FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When do I start?
Interns are usually deployed during the month of August or September. Where applicable, interns will join us in the fall for our bi-annual International Business Conference. The conference is a great opportunity to gain more in-depth exposure to our work and meet with dynamic businesspeople from around the world that are passionate about "business as missions."
What about funding?
Interns are responsible for obtaining their own support through fundraising efforts. Once accepted as an intern, Partners Worldwide has various fundraising tools and tips to help you get started. We are also happy to write a letter detailing your upcoming trip and responsibilities as you reach out to donors. We ask that 50% of funds be raised prior to departure.
Past interns have successfully raised funds through grants they have found through internet searches, their family, friends, colleagues and school mates. A fundraising toolkit with tips on raising support and sample letter templates is available to accepted candidates.
What does the typical budget look like?
The total costs vary depending on the country location and your personal travel or living lifestyle. Typical fundraising targets range from $13,000 to $17,000. Depending on your destination, plane tickets costs normally fall within the range of $800 and $2,200; sometimes a little less when purchased about two to three months in advance. Our office will provide you with the necessary support on creating a budget. To see a sample budget, click here.
Which countries do interns go to?
We have a limited number of openings each year in Africa, Asia and Latin America, based on the need of our field offices. Some of the countries that have had or expressed an interest in receiving interns in the past have been Malawi, Philippines, Liberia, Cambodia, Uganda, Kenya, Ecuador, and Nicaragua.
Who will I be reporting to?
Partners Worldwide collaborates with the Christian Relief World Relief Committee (CRWRC) in some countries. You will be reporting to a Partners Worldwide PM or an in-country CRWRC person where a PM is not present.
Do I have to keep a blog?
We encourage all volunteers to create and maintain a blog. This is a great way to keep your donors updated on your experiences overseas and reflect personally on your experience as well. If you don’t have experience blogging, please contact us for some resources to get you started. You are also welcome to visit the following sites for sample blogs:
• Greg Matney’s at: http://globalgreg.blogspot.com (2006-2007 Kenya Intern)
• Tyler Lund’s at: http://www.lundline.com (2008-2009 Kenya Intern)
• Jackie Klamer’s at: http://j-klam.blogspot.com (2008-2009 Haiti Intern)
• Dana Doll’s at http://www.whentwoelephantsfight.blogspot.com (2008-2009 ministry partnership Intern in Uganda)
How can I prepare for the trip?
Other helpful sites to prepare you for your trip are:
• Lonelyplanet.com (Resources and info on countries and much more)
• Cdc.gov→ Destinations or Vaccinations (Traveler’s health and required country immunizations)
• Tsa.gov (Latest news in U.S. travel safety and security)
• Dontforgetyourtoothbrush.com (Create your own handy trip prep check-list)
• Tripprep.com (A comprehensive resource with recommended vaccinations, embassy listings and crime advisories for 204 countries. Information is culled from the state departments of the U.S., Canada, Australia and the U.K. Free registration required.)
• Xe.com (One-hundred and eighty currencies from 250 places, updated every minute)
Nothing beats researching and planning when you’re considering a stay in a different country. Any information you can find on the economic/political situation of the country, cultural practices, medical preparedness, etc would be helpful. Where available, language courses will be offered as part of your in-country orientation.