Immersion Programs
All FFI Immersion Programs include a cross-cultural trip highly tailored to the team's and individuals' interests and goals. These in-depth programs are our most comprehensive and based on our innovative curriculum and philosophy. Every program we develop includes our custom-made curriculum that relies on each component of our RECIPE to ensure that the young people we serve gain a wide range of skills - no two Immersion Programs are the same. Programs are spread out in three distinct phases (Team Building, Skill Building, and Community Building, described below), with home-based & virtual sessions before and after the cross-cultural trip. Each Immersion Program culminates with a participant-designed community action project that addresses a need in their home communities.
Organizations, schools, and/or individuals must apply to participate in an Immersion Program. Current Immersion Program locations include the United States (New Hampshire), Northern Ireland (Annalong), and Belize (Boom Creek).
​
Immersion Program Pricing
The cost for Immersion Programs starts at $3,000 per participant. They are typically 10-16 days in length and teams can range in number of participants. Below are some of the recommended team sizes with pricing. Regardless of team size, all pricing includes airfare, meals, accommodations, customized FFI gear, curriculum books, activity fees, and other program costs.
​
Additional fees may apply depending on flight cost fluctuations, additional days, and time of year.
​
FFI is able to accept ESSER funding towards all programs.
12 Participants
Starting at $36,000
10 Participants
Starting at $30,000
8 Participants
Starting at $24,000
Immersion Program Phases
1
Team Building Phase
During the first phase, participants develop their team identity and build a foundation for the rest of their program. Using FFI’s methodologies, they set expectations and goals, practice working together, and make collaborative decisions. All participants attend a two-day preparation seminar before they travel where the team creates their team name, logo, and slogan based on their shared values.
​
FFI staff create Individual Leadership Plans (ILPs) for each participant using our multi-tiered analysis. This analysis informs the next steps: planning a tailored program, preparing and training team leadership and alumni, and customizing curriculum and program materials.
Immersion Program Phases
1
Team Building Phase
During the first phase, participants develop their team identity and build a foundation for the rest of their program. Using FFI’s methodologies, they set expectations and goals, practice working together, and make collaborative decisions. All participants attend a two-day preparation seminar before they travel where the team creates their team name, logo, and slogan based on their shared values.
​
FFI staff create Individual Leadership Plans (ILPs) for each participant using our multi-tiered analysis. This analysis informs the next steps: planning a tailored program, preparing and training team leadership and alumni, and customizing curriculum and program materials.
2
Skill Building Phase
Participants develop a deeper understanding of themselves, the challenges in their communities, and the skills and determination required to tackle these challenges. This intense phase encompasses FFI’s core curriculum sessions, meaningful service-learning activities, authentic community interaction, and bespoke activities that emphasize collaborative leadership.
​
This phase is an all-inclusive cross-cultural trip where participants travel and immerse themselves while living in and managing one house together. Each day consists of four to six tailored activities. To maximize time, participants are technology-free which eliminates distractions, encourages self-discovery, and promotes relationship building. To stay energized and present, healthy living is ingrained in every aspect of the program.
​
FFI Global Alumni serve as program counselors facilitating sessions and mentoring participants, throughout the phase. To track individual and team progress, staff and the leadership team fill out reports, debrief with the team, and refer to ILPs on a daily basis.
Staff are on-call to ensure the safety of participants and continuously manage all logistics of the trip including meals, travel, service learning connections, and community interactions. FFI also provides all program materials, including personalized gear and guided program journals.
3
Community Building Phase
The third phase is our most important because participants build creative, sustainable, and effective solutions to the challenges in their communities. Mobilizing their connections and using their newly developed skills, the team designs and implements a social action project focused on a challenge they are passionate about addressing. Participants attend meetings to reflect on their FFI experiences, execute their project, and involve their families and friends. Each team must submit a funding proposal to FFI which includes a budget, delegation of responsibilities, and a community engagement strategy.
This phase requires the most analysis and input by the participants. They take the lead on submitting reports and surveys, give a public presentation, and are required to attend 75% of all team meetings to become FFI Global Alumni.
FFI staff provides ongoing support of project development and implementation, and guides the team through the funding proposal process. Alumni are available to act as mentors during this phase. As the program comes to an end, staff produces a final analysis of the overall progress of the team and individuals. Once all program requirements are complete, FFI welcomes participants into the alumni movement.
4
Community Building Phase
We distinguish ourselves from other organizations by maintaining an inclusive approach that welcomes all former participants. Upon successfully completing the requirements of their program, each participant attains FFI alumni status. This prestigious status grants them access to exciting opportunities such as global alumni trips, exclusive workshops designed for alumni, facilitationtraining, and the potential to assume a leadership role as an Alumni Leader.
How to Apply
Individuals
For individuals that want to apply directly
Apply! Fill out the FFI Program Application.
Schedule Your Interview! You will be contacted by FFI to set-up a video meeting to discuss your application and interest in FFI's program.
Receive Your Acceptance Packet! Space is limited in each round of programs. If you are not accepted, you are welcome to apply to future FFI Programs!
Individuals will be grouped into a team with other individual applicants and the timing of the program will be determined as part of the application process.
Groups
For organizations and schools to bring a group
Apply! Fill out the FFI Program Partner Application.
Schedule Your Meeting! All applicants will be contacted by FFI to set-up a video meeting to discuss their group's goals and program interests.
Receive Your Acceptance Packet! All the information you need to start the program and guide your group through it.
Groups must apply through the partner application which is accepted on a rolling basis with a required six-week lead time. Groups can complete multiple Immersion Programs and we recommend looking at all of our locations.
Questions about the application process? Contact programs@ff.international or call 603.397.5301.​