After high school, we find ourselves on a journey to discover our way in life. Most often, we end up heading in one of two directions.
One way we can go is towards academic education (aka, “go to college”), which provides theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills.
The second way is vocational training or a gap year, which provides practical skills and hands-on experience (trades, apprenticeships, military, workforce, etc.).
But, what if we told you there’s a THIRD way?
The Third Way program combines opportunities for academic education, vocational training,
and a leadership internship for young adults, all in an Orthodox Christian in-residence setting!
It may sound too good to be true (as we are often told), but The Third Way program offers all of the following together in one package:
- College Course Completion
- You can graduate on time by enrolling at St. Athanasius College. We will work around your internship schedule.
- You can also enroll at another college, whether nearby or online.
- Internship Experience
- Students will participate in a Leadership Internship. The internship is designed to work around your school and work schedule.
- Vocational Training
- Hands-on learning takes place.
- Abroad/Away
- Various locations around the US and the world are in development!
- Live with other Orthodox Christians in an Orthodox community. The host church is the internship campus!
- See the world! Students can rotate each year to a new location, becoming part of a new Orthodox community and experiencing all the sites, culture, foods, etc., the host location has to offer!
To summarize:
The Third Way = Education + Internship + Vocational Training + Study Abroad/Away
All in an Orthodox Christian community!
2025-2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
THIRD WAY’s mission is to help young adults study abroad/away PLUS add a leadership internship to your resume AND it’s an Orthodox community! It is an opportunity for professional development, worship, community service, and student-organized study sessions near Orthodox Churches. For some, this may be a gap year away from college. Interns enrolled in online courses, such as St. Athanasius College, can continue their studies while gaining professional development in the internship. This means that an intern can graduate on time AND study abroad AND stay active in an Orthodox Church. Some locations have colleges nearby that would be available for in-person studies.
This internship combines theoretical and experiential leadership with four areas of learning: servant leadership, event management, hospitality, and non-profit management. Every internship location will have a different emphasis on the areas of learning. While we are wholly committed to the accessibility of online college, we also know that young adults still like to live near each other, get together for some fun, and help each other learn.
Why Choose The THIRD WAY?
At The Third Way, we offer a unique opportunity to step outside your everyday environment and immerse yourself in a life-changing experience that combines education, culture, and faith. Here’s why joining The Third Way is the perfect choice for you:
Culture
We can only learn so much from a screen. Traveling and living in a new place gives us an authentic experience of another culture. Whether you’re learning about life in Alaska or exploring the traditions of an Orthodox parish abroad, these cultural insights are invaluable.
Friends
You never know who the next great friend in your life will be. Getting outside your usual social bubble exposes you to many wonderful people, and forming friendships within an intentional Orthodox community helps you connect on a deeper level.
Focus
Being part of an Orthodox community while pursuing your degree provides an environment of shared faith and purpose, helping you focus more intensely on your academic and spiritual growth.
At ‘Home,’ Away from Home
Even if you’re away from your family, you’ll always be part of the “Home” found within an Orthodox Church community. This sense of belonging offers a spiritual anchor and keeps you grounded as you venture into new territories.
Bilingual
Certain Third Way locations offer an opportunity to learn new languages, which can be helpful for careers in international business or global mission work.
Well-Rounded
Experiencing different cultures broadens your horizons, making you more well-rounded and empathetic as you learn to navigate diverse environments.
Safety
Your safety is a priority. By living among Orthodox peers, including female-only housing in Alaska, and having Orthodox RAs and priests supervise, you can focus on your studies and personal growth without concerns about your well-being.
Practical Life Skills
Learning doesn’t stop at academics. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in Hospitality and Event Planning, skills valuable for careers in these fields and equally beneficial for life at home, such as hosting family events or community gatherings.
Graduate
Research shows that students who study abroad or away from home tend to graduate at a higher rate. The Third Way encourages you to stick with your academic journey and achieve your goals.
Resume
Having a study abroad or away experience on your resume makes you stand out to employers. It’s a great conversation starter in interviews and shows adaptability and initiative.
Ladder
Internships and professional development opportunities while living abroad or in another state help you move up the career ladder faster, providing real-world experience that employers value. According to The Hechinger Report, “Internships matter more than ever—but not everyone can get one.” However, through The Third Way, you’ll have access to both opportunities, ensuring that you gain the experience needed to stand out in the job market.
Affordable
Public in-state tuition may cost around $10,000, but that often excludes housing. At St. Athanasius College, tuition and housing together average just $11,000, making this an affordable option with the added value of a rich, culturally immersive experience.
Challenging
Leaving home is challenging, but it’s one of the best ways to grow. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone will shape you into a more confident, capable individual.
The Third Way combines academic excellence with a faith-centered, community-driven experience, helping you grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally. Are you ready for this transformative journey? Apply now!
LOCATIONS
Texas: St. Paul in Katy, TX offers great brisket, BBQ, and southern hospitality. St. Paul is the only Western Rite host parish and also serves as the headquarters of St. Athanasius College. See pictures of the church here: Facebook Page.
PROJECT: The interns will help us develop, maintain, and expand our new butterfly prayer garden. We will map the layout and selection of plants, build fencing, and install the plants. When the butterfly prayer garden is complete, we will move on to the next project of establishing an educational and interactive ranch specializing in miniature animals (like THIS).
- Why Houston? First, watch this VIDEO. Houston is also known as “Opportunity City.” Many people do not realize that if they are looking for big city life with lots of opportunities AND rural America, then Katy, Texas, is a great location. To the church’s east is a downtown underground maze, city lights, and the beach. To the west of the church, we have Spanish missions, state parks with trails, green pastures of cows and ranches, and the desert on the other side of San Antonio.
- Schedule: The internship is accepting new interns from August forward. Renewal is available at the end of May in 2025.
- On Leave: Interns can take short trips to visit family during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Holy Week.
- At least one intern will be asked to help with the church office responsibilities as their primary volunteer work.
- A car is not required but strongly recommended. The church, a grocery store, and many businesses are all within walking distance of the apartment.
- We have arranged lodging within walking distance for two groups (males and females). We have two open Resident Director spots (male and female).
- The monthly cost of this internship is $700 monthly for interns. Resident Directors receive a full scholarship.
Learn more about our Resident Directors.
