INSIGHT is an acronym for Integrated Study of Integrated Global History and Theology. It is an educational program and curriculum of the Institute of International Studies, offered for credit through WCIU and other universities. This unique one-year undergraduate program is designed for beginning college students who want a solid foundation in understanding our world, past and present, from a global perspective. As an integrated interdisciplinary undergraduate-level program offering General Education credit, Insight is primarily for freshman and sophomore students who plan to pursue various majors at other colleges.

Insight is for students who are looking for an intellectually challenging approach to culture, philosophy, religion, world history, and global development. It is divided into four comprehensive modules offered over two semesters full-time on campus, or in various arrangements with distance sites. Using a reading-then-discussing Socratic learning method, Insight students read, dialogue, and debate in small groups with discussion moderators and professors. A study guide leads students through daily readings and discussion questions to be considered by the group. Field trips, exams, and term papers (graded by WCIU faculty) encourage students to go further in-depth on topics of interest.

Developed by a team of professors and experienced development workers, Insight draws on a number of lecturers, discussion leaders, personal mentors, a group instructor, and program administrators to provide a holistic approach to learning from many perspectives. Readings include selections from major ideologies, philosophies, world religions, and literary classics, complemented by in-depth inductive study of influential Judeo-Christian scriptures. Students are encouraged to consider their own worldview in relation to those of leading thinkers from many different cultures, past and present.

In addition, college skills are developed in written and oral communication, including the writing of essay exams and term papers, and analyzing bias and logic in argumentation and academic writings. Between the Fall and Spring semesters on campus, students are encouraged to travel overseas during their December-January break.

A full year of academic credit -- 32 semester units -- is given for the two integrated semesters of Insight. Transcripts will show:

Essentials of Global Understanding 1 (16 units), equivalent to:

Communic 101 Principles of Communication & Argumentation (3)

History 101 World History: Ancient & Classical World (4)

Literature 210 Sacred Literature of the World (3)

Phil/Relig 120 Survey of Biblical Literature (3)

Phil/Relig 201 Comparative Religions (3)

Essentials of Global Understanding 2 (16 units), equivalent to:

Anthro 201 Cultural Anthropology (3)

History 102 World History: Expanding & Modern World (4)

Phil/Relig 101 Intro to Philosophy (3)

Phil/Relig 210 Classic Readings in Christian Thought (3)

Sociology 152 Modern Ethnic and Social Issues (3)

Students participating in the on-campus Insight program are exposed to learning first-hand about the work of NGOs focusing on development around the world. They hear guest speakers, attend staff development sessions, meet workers from many parts of the world who serve with faith-based voluntary organizations, and live in community with staff, international students, and development workers.

The number of students on the WCIU campus Insight program is intentionally kept small so as to ensure personal attention, a sense of community, and to maximize discussion dynamics.

Admission

Insight Admission Qualifications

Admission to this lower division undergraduate one-year academic program can be granted to applicants who have been admitted to the Insight program and who meet the University-wide admission qualifications; who have a high school diploma with a 2.0 or better grade point average (GPA), or have equivalent academic preparation, as determined by WCIU: who have a 2.0 or better GPA in any university and other postsecondary studies attempted, and who show promise of success in completing the program. However, it is expected that most students accepted to Insight will have a score of at least 1100 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT, and a 3.0 (B) GPA in high school and postsecondary studies.

Applicants with advanced university-level standing and non-traditionally aged students also are welcome to apply for the Insight program.

International Applicants

It is the philosophy of Insight to encourage international applicants to remain in their context of ministry for study, rather than relocate to the U.S. for study. Insight encourages qualified international students to pursue distance learning through WCIU’s M.A. degree in International Development. On rare occasions, international applicants with special recommendations from partner NGO’s may be accepted into the Insight program on a case-by-case basis, and must meet all the usual qualifications for admission to the programs for which they are applying

Admission Procedures

• Applicants should request information and appropriate forms from the Office of Admissions and Records.
• Complete a Personal Information Form (PIF).
• Obtain a copy of the acceptance letter from the Insight program office. Students must first be accepted to the Insight program.
• Once the PIF is favorably reviewed, the Office of Admissions and Records sends the remaining WCIU forms.
• Arrange to have the following documents sent to the Office of Admissions and Records:
• WCIU reference forms if at a site other than the Pasadena campus.
• Official transcripts from the high school of graduation (or evidence of high school equivalency, such as GED results)
• Official transcripts from each college, university, and other educational institution attended since high school.
• Official SAT or ACT results for applicants who have not completed at least 15 transferable semester units (23 quarter units) at a regionally accredited college or university, or other institution recognized by WCIU. A score of at least 1100 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT is recommended. If the test results for these exams appear on the high school transcript, no other record is needed. Otherwise, applicants should have the official results sent to them, and then forward the sealed envelope to the Office of Admissions and Records. The testing service will not send the results directly to WCIU.
• In lieu of SAT or ACT, international applicants will submit TOEFL score reports.

Readmission

Students who must apply for readmission are required to file an Application for Readmission, pay the Readmission Fee, and meet all the requirements in effect at the new date. Students must apply for readmission in the following circumstances:

• Applicants admitted to the Insight program who do not start the program on time will be considered inactive and must apply for readmission to a later year’s program, unless in unusual circumstances they receive permission from the Program Director to begin late.
• Students in the Insight program who have a break of more than one academic year between the last semester and the one they wish to enroll in must apply for readmission.

Readmission Process

• Students must obtain a favorable referral from the Insight Program Director at the location to which they wish to re-enroll.
• Students must file an Application for Readmission with the Office of Admissions and Records.
• In all cases, admission and program requirements existing at the time of readmission must be met and relevant fees paid.
• Students returning after an approved Leave of Absence are not charged a readmission fee but may be required to update their application records before registering for courses. They remain under the requirements of the catalog under which they were enrolled when their leave began.  

Tuition and Fees

Expenses for the Insight program are moderate, in line with WCIU’s emphasis on a lifestyle rich in spiritual, cultural, social, and intellectual values rather than materialism. The approximate costs listed here reflect estimated minimal expenses. Costs are subject to change at any time. Candidates who expect to keep a car or travel widely should plan their budget accordingly. International students coming to the Pasadena campus are required to have appropriate medical insurance; applications for low-cost plans are available from the Director of Admissions and Records.

Off-Campus Housing in Pasadena

Housing is in Aylward Campus Housing, 626-398-2415, ayl@wciu.edu

International Student Health Insurance

International students studying in the U.S. may expect to pay around $1,100 per year for a single person’s student health insurance, depending on their age, health, and coverage. They are required to have adequate insurance to cover both major and minor medical expenses. The Insight program office will provide up-to-date information on request for the few students issued on I-20 by WCIU.

Typical Costs for the Insight Program

Student Fee

$ 25 WCIU Application Fee (if credit is through WCIU)

$ 4800 Cost for 2 semesters, 32 units @ $2400/semester

$ 1000 Estimated books and study materials *

$ 5825 Estimated Total

* Purchasing used books or sharing books can reduce this cost.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Refund amounts are the same whether tuition is paid in advance or on a deferred payment plan. Those on deferred payment are expected to meet all financial obligations, including paying the full tuition and fees due, less the refund indicated.

In compliance with regulations set by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, WCIU bases its refund schedule on the work completed or time elapsed between the approved Starting Date and Completion Date for individual courses.

Students who cancel or withdraw in writing from the program prior to or on the first day of class:

Full refund of all program charges, less the Insight program application fee and the WCIU application fee.

Students who cancel or withdraw in writing from the second semester prior to or on the first day of class:

Full refund of tuition minus any non-refundable fees.

Candidates who withdraw in writing from a semester within the first 10 weeks of the approved Start Date:

Pro rata refund according to terms specified in the Enrollment Agreement. Refunds will be made within 30 days of receipt of the written notice of cancellation or withdrawal.

Candidates who withdraw from a half module more than 10 weeks from the approved Start Date:

No refunds will be given.

If the university cancels or discontinues an educational program, the university will make a full refund of all program fees for services that have not been rendered.