Get Started

We are excited that you are interested in going on an Apostolic Youth Corps (AYC) trip!  The current trip locations can be found here.  If you have any questions along the way, feel free to contact us at ayc@upci.org. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found here.

Age Requirements:

AYC Global trips are open to applicants 17-30 years of age. If an applicant is 16 and turning 17 during the same calendar year as the trip, they also qualify. AYC North American trips are open to applicants 15-30 years of age. If an applicant is 14 and turning 15 during the same calendar year as the trip, they also qualify. Applicants must be US or Canadian citizens.

Application Process:

Applications will be live on the website starting November 1st! Candidates for AYC are required to complete an online application and have their Pastor complete a pastoral reference form prior to the January 1st deadline for Global and North American trips. There is an online application fee of $200 that goes toward the cost of your trip. The application process requires the approval of the candidate’s Pastor and is further evaluated by the General Youth President and AYC team.

  • You can find the link to the online application here.
  • The link to the Pastoral Reference Form will be emailed to you once you complete your online AYC Application.

Communication:

After you apply…

If there is a problem with your application, we will contact you as soon as possible by using the email address you provided in your AYC application. You will receive an email from us concerning your approval within 10 working business days of the date your AYC application is complete. (Wait times may increase during the November 1st application-opening week, and over Holidays.) Most communication will be done through email, so make sure you provide an email address that you check daily.

If you are Accepted…

  • Acceptance Emails will include:
    • Legal Forms for you to fill out. Completed forms will be due in our office by March 15th. You and your guardian will be emailed a PDF, in which both parties will have to E-Sign.
    • Payment details (amounts and due dates) and instructions on how to make a payment.
    • A link to your trip-specific AYC Facebook group. If you choose, you can connect with other approved attendees and chaperones prior to the trip.
  • Trip Packets will be emailed around April 1st. They will include:
    • Flight Instructions
    • Hotel Information
    • FAQ’s
    • Trip Schedule
    • Dress Code
    • Travel Health Details

Research:

To read about the missionaries in your preferred area of travel, check out www.globalmissions.com.

Passports:

Attendees must submit a copy of their passport application by January 15th. Attendees who already obtain a passport should submit a copy of it on this date as well. March 15th is the deadline for passports to be submitted by those who submitted their applications in January. A link to submit your passport copy will be included in your Acceptance Email.

Visas:

When travel visas are required for the country you are visiting, we will instruct you in the emailed acceptance packet how to proceed in getting your Visa. Visa copies will be due May 15th.

Budget:

Each AYC participant must raise his/her own budget. Support may be acquired from relatives, friends, and the local church. However, applicants are not allowed to itinerate from church to church as done by career missionaries. All funds must be U.S. All budgets are subject to change this includes hotel stays, meals, medical insurance coverage, onsite transportation, sightseeing, visas (if required) and international airfare. Budgets do not include passports, immunizations, luggage fees, or souvenirs. AYC Global trips do not include travel to and from the departure city. AYC North American trips do not include airfare to the host city.

Travel Health – Shots/Medicine:

Once you know your AYC destination, go to www.cdc.gov and search for your area under “Travelers Health”. After you are accepted, you will want to print off the suggested medications and take them to your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip and discuss options. If there is any medication or shot required, this information will be communicated to you by Youth Ministries.

Flights:

All global AYC trip budgets include international airfare. AYC Global trips do not include travel to and from the departure city. AYC North American trips do not include airfare to and from the host city.

Insurance:

Medical insurance is covered in the cost of your trip. If you are interested in insuring against cancellation an additional policy can be purchased, more information can be found here.