International Volunteers

In an attempt to keep an accurate list of international volunteers who have gone out from Union College, we have compiled a list of everyone we know who has served overseas during their Union experience. If you find a mistake or omission please contact Pastor Rich.

Former International Volunteers	Former Task Force Workers
2000-Present 1990-1999 1980-1989 1970-1979 1965-1969	2000-Present

1. Pray, pray, pray: this is a God-led thing, NOT an optional year out of school or just a chance to see the world. There are many “perks” with this opportunity, but first you and God must be convinced that it is FIRST about Him and His use of your life for a year. A process of applying is in place to assist you in seeing if this is a good option for you.
   
   
2. Come to Campus Ministries and talk to Kylie, Desiree, or Pastor Rich if you have any questions. We have recently switched from a paperwork system to this online process, but that doesn’t mean we can’t answer your questions.
   
   
3. Pray.
   
   
4. PRE-APPLICATION: Before moving forward in the process it is extremely important that you fill out this short application so that we will know how to stay in contact with you, and also a little bit about who you are. Once you have filled out this PDF form, email it to uc [dot] missions [at] gmail [dot] com. After receiving this application, we will call you and find a time to meet with you briefly just to answer any questions and get a feel of where you are in the process. At this time you will also receive a short checklist which can be completed at any time throughout Step 6 and returned to Campus Ministries.
   
   
5. Pray.
   
   
6. ONLINE APPLICATION: Go to www.hesaidgo.net and begin the online application if your missions call is through the GC. (If you are going through another organization, check to see if they have a similar application.) It is found by clicking on the Long Term missions tab, then the Required Downloads options, and then scrolling down to “First Time Volunteers”. The application is number one under this list. (Don’t worry about the other steps on this list – all of the links are listed here on this website.)
   
   A. RESUME: Work with the Career Center if you are not sure how to create an appropriate resume. Be sure to include personal details, education, work experience, aims in life, and references.
   
   B. Three Reference Forms: These will need to be turned in to Campus Ministries.
   
   C. Interview Forms: Interview two returned student missionaries and turn in the completed forms to Campus Ministries.
   
   D. Dating Policy
   
   E. Financial Agreement
   
   
7. Pray.
   
   
8. Once you have completed each of the parts of Step 6 and emailed them to uc [dot] missions [at] gmail [dot] com, your name will be presented to Deans’ Council.
   
   
9. Pray.
   
   
10. After Deans’ Council, a screening committee of your peers and faculty/staff who are former missionaries will visit with you. This will be arranged by the missions directors.
    
    
11. Pray.
    
    
12. Following the screening, if successful, you will need to fill out the final forms. As before, these will be emailed to the missions email address at uc [dot] missions [at] gmail [dot] com.
    
    A. Health Certificate
    
    B. Beneficiary Forms
    
    C. Release of Liability or Release of Liability (Self Funded)
    
    D. Declaration (Sign after reading the documents below)
        1. Conflict of Interest and Commitment
        2. Statement of Ethics
    
    
13. Once we have received all of your forms via email, and have received the three reference forms, we will submit them all to the North American Division Center for Volunteerism.
    
    
14. Pray.
    
    
15. Once the General Conference approves your call you will be notified and they will have a few more forms for you to fill out.
    
    
16. Pray.
    
    
17. Get your passport, visa, shots, camera, luggage, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
    
    
18. Continue to pray every day that God will use you in a mighty way to serve Him!

FAQ's about the Student Mission Program at Union College

Who can be a Student Missionary?

• Must be baptized (this applies to all calls through the General Conference)
• You must be a mature adult, able to handle responsibility and be adaptable, flexible, and open-minded.
• You must past screening with the Student Missions Committee, and also Dean’s Council.
• It is important that you have a growing, stable relationship with God. Keep in mind that we know that no person is perfect in their walk with Christ.

Do I get to choose my location?

• Yes, you have the option to choose from hundreds of SM positions that are available.

What kinds of opportunities are available?

• Teaching
• Serving in an orphanage
• Church planting
• Women’s or men’s dean
• Construction worker
• Youth chaplain or youth pastor
• Medical missions
• Lay evangelism
• Many more…

Can I be a Student Missionary in the United States or Canada?

• Yes, there are opportunities right here at home. They are referred to as “task force” workers. The application process is the same, but there is no fundraising for TF positions.

How do I find the locations for missions opportunities?

• Listed below are several websites that post mission opportunities. Due to liability issues and concern for your well-being, your mission location must meet our specific guidelines. If not listed below, please contact us to see if it will qualify:
  • GC Volunteer Site: www.hesaidgo.net
  • Adventist Frontier Missions: www.afmonline.org
  • Outpost Centers International: www.outpostcenters.org
  • Reach International: www.tagnet.org/reach

What do I do when I find a place I want to serve?

• Pray
• Go to the application process link and follow those instructions.

How much does it cost to be a Student Missionary?

• Each student missionary is required to raise $3,200 if their call is through the GC. Other organizations, like AFM, are more expensive. We can give you more specific details in Campus Ministries.

What kind of training is involved with potential SMs and TFs?

• Yes, every SM is required to go through orientation. There are two options for completing this. 1.) Union offers an SM Orientation class second semester or 2.) Online course through www.hesaidgo.net.

What if I have loans that need to be deferred?

• If you go through our screening process and are accepted as a Union College volunteer, you will receive academic credit which keeps your loans deferred while you are gone.

What about Health Insurance?

• Secondary insurance is provided by the calling organization or purchased through the General Conference by the volunteer.

More questions? Come see Heidi Lee, Kylie Schnell, or Rich Carlson in Campus Ministries or e-mail us at uc [dot] missions [at] gmail [dot] com.