Pre-Field Training:
Go Prepared.
Cross-Cultural Training for Everyone
Classroom & Community:
In our Pre-Field Training program (Compass), learning takes place through a balance of classroom training and intentional community. Adults and children engage in interactive programming that fosters resilient relationships and healthy patterns for cross-cultural life. Participants experience a comprehensive approach combining whole community training sessions, personalized coaching, and small group discussions.
Opportunities are provided to apply concepts from the training within an authentic Christian community. This experience shapes each person individually while offering a vision for meaningful relationships wherever God leads.
View the sample adult schedule here and the Children's program schedule here!
Three Key Training Components:
Language Acquisition: Compass equips learners with the skills, methods, techniques, and perspectives necessary to acquire any language. You will practice proven methods that will help you gain a fresh perspective on how languages are best learned. Our training will also develop your ability to produce new sounds and guide you in creating a personalized plan for your language learning journey.
Cultural Awareness and Acquisition: Our cross-culturally experienced trainers will help you understand yourself and your values, equipping you with tools and principles to step out of your comfort zone and enter your host culture in a healthy, sustainable way.
Relational Growth: At Compass, you will be challenged to grow in your relationship with God, yourself, and others. In the midst of your cross-cultural transition, an awareness of how you respond to stress, interact with others, and live out your identity in Christ will prepare you to thrive wherever God has called you.
For Singles, Couples & Families:
Cross-cultural living brings unique challenges for singles, couples, and families. At Compass, we walk with you through these challenges with a program designed to build hope and confidence for your journey. We provide honest preparation and practical resources to help you experience effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality on the field.
This commitment extends to the whole family through our CHildren’s Intercultural Programs (CHIPs). From nursery to teens, the CHIPs program mirrors the adult training in age-appropriate ways, providing common language that allow families to continue the learning process together beyond the classroom.
We encourage families with teens to attend the Compass sessions starting in June or August. These months often draw a higher number of participants between 13 and 18 years old, creating a richer setting for positive peer connection and overall experience. Our aim focuses on bringing as many teens as possible into the same program to provide the strongest support for that age group.
Life on Campus
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Each room features a bed, desk, dresser, and private bathroom.
Our community spaces include several fireplaces (both indoor and outdoor), private seating areas, and a game room with foosball, ping-pong, and air hockey.
All of your sheets and towels will be provided for you, and we have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.
Our kitchen staff works to prepare food options that allow for a variety of offerings throughout your stay. You will enjoy three meals a day and snacks during break periods.
We have two minivans that are available to our participants. We do ask that you stay within the Monument/Palmer Lake area. This will get you to several gyms, grocery stores, and local restaurants.
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Located in Colorful Colorado, we have many opportunities for outdoor activities nearby. We have several trails that encircle the campus and a disc golf course on site! We are also walking distance from the Santa Fe Trail and driving distance from several more hikes. The weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring plenty of layers!
FAQs
Program Fit
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Compass prepares individuals, couples, and families for long-term cross-cultural service. The program builds capacity to thrive on the field with effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality with Christ.
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To participate in Compass, all individuals must meet the following criteria:
English proficiency required – Program materials, sessions, and group discussions are conducted in English. As such, English proficiency ensures all participants can fully engage with the content and connect meaningfully with one another.
Whole household participation – Compass requires whole-household participation. Families attend together as a shared experience, including children from six weeks old through high school graduation. This approach reflects the reality that overseas ministry impacts the entire family unit and prepares each member side by side. Married participants attend together as a couple. The program addresses relational dynamics, supports shared readiness for ministry, and provides space for individual growth.
Maximum 4 households per agency per program – To foster diversity of perspective, we limit participation to no more than four household units from the same sending agency in each program session. You will be notified during registration if this limit has been reached.
Cross-Cultural Service - – Compass specifically serves those preparing for international cross-cultural ministry contexts, as these transitions involve unique challenges related to cultural adaptation and global engagement. However, if you believe your domestic service situation will involve similar cross-cultural dynamics or circumstances, we encourage you to apply anyway and explain your situation.
Minimum 2+ year commitment – Participants should be planning to serve for at least two years in their ministry context. This timeframe allows for meaningful cultural adaptation and life integration that makes the preparation Compass provides most relevant and beneficial.
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Compass is best attended two to six months before leaving for the field. Coming too close to departure often pulls focus toward logistics, and attending too far from departure can reduce retention.
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Absolutely! Compass equips participants with skills that directly support language learning, cultural adaptation, and learning posture.
Schedule
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Weekends are unscheduled, and occasional short assignments may be given. Participants often rest, explore, and connect during this free time.
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Registration follows three stages.
Stage One:
Create an account. Complete a profile for each household member. Select preferred dates.Stage Two:
Applications are reviewed. Approval moves applicants forward. A 10% deposit secures placement in the program.Stage Three:
Registration confirmation is received via email. The remaining balance is due one month before the program start date.
Programs frequently fill early. Registration three months in advance is strongly encouraged.
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MTI is physically located at 421 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.
Free shuttle service is provided by MTI (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), any Colorado Springs Hotel, and the Monument Park-n-Ride. Please note that you will need to provide your own transportation if your arrival/departure is outside of our shuttle schedule or if you are flying into or out of Denver International Airport (DEN). As you make your travel plans, please be aware of the following parameters:
Schedule your arrival flight to the Colorado Springs Airport before 1:30 PM on Monday, the first day of the program. Our MTI courtesy shuttle runs from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday only.
Please plan your departure flight on Saturday from the Colorado Springs Airport for 11:00 AM or later.
The MTI shuttle will pick up at the arrivals pick-up loading zone at the Colorado Springs Airport. If you experience flight delays, call MTI at (719) 487-0111 to keep us informed.
If your arrival or departure falls outside this timeframe or you choose to arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN), your transportation options include:
Rental car
You may choose to arrange for a commercial shuttle to the Monument Park ‘n Ride or the MTI campus (MTI can pick up at the Monument Park-n-Ride between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM). Consider Groome Transportation or Along Came Carol.
Uber, Lyft, or Taxi
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Dress: Casual with layers, keeping in mind that Colorado’s weather can change dramatically. We have a complimentary full-service laundry room withh washers and dryers.
Shoes or Boots: Bring shoes for hiking and/or walking.
Toiletries
Bible
Reusable Water Bottle
Lotion, Chap Stick, & Sunscreen
Child Monitor: MTI has monitors available for use, but bring your own if you prefer.
Car Seat / Booster Seat: MTI has car seats and boosters available. For your reference, please see the Colorado State Child Passenger Safety laws here.
Exercise Items: MTI does not have exercise equipment. Consider bringing packable items for indoor exercise, or come prepared for outdoor exercise. MTI is close to a walking/running path. There is also a nearby YMCA, CrossFit Gym, and 24-hour fitness club.
As you are packing, please keep in mind: The elevation in Palmer Lake is 7,225 feet above sea level. Drinking plenty of water is important as you get used to the altitude. Colorado summer temperatures range from 75-90° throughout the day and cool to about 30-40° in the evening. Winter temperatures range from 0-60° with snow possible at any time. The fall and spring seasons will have both summer and winter ranges.
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While you are at MTI, you are welcome to receive mail. Let your friends and family know to have letters and packages shipped to:
MTI (attn: Your Name)
P.O. Box 1220 (421 State Hwy 105)
Palmer Lake, CO 80133
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Transfers and Cancellations:
All deposits are non-refundable.
Any refunds or transfers will result in processing charges.
Regarding Compass & DAR:
A requested transfer between programs will result in the loss of your deposit and requires an additional deposit before the new requested registration is confirmed.
Cancellation more than four weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit.
Cancellation or transfer less than two weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit and 50% of your total bill. The additional fee will be deducted from any program payment monies already collected, billed to your credit card on file or billed to your agency.
You will be charged the full amount of the program if you fail to cancel before the first day of your program.
Regarding all other MTI events:
Any cancellation of your registration for an MTI event will result in the loss of the deposit. If no deposit was made, a charge of $150 per adult will be assessed.
No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the event.
Transfers are not available for MTI events.
Registration & Logistics
Familes & Children
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Depending on capacity, families are housed in adjacent rooms with an adjoining door. Pack-n-plays are provided for children two and under.
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Yes! MTI has a large playground, climbing rocks, and a covered area for smaller children. We also have outdoor toys, balls, games, scooters, and bicycles.
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Throughout Compass, children will participate in the CHildren’s Intercultural Program (CHIPs). CHIP’s objectives parallel those of the Compass adult objectives, creating natural talking points that allow families to continue the learning process together.
Learn more about CHIPs and view the sample Children's program schedule here!