Reach Programme
Watch an overview video below
A Year to grow in crossing-cultures
Who is Reach for?
Reach is a unique one-year graduate programme that provides the opportunity to befriend and share your faith with international students whilst working alongside Friends International. If you are passionate about making friends with those from different cultures, are an outgoing CU International Secretary, or simply want to develop your cross-cultural ministry skills or deepen your Christian conviction, values and character, then the Reach Programme is for you.
What are the Goals?
While placed within a team in a location across the UK and Ireland you’ll have the opportunity to…
- Grow in your relationship with Christ
- Discover your gifts and potential
- Enlarge your vision for God’s plan and purpose for the world.
What comes after Reach?
Former Reach trainees have gone on to become:
Student Workers, Volunteers, Overseas Mission Workers, progressed in professional fields of work, or gone on to new and further study.
The Reach Programme has given graduates, passionate about Jesus Christ, the opportunity to participate in God’s plans and purposes for the world for nearly 30 years.
Reach has run from 1993-2026 (33 years) supporting 345 trainees and counting!
My year as a Reach Trainee really brought a confidence and a depth to my faith..."
Matthew, Reach trainee
I have really enjoyed the cross-cultural training I've received throughout the year. I've also grown in my ability to host and serve international students practically..."
sunny, reach trainee
Listen to a former Reach Trainee's experience
What does it involve?
- Practical Ministry: Hands-on involvement in a range of ministry opportunities: welcoming and befriending, Bible study, discipleship, organising social events, being part of an international Café team.
- Group Training: Four residential training conferences plus involvement in local training programmes.
- Personal study: A Personalised programme, plus core study built around a focus on discipleship and international student mission.
- Mentored Supervision: An experienced Friends International staff worker who meets with you regularly.
A custom programme…
This full-time programme is custom built around you and the opportunities in your centre location – together with your staff mentor and the Reach Coordinator you will design a Personal Reach Plan, appropriate for where you are now and suitable for preparing you to be a life-long servant ambassador of Jesus Christ.
Who is it for?
- Those who love Jesus and want to share friendship and faith in him with international students
- University Graduates typically aged 21-30 years
- Fluent English speakers
Start date: 1st September 2026
Cost: There is a cost associated with the programme, and this is currently £1,500, or the Euro equivalent in Ireland. This covers the expense of accommodation and food at residential conferences, training, set books & resources. You will also need to cover living expenses. All Reach trainees are supported in raising the costs associated with their time on Reach with training and mentors in this area, and must rise to the challenge of building a team of partners – family, church, and friends – those who can support you as we support you in doing so.
Finding out more: It helps both you and us to plan ahead, so we encourage you to contact us earlier rather than later, even if it is simply to explore the possibility. If you are in a centre with a Friends International staff worker, why not start a conversation with them today?
Applications:
Applications are open for the 2026-27 academic year. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as spaces may fill up.
Contact: Reach Programme Co-ordinator Luke Hammond: [email protected]