There are two ways to live life: a lifestyle by “default” in which you simply accept all that comes your way and hope for the best or a lifestyle by design, a lifestyle in which you imagine the life you want to live and then create that life. 

As humans we are designed in the image of our Creator, meaning that each of us are inherently creative beings. Think back to when you were a child. Imagination was part of your daily life. What happened to that creativity? The truth is, in a world that rewards conformity, creativity is often forgotten. This is why so many people are frustrated, stuck, and disillusioned: they long for more and dream of what might be, yet lack the key component that could cause their dreams to become a reality.

At Submerge we value creativity in everything we do. Most people think creativity is reserved for “creatives”, but we believe creative thinking is a necessity for anyone who wants to be successful in life. If you find yourself in a season of life where you are ready to shake things up, if the 9-to-5 grind and the expectations of the status-quo aren’t doing it for you anymore, if you want to help others, live in a vibrant, creative community, and immerse yourself in a foreign culture, then maybe Submerge is exactly what you need. 

Submerge’s combination of creativity-infused classroom training, hands-on internships, and overseas adventure will empower you to live a life by design.

COMMUNITY

Often the most overlooked component of Submerge by prospective students is community life. Naturally, when most people read about the program they imagine themselves in class, living in another country, and helping others. It’s easy to forget that while you definitely will be doing all of these things, you will not be doing them alone. You will also be living and working together with other like-minded individuals, this is perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the program.

The natural hurdles and obstacles that one must overcome to participate in Submerge serve as a filter, meaning that the people who actually show up are high-quality people. These are people who are driven, who love others, who don’t quit easily, and who want to encourage each other to truly live.

At Submerge we work to create a true sense of community amongst the team, giving it almost a family feel. We want to work hard and play hard together. As a part of this community we have small groups, chapel, and “team night” each week. We also have a monthly dinner called “The Table” in which we celebrate all that occurred during the month. We are confident that as a member of Submerge you will make friendships that you will carry with you the rest of your life.

SCHEDULE

As a growing and dynamic program, Submerge will inherently have minor variations to the schedule from sessions to session, but the main structure remains the same:  

Our daily schedule begins with ministry classes and chapel on Monday, morning classes Tuesday through Friday and ministry in the afternoons and/or evenings. At Submerge we are conscious to guard weekends so that you are able to relax as well as meet friends and have lots of cool adventures. The weekends are a great time to venture out and explore all Ecuador has to offer.

If what you’ve read so far is resonating with you and you feel that we are “speaking your language” we get that you might also have some questions right now: “Is this too good to be true?” “Can I really move overseas?” Or, even “This is too big. How will I ever pay for it?” But, if you want to, you can do it! As you read this page there are people just like you who were on this web page six months ago and are now living in South America. You don’t have to know all of the details to know where to start. Most people miss out in life because they always let the “how” stop the “what”. One of the first secrets of creating a life by design is to be so committed to the “what” the you will figure out the “how”. But, don’t worry, you are not alone. We have an entire process in place to help you go from submitting your application through raising funds to landing at Quito International Airport.

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