DIScovery Program - Christian Study Abroad

  Malaysia

Penang

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: August through June

Description: DIScovery Program students are an elite group of Christian young men and women chosen from around the world to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The DIScovery Program is an exciting semester or year of study at Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia, highlighted by overseas mission experiences. This program was developed to help students from all over the world explore and discover what awesome plans God may have for their lives both now and in the future. Dalat has been providing outstanding education and support for students for almost 80 years through academic, athletic and biblical instruction, and through our resident student program. In the past the majority of our students were from missionary families serving in Southeast Asia; more recently we have also welcomed students from international expatriate families who are based locally. Now we are opening the door to families from all over the world to come for the same excellent education and cross-cultural experience that has benefited Dalat students for years. Dalat's academic and boarding programs are fully accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Highlights: DIScovery Program students will enter Dalat International School as resident students and live with a dorm family for one semester or one school year. Students will attend the grade they would have attended in their home country. Course offerings are available on our website, and include a mixture of required and elective courses. Dalats experienced counseling department will be happy to advise students on which classes to take. All classes are in English with the exception of international language courses.

DIScovery Program students will take part in all school activities and receive all the privileges of being a Dalat student. In addition, DIScovery Program students will take part in planned cultural outreach trips to nearby countries and other regions of Malaysia. The purpose is to expose them to the peoples, cultures and social needs around them. This outreach may include tsunami relief and reconstruction, helping a country school or providing food and basic resources to a deprived area.

DIScovery Program students will live with a safe, secure and caring dorm family of about 20 members. About 20% of our student population live in dorms. Each dorm has their own dorm parents and students are placed in sibling-style mixed age groups, along with students from many different cultures and backgrounds. They eat, sleep and play together. Dorms have separated boys and girls wings with shared bedrooms for two or three students. On weekends dorm families often take trips together, hang out at the mall or go out to eat at a local restaurant. These dorm families have fun! - Most kids dont want to go home on the holidays!

The first school semester runs from early August to mid-December. All students return home for the holidays, so DIScovery Program students will also fly back to their home countries to spend Christmas with family and tell about their experiences! If the student is coming back for the entire school year or to attend the second semester they will arrive in late January. The school year ends in early June when DIScovery Program students will return home with a fresh perspective and vision for their lives.

In today's climate many wonder about the safety of living overseas. Penang, Malaysia is a mixture of many different peoples and religions. The majority of Penang residents are ethnic Chinese, Malay or Indian. Christians, Muslims and Buddhists interact together in a friendly and civil atmosphere. In Dalat's 35 year history in Penang, there has never been an incident of intimidation or threat to any student, or to the school as a whole. Dalat enjoys the full support of the local and Malaysian government. Dalat also has an excellent relationship with the US Embassy who has guaranteed help in a time of crisis. You will find the Malaysian people friendly and welcoming, and the majority speak good English.

Consider the experience Dalat International School can provide: an excellent education, life-long memories and the chance to explore the world around you in a safe, encouraging atmosphere, opportunities for spiritual growth and insight into missions. Let Dalat International School help you DIScover your world, your God and the possibilities ahead of you.

Cost in US$: $10,000/$20,000

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Malaysia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Dalat International School's Mission Statement: The mission of Dalat International School is to prepare young people to live fully for God in a rapidly changing world by enabling them to understand, evaluate, and reconcile that world with the foundation of Gods unchanging values.

Year Founded: 1929