ADVANCE
Advance Teams are short-term, cross-cultural trips designed for student and ministry groups to engage the global refugee crisis while tracing the story of the early church. Over 10–14 days in Athens, Greece, participants experience hands-on exposure to missions and gain a vision for how God is moving among the nations.
HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS
Ideal for juniors and seniors (ages 16+). Leaders can bring their student groups for a transformational summer trip.
COLLEGE GROUPS
College pastors and campus leaders can bring teams of students to serve and learn together.
INDIVIDUALS
Students and young adults ages 18–25 can sign up on their own and be placed on a Nextwave team.
WHO CAN JOIN?
*Group leaders and pastors: Reserve a spot for your team through our interest form.
*High school or college students: Fill out an individual application form to join a team this summer.
WHY ATHENS?
Athens is at the crossroads of the modern refugee highway and the historic spread of Christianity. Every day, refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia arrive in the city searching for safety and hope. At the same time, the streets of Athens carry the legacy of the Apostle Paul, who preached the Gospel here 2,000 years ago.
By joining an Advance Team, you’ll stand at this intersection of biblical history and present-day mission, seeing firsthand how God is moving among the nations.
WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE
Advance Teams are designed for both spiritual growth and cross-cultural exposure. Here are just a few of the highlights you will experience during your time in Athens:
ENGAGE REFUGEE MINISTRY
Serve alongside local partners who are providing food, language classes, and the hope of Christ to displaced families.
ENCOUNTER THE REFUGEE HIGHWAY
Learn the stories of those who have fled war and persecution, and see how the church is responding.
WALK IN PAUL’S FOOTSTEPS
Explore ancient biblical landmarks like the Acropolis, Agora, and Mars Hill, where Paul proclaimed the Gospel.
VISIT HISTORIC CITIES
Take a day trip to Corinth or Thessaloniki, diving deeper into the world of the New Testament.
GROW SPIRITUALLY AND MISSIONALLY
Develop a heart for the nations through team discipleship, reflection, and prayer.
WHY JOIN AN ADVANCE TEAM?
EQUIP THE NEXT GENERATION
Youth leaders and college pastors can help their students grow in maturity, leadership, and passion for the Gospel.
SEE THE GOSPEL IN MOTION
Step into a story that connects the book of Acts with the modern refugee movement.
EXPERIENCE DEEP FORMATION
Students grow not just in knowledge but in faith, courage, and cultural awareness.
CATCH A VISION
These trips are about more than service—they’re about exposure. Students gain a global perspective and return with a clearer sense of how God might use them.
TRIP DETAILS
LENGTH
10–14 days
LOCATION
Athens, Greece + one additional historic site (Corinth or Thessaloniki)
WHEN
Rotating summer dates (reserve your spot early for summer 2026)
COST
$3500 per student (group signups of 10 or more receive a $750 discount per student)
WHO LEADS
Nextwave staff guide each trip, with local partners providing ministry opportunities
WHO CAN APPLY
Groups (high school and college) or individuals (ages 16–25)
*Full itineraries and packing details will be included in your trip info packet after reserving your spot.
Next Steps
Individuals:
Fill out the Advance Team Interest Form to be considered for the next team.
Group Leaders:
Reserve a summer slot for your student group today. A Nextwave staff member will connect with you to walk through logistics.