REGISTER

Spring Break Retreat for International Students and Scholars

REGISTER

What is The Great Escape

The Great Escape is both a spiritual and fun retreat for international students and scholars from all religious backgrounds. It is an opportunity to escape the pressures of academic life for a brief period and retreat to a quiet place for some spiritual refreshment and to discover together what the Bible has to say about who we are and how we can live a meaningful and purposeful life. There will be music, teaching from the Bible, and spiritual discussions. There will also be lots of time for fun activities like a day trip to Nashville, TN, ziplining, escape rooms, hiking, a talent show, games, and friendship-building. This is a college and young adult-focused retreat.

What to Expect

Singing & Theme Talks

Each day we will gather together for a time of singing, and hear from a notable speaker who will help us explore our spiritual journeys and learn about God & the Bible. All are expected to attend the sessions.

Singing & Theme Talks

Each day we will gather together for a time of singing, and hear from a notable speaker who will help us explore our spiritual journeys and learn about God & the Bible. All are expected to attend the sessions.

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Discussion groups

These groups, consisting of 4 or 5 people based on gender, will provide an excellent opportunity to be honest and open with yourself and each other as we reflect upon what you are learning each day. There will be various group competitions these groups
can participate in.

Discussion groups

These groups, consisting of 4 or 5 people based on gender, will provide an excellent opportunity to be honest and open with yourself and each other as we reflect upon what you are learning each day. There will be various group competitions these groups
can participate in.

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Indoor & Outdoor Activities

Free time and group recreation time have been built into the schedule. There are also opportunities for indoor games, board games, and team competitions.

Indoor & Outdoor Activities

Free time and group recreation time have been built into the schedule. There are also opportunities for indoor games, board games, and team competitions.

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Day trip to Nashville

We will be spending an entire day at Nashville, TN where we will be visiting some popular sites and exploring the city

Day trip to Nashville

We will be spending an entire day at Nashville, TN where we will be visiting some popular sites and exploring the city

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Talent Night

There will be a talent night that will take place on Tuesday evening. Everyone is welcome to participate. Song, dance, music, poetry, drama, karaoke, or any other forms of talent can be performed individually or as a group. Make sure to prepare and bring instruments or props!

Talent Night

There will be a talent night that will take place on Tuesday evening. Everyone is welcome to participate. Song, dance, music, poetry, drama, karaoke, or any other forms of talent can be performed individually or as a group. Make sure to prepare and bring instruments or props!

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Early Bird Pricing Options for "The Great Escape 2025"
Single Occupancy $512 per person (Student and Regular)
Double Occupancy Student Price: $325 per person
Regular Price: $405 per person
Married Couples
(Both qualify for student discount if one is a student)		 Student Price: $300 per person
Regular Price: $405 per person
4 X Room Student Price (Can pay in 4 installments): $275 per person
Regular Price: $350 per person
Child (Ages 12-17) $180 per person
Child (Ages 6-11) $120 per person
Child (Ages 3 and under) Free

FAQ’s

Commonly asked questions about our event.

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  • What does the registration cost include?

    The Registration cost include transportation to and from the retreat center, most meals from Saturday evening through Wednesday breakfast are included. Vegetarian food is available. But you will need to buy food while we are traveling and during our day trip to Nashville. So, bring enough money for the meals. Registration Fee does not include any paid sightseeing events you may want to participate in

    We have 2 queen size beds per room. So you can decide if you want to share a bed with another person or want your own bed by selecting either of the two packages. We also have limited single occupancy rooms with a single queen/king bed.

    We have 3 retreat packages

    1- person room package
    - Choose this package if you want your own room with a queen bed. We have very limited single occupancy rooms.

    2- person room package
    - Choose this package if you want your own queen bed. You will have another person in the room with you.

    4- person room package

    - Choose this package if you are willing to share a queen bed with another person. You will have 3 other people in the room with you. Option available to pay in 4 monthly installments.

    We have 2 queen size beds per room. So you can decide if you want to share a bed with another person or want your own bed by selecting either of the two packages. We also have limited single occupancy rooms with a single queen/king bed.

    We have 3 retreat packages

    1- person room package
    - Choose this package if you want your own room with a queen bed. We have very limited single occupancy rooms.

    2- person room package
    - Choose this package if you want your own queen bed. You will have another person in the room with you.

    4- person room package

    - Choose this package if you are willing to share a queen bed with another person. You will have 3 other people in the room with you.

  • How will we be traveling?

    We will be leaving from your designated pickup location on March 15th 10:00am and traveling in vans

  • Where will we be staying?

    We will be staying in motel style rooms which belong to Camp Garner Creek. The address for it is 700 Sam Hollow Rd, Dickson, TN 37055
    . We will stay in a nice rooms that have queen bedsand private bathrooms. Each room will be shared by 2 or 4 people depending on what package you select at registration. Married couples and families will be housed together unless you have older children. All rooms have beds, blankets, sheets and pillows. You do not need to bring any beddings, etc. Bring your personal toiletries (toothbrush, soap, toothpaste, etc)

  • What are Buzz Groups or Discussion Groups?

    Buzz groups consist of 4 to 6 people of the same gender. It will provide an excellent opportunity to be honest and open with yourself and each other as you reflect upon what you are learning each day.

  • Refund Policy

    Due to the nature of the trip, the following is the refund policy for cancellation:

    Cancellations done on or before Jan 15 - 100% of the registration fee refunded

    Cancellations done between Jan 15 and Jan 31 - 75% of the registration fee
    refunded

    Cancellations done between Feb 1 and Feb 15 - 50% of the registration fee
    refunded

    Cancellations done after Feb 15 - 0% of the registration fee refunded

    You can find replacement student to take your place,but they must be willing to agree to the participation statement and participate in all scheduled events

  • Participation Statement

    Participation statement and Agreement to fully participate in all scheduled event. By registering for the retreat, I agree to fully participate in all scheduled events during the retreat. The Great Escape is both a spiritual and fun retreat for international students and scholars from all religious backgrounds. Talks and group discussions are integral part of the retreat. As such, we expect all participants to fully participate in all scheduled events. It would defeat the purpose of the retreat if you do not plan to attend the talks and discussions during the retreat. We understand that not every one might be interested in the spiritual aspects of this retreat. If you do not have any interest in participating in the talks and discussions, this might not be the retreat for you.

  • More questions?

    If you have any more questions, you can contact Elan at elan@ifmusa.org