The live-learn philosophy is based on the idea of establishing a community where students, staff, and teachers live, eat, and study in close proximity for maximized learning opportunities. Jesus did this with the twelve apostles. Similar biblical examples occur in the schools of the prophets in the Old Testament and in Acts 19. These schools established a community of common values, in which “students” and “faculty” learned together and began to reach out to others to bring change in both individuals and societies.
We believe that learning takes place best in the context of relationships. The strong emphasis placed on building relationships among students and staff provides a secure atmosphere that optimizes the learning experience. Informal education occurs through the in-depth relationships developed in a live-learn environment. Non-formal education takes place in many ways, but it is most apparent when students are on field assignments or internships and face tough, reallife challenges. Formal education, with systematic development of concepts and presentation of information, occurs typically in the classroom, or with a tutor, or in the field. In all of these contexts students are encouraged to seek revelation, guidance and inspiration from the Holy Spirit.

The U of N live-learn concept is a community learning experience. It is based on the scriptural principle of a body of believers who are one in spirit and working together as a team toward the same objectives. For this reason, teamwork is emphasized at the U of N. Students are often taught to work in teams, such as medical or counseling teams, production and research teams, or traveling performing arts troupes.
Teamwork implies a sharing of resources, ideas, talents and a commitment to working together in unity. The great variety of course-related activities provides a rich opportunity for relationships to grow among the students and staff.

The University of Nations has adopted a unit-by-unit approach that allows students to focus on one subject during a semester. Unit-by-unit approach teaches learning by providing students with a high intensity focus on each topic. Typically, visiting professors use one week or two weeks in their specialties to get students to concentrate on one subject at a time. One semester lasts for 12 weeks and the lesson-focused lessons prepare students to work effectively in mission trip following the lecture period.

Another advantage of the unit-ny-unit approach is the mobility of students and professors. For example, a student studying communication can take an introductory course in communications and a photo-taking course on a college campus in the University of Nations, and then take a photo-taking internship in a mission trip. Then the student can choose to take video and graphic courses in the University of Nations in other countries. Students will receive not only academic training but also very valuable opportunities to live in diverse cultures. These experiences reveal a broader understanding of the world and how students can apply their gifts and knowledge to the needs of other countries. The mobility of University of Nation students makes it an international network with people from other countries.

Unit-by-unit approach provide different learning strategies, which teach the overall principles of the topic first. Then, specific knowledge is provided as needed to provide practical skills in one area. Therefore, the student goes into deeper details as needed. But this must always be in the context of purpose and application. This learning strategy has proven to be a strong motivation for students. Because students associate basic information with the overall purpose of the course they are learning.

Although the approach of unit-by-unit education like  University of Nations is not common, and can be said to relate to other university systems. Comparing this innovative study approach to traditional college programs, one unit course or semester of the University of Nations is equivalent to about 3-4 courses in a subject area of ​​a general university. One week of one course at University of Nations is a credit. So 12 semester or course units are equivalent to 12 credits. One unit course from the University of Nations is equivalent to the 12 credits of the US university system or equivalent to the 16 quarter. The unit system offers a variety of degrees at an associate, bachelor or master level.
We believe that unit-by-unit education is ideally suited to implementing the founding philosophy of the University of Nations.
The unit was designed for the following purposes:

• Each theme “God in the beginning … To be God-centered in the context of “
• Ask God to fill you with joy in learning who God is, what He did, and what He will do through us.
• To integrate biblical truths with academic themes
• To develop natural potential and abilities, and spiritual attitudes to help students respond to God’s call in his life
• So that there is no limit, so that the creative dynamism of the living God can be consistently included in academic programs.
• To be international in scope, perspective, and application

Because of the modular system, students benefit from the knowledge and skills of resident as well as visiting resource teachers whose values are congruent with those of the U of N and YWAM. Resource teachers come for one week or more to teach in their area of expertise. Some hold teaching positions at other colleges or universities while some are authors, pastors, missionaries, scientists or other professionals. Known nationally or internationally for their competency in an area of subject matter, these resource teachers bring richness and diversity to campus life. With the inclusion of resource teachers, the quality of the course is not dependent on one teacher, but on many specialized teachers. In addition, the visiting teachers are available for private consultation in areas of particular interest to individual students.

The U of N’s modular schools are coordinated by school leaders and their staff, who are full-time volunteers with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). The school leaders facilitate the visiting resource teachers, often teach part of the course themselves, and work intensively with school staff to train them to be leaders themselves. They not only bring continuity and integration to the course, but also they strive to bring a high level of unity and interaction among the students. They coordinate extracurricular activities for the students, meet one-on-one with each student, assign and evaluate learning experiences, and are available for consultation outside of class hours.

U of N instructors are resident teachers of a U of N campus or YWAM school. In some cases they live at the location where the course is taught. Others come from various locations around the world, to teach for one to two weeks at a time. Many are internationally recognized teachers who often teach at various U of N locations, other institutions of learning, and at Christian gatherings.

A key characteristic of both U of N courses and U of N staff and leaders is the multi-cultural representation in the students and in the staff and leaders. The U of N not only values every person from every culture as created in the image of God, but also recognizes that each cultural grouping brings to the table unique gifts and expressions of the nature and character of God. Because of this core belief in the value and significance of the contributions from every culture, the U of N strives to not only keep the doors open to all cultures from all nations, but also to seek out and enroll students from every nation. Many courses are bi-lingual.
Evidence of this value being worked out is seen in the reality of the mix of nations and cultures represented in the University of the Nations international.

A key characteristic of both U of N courses and U of N staff and leaders is the multi-cultural representation in the students and in the staff and leaders. The U of N not only values every person from every culture as created in the image of God, but also recognizes that each cultural grouping brings to the table unique gifts and expressions of the nature and character of God. Because of this core belief in the value and significance of the contributions from every culture, the U of N strives to not only keep the doors open to all cultures from all nations, but also to seek out and enroll students from every nation. Many courses are bi-lingual.
Evidence of this value being worked out is seen in the reality of the mix of nations and cultures represented in the University of the Nations international.

As a “multiplier for missions” each U of N course, seminar and field assignment is intentionally designed to increase workers, resources, and ministries for the mission field.
One of the University’s distinctives is the close link between classroom training and on-the-field practical application.
This university both equips for and does missions in the context of the training programmes. Any student who receives a degree from the University of the Nations will have already participated in numerous mission endeavors. Taking seriously the teaching component of the Great Commission, we seek to train teachers who will go to the nations through the various spheres or domains of society represented by the colleges/faculties (Education, Health Care, Science and Technology, etc.) Learning the skills in these professions in the context of a biblical worldview becomes the means to the end of teaching the nations, applying biblical principles to all areas of life from economics and education to church life and conduct.