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Frequently Asked Questions about our Young Adult Immersion Experience
What is the Truth & Beauty Immersion Experience
This week-long Young Adult Immersion program in Rome nurtures participants (Fellows) between 18 - 30 with a special faith-formation experience that touches the entire human person - spiritual, intellectual and personal - teaching Fellows to integrate their faith deeply into every aspect of living.
A Truth & Beauty Project Immersion includes daily walks, talks, discussions, reflections, food, and fun to share the faith through theology, philosophy, metaphysics, liturgy, the arts and scripture, helping participants claim their Christian roots along with their rightful place in God's triumphant story.
This multi-disciplinary approach teaches TBP Fellows to:
· live an intentional Christian life in a difficult world
· peel away the layers and use the senses to detect the movements of the Lord around you
· connect scripture to daily life
· live the liturgy
· integrate faith and virtue into real life
· spread Truth & Beauty to the world
With inspiration from the mastery of great Italian artists, TBP Immersions empower participants to work as artists of living and make their own lives a masterpiece!
A TBP Immersion is a life-changing transformational experience that sets our Fellows on the path of excellence.
You can find out more information and subscribe to be notified when applications open:
https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/ya-about
What are the pillars of a TBP Young Adult Immersion?
FAITH: Through TBP’s unique interdisciplinary and integrated approach, our participants deepen their faith, become firmly rooted in their Christian identity , build an unshakable foundation, through the lens of authentic truth and beauty, all in Rome, the heart of the faith.
INTENTIONAL LIVING: TBP Immersions touch the whole human person and also reinforce practical skills and strategies from experts to live a discerned, organized, joyful, and purposeful, Christian life, focused on personal growth and oriented to bear fruit in the world.
LEADERSHIP: TBP builds strong personal skills to inspire and influence others to succeed in the world and to grow closer to Christ.
COMMUNITY: TBP Immersions build up the Body of Christ in fellowship with other participants, TBP alumni and the worldwide TBP family.
Who runs the Truth & Beauty Project?
Click here to meet the founders, John & Ashley Noronha.
What was the inspiration behind the truth and beauty project?
This is a long, beautiful story of Providence and we’ll explain more when you arrive. In the meantime, you can read a bit of our history here.
TBP was founded to build hope and faith in a world where both are dying.
What is the TBP FIAT?
FIAT is an acronym for "Faithfulness In All Things."
Each Fellow creates a FIAT. The FIAT is started during the application process and refined while in Rome. It's implemented upon returning home.
The TBP FIAT is two-fold:
1. An intentional plan for continued growth in virtue - based on a self-assessment that Fellows complete before arrival, in Rome they create an action plan to intentionally take their learnings from the Immersion and continue to grow personally
2. A concrete project to inject virtue into the world - each Fellow creates a concrete project to "pay it forward." This project is to be implemented after returning home from Rome as a way to spread virtue, truth and beauty to the world. You can read more about the projects here: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/fiat
Upon returning home, each Fellow is assigned a mentor - a dedicated Christian, who has graciously volunteered to 'pay it forward' - who serves as a guide and coach (with a monthly, 30 minute call) in the development of the project.
Click to read more about FIAT.
Are all Immersions the same?
Each Immersion is unique.
That’s because we ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to specially tailor each Immersion for each group.
Each day of the Immersion has a special theme and we also pray with the daily scriptures, so our itinerary and focus are informed by orienting our day to the liturgical influence we hear in God’s Word.
Fellows will be given a day-by-day agenda upon arrival.
When will the next Immersion be?
Subscribe to know when we're next offering scholarships and Immersions:
Are there any prerequisites?
There's no particular level of learning or advanced knowledge required. Immersions are customized for the interests of each group. The only prereq is to bring along a spirit of joy and openness.
What does a typical Immersion day look like?
Each day is different and starts and ends at different times. Each day is about 8 hours.
Here's a sample itinerary that contains some of the main daily elements:
7.30 am Mass 8.00 Breakfast at your hotel 9.00 Morning prayer and Scripture 9.15 A walk through the living classroom of Rome, to experience the art, architecture, history, and beauty 12.00 Truth & Beauty Prayer 1.00 Delicious Italian lunch with speaker 2.15 Themed discussion, walking experience, or event 5.00 Closing and intercessory prayer Evening is free for you to explore Rome and reflect on the day's learnings.
Again, the above itinerary is a sample, only demonstrating some of the mail elements that you can expect in a typical day.
Fellows are given a specific agenda upon arrival.
Is there time to ask questions during the immersion?
Yes! We invite you to bring your curiosity and questions, and we design time for sharing and conversations in groups and over fabulous Italian meals.
Where will I stay?
You'll stay within a stone's throw of St. Peter's Basilica. Your hotel is included in the Young Adult Immersion tuition or scholarship.
What could I see in my free time in the evening?
Ideas for evening adventures after TBP winds up for the day (no tickets needed):
A walk through Villa Borghese
Piazza Garibaldi for the best view of the city and sunset
Evening vespers at 8.30 pm at Santa Maria in Trastevere
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
We highly recommend building in plenty of time for rest, since each day is quite full and intense.
Some places we will not be visiting during the Immersion:
Inside the Colosseum/Forum
The Vatican Museums
Is there a dress code?
Not per se, but we say that your choice of clothing should always reflect the fact that as a TBP Fellow you are an ambassador of Christ. John and Ashley dress business casual. It bears repeating that some churches require visitors to cover shoulders and knees, so one strategy is to pack a light scarf or two that can be used as a shawl or wrapped around the waist.
How should I pack?
Click here for the latest weather in Rome.
To beat the heat of a Roman summer, bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sun umbrella with UV coating, and water bottle.
When entering churches, it is required to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for these places of worship. If it's hot and you'd like to wear shorts or a sleeveless top, we recommend bringing along 2 scarves, which you can wrap around your shoulders and waist when entering a church.
Bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.
There are no formal events during the Immersion, but we do recommend dressing in a business casual style for the daily events. Also, consider that you may want to bring more dressy outfits for dinners on your own. Consider that your outfits should reflect that you are an ambassador of Christ.
For rain, bring waterproof shoes. If you don't bring an umbrella along, it's easy to buy umbrellas and rain ponchos on the street.
How much walking will I do?
Rome is a very walkable city and the best way to experience it is to wander the streets on foot. Your Immersion will include daily walking itineraries for several hours in various parts of the city. This also means standing while listening to various learning modules. So bring your comfortable, broken-in shoes and be ready to enjoy!
When you are on your own, the best way to get around is by foot for public transportation.
What is the best way to prepare for an immersion?
Pray for open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit and a spirit of wonder and adventure.
We invite you to pray for all TBP Fellows, Alumni, Patrons, Board Members, Prayer Team, Mentors, and Staff.
And, to join us in our daily TBP prayer:
https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/prayer-support
What’s the electric voltage in Italy?
It's helpful to read the below article about the electricity in Italy in order to understand if you will need a power adapter and/or converter to power your electrical appliances. Adaptors are easy to find here and inexpensive. Converters are more difficult to find. https://mominitaly.com/electricity-in-italy-basics-for-travelers/
Note that voltage is different for hair implements (curling irons, etc), so it’s best to buy hair implements in Rome.
Voltage differences will not effect cell phones and computers.
How can I get cell service in Italy?
If you'd like data service while traveling, we recommend that you call your cell-phone provider in advance to find out about the international plans they offer. Having data is very convenient for finding your way around the city and communicating with other Immersion participants.
Can I use my credit card for everything?
While many places accept cards, in Italy, cash is king, so it's best to always have Euro on you.
Be sure to call your credit card company before you arrive to inform them to expect to see charges from Italy and any layover places you will be.
How can I get Euro?
The best way to get Euro in Rome is by ATM. This way you'll get the rate of the day and pay no commission.
Be sure to check with your bank first for any fees. Most banks don't have international transaction fees, but even if yours does, you'll still save more than paying the commission at a commercial money exchange.
When looking for an ATM, Make sure you use an official bank ATM and not a commercial one.
Note that exchange places at the airport typically charge very high fees.
How do I purchase health & travel insurance?
Please have your trip and health insured covered before travel.
Contact your local agent or contact our agent of record, Nora Puglia, at Perfect Impressions Travel at tourwithpi@gmail.com or +1 217.793.3733
If you have private medical insurance in your home country, you should contact the agency and let them know that you'll be in Italy for a period and gather information about procedures for using the policy while out of the country. Also, we advise you to look into your
home-owners' insurance to see if it covers your belongings and equipment while traveling.
IMPORTANT Passport and Visa Information
Make sure your passport is valid until at least 6 months AFTER your return date or it will not be accepted at Immigration.
Click here for information on which countries do and don't need visas to enter Italy: https://www.rome.net/entry-requirements
What is the cost?
The fee for a week-long Truth & Beauty Project Immersion includes art & architecture walks and talks, formation experiences, hotel room (with roommate/s), city tourist tax, community lunches, life-skill trainings, transport in Rome during Immersion activities, talks, church and priest stipends, and all art, architecture, scripture and liturgy modules. The total is 2,500 euro.
This does not include airfare, transfer to/from airport or personal expenses.
Young Adults can apply for full or partial scholarships to cover or defray this cost.
We are so grateful to TBP benefactors who make scholarships possible!
Please help us help more young adults and sponsor a young adult: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/donate
What additional costs am I responsible for?
- Your flight to and from Rome
- Your transfer to and from the airport
- Some meals on your own
- Health and Travel insurance
- Your transportation costs within the city, outside of the Immersion hours
- Any additional Museums that you chose to visit
- Custom-made Immersions also take care of lodging expenses on their own. Lodging is included for Young Adult Immersions.
What is the application process?
Is a TBP Immersion Ecumenical?
Yes. All Christians are welcome with the understanding that the Truth & Beauty Project is grounded in the principles of Catholic doctrine and faithfully adheres to the authentic teachings of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Catholic liturgy and teaching are integral to the program.
What is the TBP Fiat?
FIAT is an acronym for "Faithfulness In All Things."
Each Fellow creates a FIAT. The FIAT is started during the application process and refined while in Rome. It's implemented upon returning home.
The TBP FIAT is two-fold:
1. An intentional plan for continued growth in virtue - based on a self-assessment that Fellows complete before arrival, in Rome they create an action plan to intentionally take their learnings from the Immersion and continue to grow personally
2. A concrete project to inject virtue into the world - each Fellow creates a concrete project to "pay it forward." This project is to be implemented after returning home from Rome as a way to spread virtue, truth and beauty to the world. You can read more about the projects here: https://www.truthandbeautyproject.com/fiat
Upon returning home, each Fellow is assigned a mentor - a dedicated Christian, who has graciously volunteered to 'pay it forward' - who serves as a guide and coach (with a monthly, 30 minute call) in the development of the project.
Click to read more about FIAT.
What do Fellows find most challenging during an Immersion?
The daily Immersion schedule is full and intense (typically about 8-9 hours per day) so we recommend using the evenings for resting and reflecting on all of the insights, wisdom, and information you've taken in during the day.