A gap year is defined as taking a “break” from formal education, “typically between high school and college, in order to deepen practical, professional, and personal awareness.”

For Christian students, taking a gap year before going to college creates a remarkable opportunity to think more deeply and intentionally about the person God is calling him or her to be. Many students who struggle in college do so because they are not able to articulate reasons or explain the goals for going to college. College has become the assumed next step after high school, with very little thought about why.

OneLife exists because we believe that taking a gap year forces students out of the routine of “schooling” and into a deeper relationship with God. Students who participate in gap year programs have proven to be far more prepared for the transition to college and adulthood.

OneLife is a nine-month, residential program with three main areas of desired outcomes.

OneLife students:

1. Form Christian character
2. Develop a biblical sense of calling
3. Grow in relational wisdom

Here is the OneLife student profile:

• Post-high-school to 21 years of age
• Willingness to step outside of their comfort zone to learn
• Loves travel and adventure
• Appreciates learning both inside and outside the classroom
• Desires to learn and grow in Christian faith & biblical knowledge
• Demonstrates leadership qualities
• Expresses a desire to be teachable
• Exhibits moral character and conduct
• Maintains a positive attitude toward authority

YES! Many of our students have completed some college before coming to OneLife. For those students, OneLife can be an opportunity to re-focus, to gain more direction in life and to take a “break” in order to build a stronger relationship with God.

Enrollment in OneLife costs $22,900 per year (2020-2021 academic year). This covers EVERYTHING: tuition, books, room and board, and all travel expenses. An initial tuition deposit of $200 secures a student's spot in the program. A housing security deposit of $225 is also required. There are no additional fees. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Please contact us regarding financial aid and all financial concerns.

YES! OneLife students are enrolled as full-time college students and are eligible for government and private scholarships that are awarded based on eligibility requirements. SWU offers in-state (SC) students a $1,000 scholarship and out-of-state students a $2,000 scholarship upon acceptance.

 OneLife students at SWU are also eligible for the SWU Church Matching Scholarship. SWU will match up to $1,000 per year ($500 per semester) of gifts given by a church or church district for the student. Learn more about Church Matching Scholarship here.

To apply for federal financial aid go to www.fafsa.gov and click “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA). Please add “Southern Wesleyan University” (School code: 003422). For more information on the federal student aid programs including eligibility requirements and federal aid programs please visit www.studentaid.ed.gov.

OneLife is fully accredited, both regionally & nationally, due to its partnership with Southern Wesleyan University. OneLife students complete 10, three-credit courses, for 30 credits. Learn more about SWU's accreditation.

OneLife is proud to partner with Southern Wesleyan University to offer the following courses:

Fall

• Foundations for Success
• Basic Christian Beliefs
• Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
• Speech Communication
• Life Calling

Spring

• Introduction to Intercultural Ministry
• New Testament Survey 
• Sex, Courtship, and Marriage
• Peer Leadership and Team Building
• Global Internship (outside of USA)

Short answer: YES!
Longer answer: All OneLife students will have an official transcript from Southern Wesleyan University with 30 credits. All credits are transferable. All of the credits, however, may not apply to certain programs at other colleges.

Path to enrollment:

1. Online Application
2. Have SAT and/or ACT scores sent to SWU
3. Have High School Transcript (or college transcripts) sent to SWU
4. Interview with OneLife staff

OneLife loves to travel. Our trips allow students to (1) see what God is doing in other parts of His world; (2) connect to the larger body of Christ; (3) develop travel and navigational skills; and (4) engage cultural differences and other worldviews.

Students experience lots of day trips and weekend service opportunities. They also take 5-7 longer trips during the year. Destinations have included:

Domestic:

• Atlanta, GA
• Cumberland Island, GA
• Denver, CO
• Foothills Trail, SC
• Nashville, TN
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Washington D.C.

International:

• Israel

No. Sorry. (We get this question all the time.)

No. If you can’t believe that OneLife could possibly be as amazing as it sounds, please contact us or visit us ASAP. We would love the opportunity to show and tell you all about it!