ARISE Finland

Because we have not done comparative research on any other program, the best way to see the difference between our program and any other is to compare the information (curriculum, instructors, philosophy, format, etc.) from each school. An important thing to note is that our primary goal is not to train Bible workers, pastors, or evangelists, though some of our graduates do follow those career paths. Rather, our goal is to develop disciples and strengthen their relationships with Christ. Most of our students do not come with the purpose of going into full-time ministry. Though some feel called to full-time ministry after the program, most graduates go back to their schools, churches, and communities as lay members who have a passion to spread the gospel.

We only accept students that are at least 18 years old by the time the program begins. However, there is no age limit in our program. The majority of our students are typically between 18-30, but we've also had students in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, and beyond.

We usually plan our class sizes to be around 25-40 students, which allows for an ideal student-to-teacher ratio.

ARISE is not an accredited school. Therefore, we cannot guarantee college/university credit for completing the program. Although ARISE is able to issue a transcript, it is at the discretion of each receiving school whether they will validate completion of the ARISE training towards academic credit(s).

We do not hire graduates and cannot guarantee full- or part-time ministry positions elsewhere after the completion of the program. However, we occasionally receive calls from churches, conferences, or ministries with job opportunities, and these are shared with our alumni network.

ARISE is a discipleship training program that aims to teach the loving character of God through the biblical narrative and to give instruction on how to be an effective witness for Christ. Lord willing, this will result in our students going back to their jobs, schools, and churches as on-fire disciples for Jesus. Some graduates feel called by God to go into full-time ministry, and our program can help build a foundation for that. However, our primary goal is to equip people to be disciples in any career path they pursue or walk of life.

Since ARISE is not an accredited school, attendees of our program are not officially students from an immigration standpoint. Therefore, they do not need a special visa for international students, such as a residence permit (an A or B permit for study). International (non-European) attendees typically use the 90 day Schengen visa which is automatic for citizens of most countries, however you should check your country’s eligibility. Please note that this 90 day visa is 90 days within 180 days, therefore you may need a visa if you have spent time in the Schengen area in the months leading up to ARISE. The course length is 86 days, which allows students ample time to fly in and out within this window. Citizens from the European union have no restrictions on their length of stay in Finland. Prospective attendees need to contact their country’s immigration office for details. At the time of acceptance, ARISE will provide international attendees with an official invitation letter, which includes dates, housing information, ARISE’s address, a description of the program, etc.

Due to the very intense schedule and the need to be focused throughout the program, students are not permitted to work or take other classes while attending ARISE.

We do not have any positions available before, during, or after the program for students. Our tuition policies state that all tuition amounts must be paid before the start of the program.