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| Do
I Qualify? |
Top
of Page |
| Yes,
if you have been a member of the Seventh-day Adventist
Church for at least one year, and you are at least eighteen
years of age and clear the screening process of your
home division. |
| |
| What
Skills Do I Need? |
Top
of Page |
| Most
openings require individuals with specific qualifications
both because of the expertise needed and immigration requirements.
However, some positions allow for limited qualifications.
Please check the listings in the country of your choice
for the required qualifications. |
| |
| How
Much Will It Cost? |
Top
of Page |
| Each
requesting institution has a different financial status
so their financial plans vary. Usually housing,
a monthly stipend, and the insurance premiums, deductibles
(volunteer's share of medical expenses) and copays are
provided. But some places cannot afford even a stipend.
Volunteers
often pay for airfares, airport taxes, expenses in route,
excess weight charges, plus pre-embarkation costs such
as health evaluations/exams, immunizations, passport
and
visa documents, telephone costs, personal taxes in home
country and in country of service, and deferred educational
loans. Check each listing on the website to see what
assistance is being offered. |
| |
| Do
I Need a Health Exam? |
Top
of Page |
| Yes!
You should be in good health and will need to visit a
physician with a prescribed list of checks to secure
your health clearance. |
| |
| What
About Insurance? |
|
| International
volunteers approved by the General Conference Appointees
Committee are covered by the "Accident and Sickness
Protection for Volunteers" insurance policy for
the period of service. Coverage includes accident and
sickness (pre-existing conditions are not covered) with
death
coverage and
repatriation,
personal effects floater policy for $3,000 and worker's
compensation coverage.
An insurance ID card should be provided to you by your
home division prior to departure. The Home Division
Volunteer Coordinator is responsible to enroll volunteers
effective the day of departure. Click here for more information. |
| |
| Do
I Need a Visa? |
|
| Every
country has specific requirements for citizens from all
countries. Check the position listings for requirements
and counsel with your division volunteer coordinator. |
| |
| May
I Purchase My Own Ticket? |
|
| Your
division office offers a service and counsel which you
may not find elsewhere. But if you do purchase your ticket
elsewhere, you are required to fax or email a copy of
your complete itinerary to your Division Volunteer Coordinator
for insurance purposes. Do so at least 72 hours before
your departure. |
| |
| Do
You Provide Orientation? |
|
| Yes,
through a short self-study course entitled "Passport
to Mission" available from your local or division
volunteer coordinator, or from the Institute of World Mission at Andrews University for
minimal cost. A six-hour video accompanies the book and
study sheets but is not required. Besides English, the book is now available in Spanish, Korean, French and Portuguese. We also urge you to
obtain literature from your local library or the internet
regarding "your" country and its culture, economy,
climate, etc. |
| |
| So,
How Do I Get Started? |
|
- Explore the website (see Positions) to see what's available. Note the accommodations, visa requirements, financial responsibilities and qualifications for each assignment. Choose three positions of interest.
- Fill in the application forms (see How to Apply > Application Forms) and submit them to your local or division volunteer coordinator
- Make an appointment to see your doctor or a medical professional.
- Send Reference forms to three individuals (your pastor and two professional - school or work).
- Begin raising money.
- Don't resign from your job until your assignment has been confirmed by your Division AVS Director/Coordinator.
- After GC approval of your assignment, work with your division volunteer coordinator regarding your visa and travel arrangements. Communicate with your assignment supervisor to learn all you can about your specific position and the institution.
- Study all you can about your adopted country and complete the Passport to Mission course.
- Collect materials for your job assignment, such as textbooks, evangelism tools, literature, etc.
- Continue to raise funds.
- Finalize your responsibilities at home - pay debts, complete assignments, change of address notifications, etc.
- Above all, pray. Pray for guidance and wisdom. Study God's word. Know why you are a Seventh-day Adventist and want to serve God in an international assignment.
|
| |
| Why Go Through The Adventist Volunteer Service? |
|
| a. |
You are identified as part of the official program of the worldwide Church; |
| b. |
You qualify for GC insurance; |
| c. |
You have the total structure of the Church to appeal to for assistance in the event of sickness, trouble with a supervisor, an institutions failure to honor an agreement, etc.
while in the field working for AVS. |
| d. |
We provide training to prepare volunteers for the task and culture; |
| e. |
Volunteer service with the Church can lead to lifetime employment, even full-time missionary service; |
| f. |
You establish a record of service with the Church which makes it easier to serve elsewhere; |
| g. |
We offer a "mediation and conciliation process" for resolution of difficulties that no other organization offers; |
| h. |
We strive to match you with the task that best meets your gifts, qualifications, and calling. |
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