and ends on August 12.  Those who are unable to stay for the application adventure may request permission to leave the program at this point.  Coming and going other than this is not permitted.
   

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3. What if I'm dating someone? Can my boyfriend / girlfriend come on the trip?
   

   Dating is not allowed during this Encounter program. This does not mean that life long friendships or relationships cannot develop while we are there; in fact, this often happens. This means that while you are in this training you are not allowed to pay extra attention to one certain person of the opposite sex.  While we are serving in Mexico, you are asked to keep your focus on knowing God and always keep in mind that you are part of a team.  Please treat your team members as God would want you to be treated.  In this way the message that we bring of God and His love for all people will be seen by others and believed.

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4. What do I need to bring?
   

   Things to bring include:

   • Personal care items
   • Appropriate clothing for warm weather clothes, working clothes, and at least one dress causal outfit for church
   • Bible, notebook, journal if you have one, pens
   • Alarm clock
   • Bedding

   This list is not exhaustive. A complete list is available on the Encounter Documents page.

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