Frequently Asked Questions

Why does CIY offer trips?

We offer trips to…

1. Develop in people the global mind of Christ incorporated in every aspect of their lives.
2. Recruit the next generation of kingdom workers.
3. Encourage spiritual growth and dependency on God.
4. Encourage the missionaries and serve with them in ministry.
5. Help the church fulfill its mission to take the gospel to the whole world.

What are the payment deadlines?

Deposit Deadline: (30-days after acceptance) Your deposit is due 30-days after you are accepted on a trip. This CONFIRMS your spot on the trip and is non-refundable. (Deposit amount differs based on location and cost.) If your deposit is not received within 30-days, your your spot will be relinquished and you will NOT be counted as a trip participant.

2nd Deadline: (90-days before the trip) At least 50% of your trip cost is due 90-days before your trip. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from meeting this significant deadline, it is your responsibility to contact CIY to make us aware of the situation. If this deadline is not met, CIY reserves the right to cancel your spot on the trip depending on the given circumstances.

Final Payment: (30-days before the trip) Trip balances must be paid in full 30-days before your arrival at staging camp or urban trip location. If your trip balance is not paid in full, you will be notified and required to pay the remaining balance in order to participate. Please be financially responsible and consider other resources to clear this debt.

If you have any questions regarding these deadlines, please call.

What is the cancellation policy?

In the event you need to cancel your trip participation, you must notify CIY in writing (mail or email). The date of the postmark/email will determine your cancellation date and the fees for which you are responsible. For cancellations within 90-days of the trip, you are responsible for the cost of the international ticket and any administrative fees incurred, as well as your initial deposit.

If CIY has to cancel your trip due to political unrest, natural disaster, or at the recommendation of the missionary or US State Department, you will have the option of diverting to a different location or waiting until the next year.

What safety precautions does CIY take?

Christ In Youth has been leading mission trips for more than twenty years, and every mission trip is carefully researched to ensure the safety of each participant entrusted to us. We thank God that He has allowed thousands of young people to safely experience a CIY mission trip. Information relating to food, water, housing, political unrest, and health concerns are reviewed with the local missionaries. CIY is careful to provide a safe and secure environment to house our recruits. This may be in churches, schools, or the homes of national Christians or missionaries. We monitor reports of political unrest and travel conditions through the U.S. State Department. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides CIY with information relating to potential diseases in the regions we visit.

Does CIY provide travel medical insurance?

Yes, you will be insured for the duration of the trip. The cost of this travel medial insurance is already figured into your trip cost.

What does the cost include?

The cost includes international airfare, food, lodging, staging camp expenses, ground transportation, travel medical insurance, work projects, supplies, literature, leaders, administrative fees, and taxes. Trip cost does NOT include domestic airfare (transportation to Staging Camp for overseas trips or to the actual city for Urban trips), Passport Application fees, or VBS materials.

How do I raise that much money?

Once you’ve been accepted on a mission trip, CIY will give you creative ways on how to raise your support. There’s a ton of stuff to do to raise money – everything from writing support letters to car washes to garage sales. This will be the first of many challenges that will shape your life, and God will bless your efforts. Trip participants have shared awesome testimonies of how God provided the necessary funds for their trip. Trusting in the Lord for your financial support can be a great faith-building experience.

What are the CIY trip policies?

1. Unconditional obedience to senior leaders is mandatory. Any direct defiance of this authority will result in immediate termination of your mission trip experience and you will be sent home at your own expense.
2. Team first mentality – willing to give and take and maintain the spirit of unity and harmony of the group, to extend politeness and courtesy to those with whom we come in contact – missionaries, nationals, senior leaders, and team members. You will be expected to have a positive attitude.
3. No smoking, tobacco of any form, drugs or alcohol are permitted.
4. Participation in all activities is mandatory. You will be expected to give your very best at all times during work, evangelism, and all other activities.
5. Due to cultural consideration, practical jokes are not permitted.
6. You will be expected to acclimate to the culture whether you are overseas or in the U.S. This may mean eating food you are unfamiliar with or don’t particularly like, or participating in foreign customs. CIY’s policy is that you will be required to eat ALL of what is set before you unless previous notification concerning allergic reactions is given in writing by your doctor.
7. Pairing off is NOT permitted with other participants or nationals during the duration of the trip.
8. Separation from a group is never allowed unless accompanied by a senior leader or a designated sponsor.
9. It is of utmost importance that you dress in a neat, clean, and modest fashion. Your appearance is important not only for the missionary’s reputation, but in the way the local people will perceive you. You may have to submit to certain restrictions regarding dress, body piercings, and hair restrictions.
10. No phone calls or e-mails are permitted once you have reached your destination. (It has also been our experience at CIY that recruits stay more focused on their mission when contact is limited to emergencies only. When you return for debriefing, you will be encouraged to call home.) Because of inaccessibility to phones and the high cost of calling overseas, phone calls will be restricted to emergencies only, with permission from a Senior Leader.