Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical week look like for a Compass student?
Students will be involved in Compass activities 5-6 days per week and have at least one day off each week for reflection and rest. Each week they will receive a mixture of classroom instruction, practicum training, service-related activities, and interpersonal team-building exercises. In addition, Compass students will spend on average 15-20 hours a week working at Camp Cho-Yeh as they interact with campers and retreat guests. Group recreation and community-building activities will also be provided, along with travel opportunities and time for independent study.
What kind of workload should I expect?
The learning and activity level with Compass is not unlike that of a college semester. Compass students should expect reading assignments, written work and classroom lectures as an integral part of the program. There will also be group projects and hands-on learning practicums. The overall modality is interactive and structured in such a way that students will understand deadlines but in a rhythm that allows plenty of time to complete the work and still have time to rest and reflect. This is a participatory program and students are expected to keep up with the homework that is given.
What expenses will I be responsible for during Compass?
Compass is an immersion discipleship program that is all-inclusive (room and board, tuition, books, community building activities and travel). Students will be responsible for personal items such as cell phones, car payments, health insurance, student loans, and any discretionary spending. A full list of expenses will be covered in the Compass Student Handbook.
Do I need to bring my own bedding?
The Compass Village is completely furnished and students will have everything they need for the program much like a dormitory setting at college. Compass Students are only responsible for bringing bedding (sheets, pillow, comforter, etc.), towels, and their own personal toiletry items.
Where will I do laundry?
Laundry facilities are available in each of the housing units in Compass Village. There is no charge for using the machines.
Should I bring my own vehicle to The Compass?
Cars are not needed. Once you arrive at Compass, all program-oriented transportation will be provided. However, students who wish to bring a car are welcome to do so and will have access to it on days off and during scheduled breaks.
Am I required to have health insurance?
Yes. All students must provide proof of health insurance before beginning the Compass program.
What if I get sick?
Students are responsible for their own medical care, and staff can help by providing a list of local providers. Livingston has several medical options for you to choose from ranging from a hospital, free-standing emergency clinic, and urgent care clinic. Each semester, students are allowed a limited number of sick days. If health issues prohibit the student from participating in the program, the student may be asked to withdraw.
What about COVID-19? Is vaccination required?
Although Cho-Yeh does not require vaccination for COVID-19, it is highly recommended in order to avoid disruptions or absences during the Compass program. In the event of a positive COVID test, or significant exposure, proper guidelines will be followed to care for the student, as well as the rest of the Compass community.
Can my friends and family visit?
During the 9 month program, students will be involved in daily classes, activities, and work 6 days per week. Pre-arranged personal visits may be scheduled through Compass staff, but should be limited. In some cases, onsite housing can be arranged for a small fee.
Do you offer scholarships for Compass?
There are two discount options and one scholarship option for the Compass Program:
– If a student chooses the work-study package, there is a $6,000 discount applied to the initial bill, bringing the total from $13,995 to $7,995.
– When paid in full by the start of the program in August, a $500 discount is applied to the student’s bill.
– If the student is working at Cho-Yeh in the summer immediately prior to their Compass Program experience, they can apply for a scholarship through the Summer Staff Scholarship Program and receive $700-$1,500 toward Compass, paid in two equal installments; one in August, and one in January.
Why a Gap Year?
More and more, students, families, (and universities), are seeing the invaluable benefit of high school graduates and college students taking a year in order to ‘bridge the gap’ and transition well into that next season of life. Click here to learn more about why a Gap Year program is a worthy investment.
