Global U

Global U was just what I needed during this time. I made lasting friendships, traveled to places I never thought I'd visit (MOROCCO!!!), and found a community of like-minded individuals. It's inspiring to be around such ambitious students who are passionate to change the world with their crazy ideas and passion -- all in the name of God. The leaders were so supportive and always there when we needed them. I didn't know what to expect going into this program, but I am 100% blown away by each individual who I met in Global U.

Not ready for college just yet? Sick of being stuck in a classroom, flipping through endless supplies of textbooks? Take a break. Take a gap year with Global U. You'll walk away with much more than you ever expected.

I remember a few weeks into Spain (our first country), realizing what Global U was actually like, and thinking “Wow, Global U was made just for me!”

I had background with programming, as I am studying Computer Science in college and never would have thought I would find a program that is tailored for exactly what I am all about and want to do with my life. I got into Computer Science with missions in mind, wanting to work remote and solve problems, and I couldn’t believe that I was led to this program and then once in it, experiencing the perfect thing for me—other people who are passionate about combining the business and entrepreneurship (a new love of mine I didn’t think I would have) with pursuing Jesus, and a staff that is so FOR YOU and your GROWTH. I thought I was mostly alone in this, but there are others my age running after the hard things in life!

It’s bringing me a smile to think about it now—how God brought together our group and made us into a tight knit community in a space that is so well fostered for growth. Not only did I grow academically in mostly learning how to self-learn with great guidance, but also to be poured into spiritually by people I look up to, and be encouraged and guided into building things that solve real problems and bring God’s Kingdom—and then not to mention all the traveling and fun and crazy experiences—it was like it was too perfectly made for me.

So if you’re reading this and feeling a tug at all, listen! At first I didn’t think there was any way on Earth that I would do Global U since I at my plan in college set before me (and the fundraising freaked me out). But I could not stop thinking about it. And God provided in more ways than one. You won’t regret it!

Everything about Global U, from the mentors and student community to the coding and entrepreneurship, is built around the student's growth. We received mentorship daily from leaders in tech, business, and the church.

I came into Global U excited about entrepreneurship but nearly dreading the computer science side. That is funny to think about now because thanks to Global U, I plan on moving full time into computer science. I am not saying that will happen to everyone, but whether you are interested in coding or not, the Global U experience will help move you forward in whatever you decide to do.

The lessons learned from both my successes and failures on Global U will stick with me for a lifetime. I am leaving Global U confident in the power of the Holy Spirit and my identity in Christ. Now, I look forward to sharing that with the world, no matter my location or circumstances.

If you apply, you won't regret it.

I can say with confidence when the question is asked of "How have I changed since Global U" that the better question is "how have I NOT changed since Global U".

I have grown in courage, healing, health, educationally, and spiritually in these past 9 months and I foresee nothing but benefits for those who join.

In Global U one of the things they talk about regularly is if you will “choose” into things. Will you “choose” into hard things, will you ”choose” into relationships, and will you ”choose” into growing and changing into the person that God wants you to become. In the weeks following Drews answer, God began revealing to me that since he has already died for me and given me my inheritance as his son, all I have to do is choose into His forgiveness. This process and exercise of choosing into forgiveness and shamelessness lead me deeper in my desire to be led by the Father.

The past 9 months have been the most transformative of my life. We've experienced world class mentors, been surrounded by beautiful community, learned the skill of coding (which I knew nothing about), created projects/businesses based on our biggest dreams, traveled to 4 different countries, and have learned what it really means to be the body; the Church. I have journals upon journals full of testimonies, memories, lessons learned, and amazing stories. It is a unique, curated environment that is truly once in a life time- challenging and growing yet secure and my life will never be the same because of it!