Pre-Field Training:
Go Prepared.

Complete Training for Everyone

Classroom & Community:

In our Pre-Field Training program (Compass), we focus on a balance of classroom time and community. Each day consists of learning together in class while also engaging in an interactive community. Outside the classroom, learned content is lived out in the close community that MTI is known for. Our interactive community-enhanced training focuses on creating strong team relationships and living in a healthy Christian environment, which develops depth and vulnerability in relationships. This experience of living in true Christian community shapes each person individually while also creating an internal desire to replicate community wherever they go. View the sample adult schedule here and the Children's program schedule here!

Close-up of a dandelion seed head against a blurred background, with tall grass and a soft, dimly lit sky.

Three Key Training Components:

Language Acquisition: Compass will help you prepare to become proficient in a new language by developing the skills, methods, techniques, and attitudes necessary. You will be practicing innovative techniques and developing a fresh new perspective on how languages are best learned and taught.

Cultural Awareness and Acquisition: Facilitators will help you become aware of differences in culture, encouraging you to suspend judgement and remain open to new cultural ways while retaining your sense of mission and morals.

Personal Growth: The program will give you an opportunity to grow in your relationships with God and those around you. It will challenge you to slow down, appreciate, and practice the Sabbath.

Man smiling, holding two children outside, with a fence and greenery in the background.

For Singles, Couples & Families:

Cross-cultural living creates unique challenges for singles, couples, and families. Pre-field training (Compass) addresses these challenges and gives each participant tools to thrive where they will serve. It creates space for each training cohort to form its own unique characteristics, allowing space to have safe, vulnerable, and engaged community. This program instills hope and confidence in a cross-cultural journey of unfamiliar terrain and orients both your attitude and character in a direction that will have a lasting impact.

We understand the unique issues that kids face and we equip entire families for your calling through our CHildren’s Intercultural Program (CHIPs). While parents attend Compass, CHIPs objectives parallel those of the adults. This creates natural talking points and allows families to continue the learning process together outside the classroom.

A large building with a green roof and beige exterior, featuring multiple windows and stone accents, surrounded by a grassy landscape and hills. In front of the building, there is a playground and patio area.

Life on Campus

    • Each room features a bed, desk, dresser, and private bathroom.

    • Our community spaces include several fireplaces (both indoor and outdoor), private seating areas, and a game room with foosball, ping-pong, and air hockey.  

    • All of your sheets and towels will be provided for you, and we have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.

    • Our kitchen staff works to prepare food options that allow for a variety of offerings throughout your stay. You will enjoy three meals a day and snacks during break periods.

    • We have two minivans that are available to our participants. We do ask that you stay within the Monument/Palmer Lake area. This will get you to several gyms, grocery stores, and local restaurants.

    • Located in Colorful Colorado, we have many opportunities for outdoor activities nearby. We have several trails that encircle the campus and a disc golf course on site! We are also walking distance from the Santa Fe Trail and driving distance from several more hikes. The weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring plenty of layers!

 FAQs

General Questions

  • We encourage you to attend Compass 2-6 months before your overseas departure. We find that if your training is too close to your departure, your mind will be distracted with logistics and your souls too unsettled for this program to reach its full potential. If your training is too far away from your departure date, you may not be as motivated to retain your learning.

  • Anyone heading into long-term cross-cultural ministry should consider Compass as necessary training that is foundational for effectiveness, endurance and enjoyment in your calling.

  • Absolutely! The techniques and skills learned at Compass are foundational to language learning. They can be applied and will be of great benefit to you in future learning.

  • MTI is physically located at 421 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.

    Free shuttle service is provided by MTI (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), any Colorado Springs Hotel, and the Monument Park-n-Ride. Please note that you will need to provide your own transportation if your arrival/departure is outside of our shuttle schedule or if you are flying into or out of Denver International Airport (DEN). As you make your travel plans, please be aware of the following parameters:

    • Schedule your arrival flight to the Colorado Springs Airport before 1:30 PM on Monday, the first day of the program. Our MTI courtesy shuttle runs from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday only.

    • Please plan your departure flight on Saturday from Colorado Springs Airport for 11:00 AM or later; flights from Denver International Airport for 3:30 PM or later.

    • The MTI shuttle will pick up at the arrivals pick-up loading zone at the Colorado Springs Airport. If you experience flight delays, call MTI at (719) 487-0111 to keep us informed.

    If your arrival or departure falls outside this timeframe or you choose to arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN), your transportation options include:

    • Rental car

    • You may choose to arrange for a commercial shuttle to the Monument Park ‘n Ride or the MTI training site (MTI can pickup at the Monument Park-n-Ride between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM). Consider Groome Transportation or Along Came Carol.

    • Uber, Lyft, or Taxi

    • Climate Information: The elevation in Palmer Lake is 7,225 feet above sea level. Drinking plenty of water is important as you get used to the altitude. Colorado summer temperatures range from 75-90° throughout the day and cool to about 30-40° in the evening. Winter temperatures range from 0-60° with snow possible at any time. The fall and spring season will have both summer and winter ranges.

    • We have a complimentary full-service laundry room with washers and dryers.

    • Dress: Casual with layers, keeping in mind that Colorado’s weather can change dramatically.

    • Shoes or Boots: Bring shoes for hiking and/or walking.

    • Bible

    • Lotion, Chap Stick, & Sunscreen

    • Toiletries

    • Reusable Water Bottle: Drink lots of water to prevent altitude sickness.

    • Child Monitor: MTI has monitors available for use but bring your own if you prefer.

    • Car Seat / Booster Seat: MTI has car seats and boosters available for trips and transporting to and from the airport. For your information, Colorado requires a car seat or booster seat for children under 7 years and weighing less than 70 pounds.

    • Exercise Items: MTI does not have exercise equipment. Consider bringing packable items for indoor exercise or come prepared for outdoor exercise. MTI is close to a walking/running path. There is also a nearby YMCA, CrossFit Gym, and 24-hour fitness club.

  • Mission Training International is in a beautiful area twenty miles north of downtown Colorado Springs and forty miles south of Denver. The town of Palmer Lake is a quaint village nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with an elevation of 7,225 feet. There are many tourist attractions in the area.

    To enjoy these attractions, you may find it beneficial to drive your own car to your MTI program or make plans to rent a car for the days you would like to see the sights.

    Pikes Peak Cog Railway
    Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
    Seven Falls
    Cave of the Winds
    Manitou Cliff Dwellings
    Garden of the Gods
    Olympic Museum
    United States Air Force Academy
    Western Museum of Mining and Industry
    Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
    Focus on the Family

  • While you are at MTI, you are welcome to receive mail. Let your friends and family know to have letters and packages shipped to:

    MTI (attn: Your Name)

    P.O. Box 1220 (421 State Hwy 105)

    Palmer Lake, CO 80133

  • Transfers and Cancellations:

    • All deposits are non-refundable.

    • Any refunds or transfers will result in processing charges.

    Regarding Compass & DAR:

    • A requested transfer between programs will result in the loss of your deposit and requires an additional deposit before the new requested registration is confirmed.

    • Cancellation more than four weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit.

    • Cancellation or transfer less than two weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit and 50% of your total bill. The additional fee will be deducted from any program payment monies already collected, billed to your credit card on file or billed to your agency.

    • You will be charged the full amount of the program if you fail to cancel before the first day of your program.

    Regarding all other MTI events:

    • Any cancellation of your registration for an MTI event will result in the loss of the deposit. If no deposit was made, a charge of $150 per adult will be assessed.

    • No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the event.

    • Transfers are not available for MTI events.

  • Compass begins each day at 8:30am and ends at 4:00pm. Some days during the program have exceptions and will be noted on your schedule when you arrive. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.

  • Weekends are free for participants to use as they desire. At times there are short assignments to do over a weekend. We encourage participants to sightsee and plan group outings. Colorado has so many beautiful and interesting places to see.

Program & Classroom

  • The larger rooms at MTI are designed with adjoining doors to accommodate families that need more space for children. Pack-n-plays are available to families who need them. Please be aware that families may be in one room, and each child will have their own bed.

  • Yes! MTI has a large playground, climbing rocks, a covered area for smaller children, and sufficient mulch padding to keep children safe. In addition to the playground, there are outdoor toys, balls, games, scooters, and bicycles.

  • While we do not provide childcare, we do have a children’s program, called the CHildren’s Intercultural Program (CHIPs). CHIPs objectives parallel the Compass adult objectives, which creates natural talking points and allows families to continue the learning process together.

    Learn more about CHIPs.

Families with Children