FAQ

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. If an applicant is turning 31 in the same calendar year as the trip, they do not qualify to attend.

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. If an applicant is turning 31 in the same calendar year as the trip, they do not qualify to attend.

Applicants must have a US or Canadian passport to apply for a Global Trip. An applicant must be a US or Canadian citizen and/or resident to apply for a North American trip. If you are in the US or Canada on a travel/student visa, we are unable to accept your application.

Online application, application fee of $200, picture, a completed pastoral reference form. The link to the form is listed under the Apply tab.

All payments must be made through the online payment system. We only accept online payments. Check out the payment schedule for more information. https://apostolicyouthcorps.com/payment-schedule

Unfortunately, we are only able to accept full payments. If you want to add funds on a weekly basis you might consider opening  a separate checking account just for your AYC trip. That way when you have the full funds available you can make the online payment.

Absolutely! Keep in mind that if the amount they wish to give is less than a full payment then the amount will need to be sent directly to the AYC attendee. We are only able to accept online full payments. We do have another option for multiple forms of payments. Mission Possible is an online fundraising platform uniquely designed to assist in saving for short-term mission work of the UPCI. Accounts can be started by or for a mission participant, and then shared for online gifting by friends, family, or any interested party. Friends, family, and business supporters can then contribute to the account. Once you have a full payment amount, you can request that it be transferred for your AYC payment. More information on a Mission Possible account can be found here: www.missionpossibleupci.com

Yes. You can pay all online payments at once as long as you have the full amount.

Please check with your bank and verify your withdrawal limit on your account. You will need to use a credit card or raise your withdrawal limit.

All payment amounts and due dates are posted in the “Funds – Payment Schedule” portion of the website. You will also receive detailed information in the emailed AYC acceptance packet.

The online application for 2025 Global and North American trips will go live on November 1, 2024!

If your question is not answered on the website, please email ayc@upci.org.

1) If there is a problem with your application, or if you are missing anything, we will contact you as soon as possible by using the email address you provided in your AYC application.

2) You will receive an email from us concerning your approval within 20 working business days of the date your AYC application is complete. (Wait time may increase during the November 1st application-opening week, and over holidays.) If accepted, this email will include instructions on what to do next. You will receive a link to the Preparation Guide. It will also include a link to your trip-specific AYC Facebook group so you can connect with other approved attendees and chaperones prior to the trip.

3) If accepted, you will receive an emailed  link to the Trip Packet by April 15th. This will include all trip details. For example – Flight Instructions, Hotel Information, FAQ’s, Trip Schedule, Dress Code, Travel Health Details, etc.

The AYC 2023 application will be closed for all trips on January 1st, 2025. However, since trips fill up very quickly, you should plan on applying as soon as possible. We do not keep waiting lists once a trip is full. (Applications go live on the website November 1st.)

International airfare is covered. However, you will need to purchase your airfare to and from the departure city. The departure city is where attendees meet to fly together to the host destination.

No. You will need to book and pay for your flight to and from the host destination. There will be hotel information along with preferred flight arrival and departure time details in the trip packet.

Yes.

Go to www.cdc.gov and search for your host destination in the “Travelers’ Health” section. You will be able to read what is suggested and/or required. Take this list to your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip to discuss options. We will also include these details in your trip packet.

It is extremely important that you fully understand the AYC cancellation/refund policy prior to applying for a trip since it can be a large investment. In the event of trip cancellation, we will review the amount of money already expended for your involvement and refund as we are able. This is different for each trip. Prepaid expenses include, but are not limited to flight expense, hotel expense, prepaid meals, prepaid attractions, etc. AYC will work to recover funds expensed on your behalf as much as possible.  However, it is suggested to purchase cancellation insurance to cover your investment of funds not able to be recovered. If you decide to cancel your participation, please note your application fee is nonrefundable. Unfortunately, we cannot make an exception for personal/family emergencies or illness. If you are interested in insuring against cancellation an additional policy can be purchased, more information can be found HERE.

The chaperones for AYC trips consist of UPCI YM staff and District Youth Presidents, who are members of the youth committee. All other interested parties are welcome to apply as a participant on the trip.

Yes, as long as your spouse applies and attends the same trip with you. Both applicants should be no older than age 30 at the time of the trip.

Unfortunately, no children are allowed.

Yes, however all funds must be US dollars. You will need to consider the exchange rate when making your payments.