Volunteer Intern FAQ Details
Do I have to be a Christian to intern or volunteer with World Relief?
World Relief is both an equal opportunity employer and a faith-based religious organization. This means that we conduct hiring without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, parental status, membership in any labor organization, political ideology, or disability of an otherwise qualified individual. The status of World Relief as an equal opportunity employer does not prevent the organization from hiring candidates based on their religious beliefs so that all staff share the same religious commitment.
Pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Section 702 (42 U.S.C. 2000e 1(a), World Relief has the right to hire only candidates who agree with World Relief’s Statement of Faith.
Are the positions paid or unpaid?
All internships and volunteer opportunities at World Relief are unpaid and self-supported. No compensation, stipends or financial benefits are provided.
What are the application requirements?
Interns are required to submit an online application, cover letter, resume, pass a Criminal Background Check and pass a Motor Vehicle Records Check, depending on the nature of the position.
Volunteers are required to submit an application, pass a Criminal Background Check and pass a Motor Vehicle Records Check, depending on the nature of the position.
Both interns and volunteers are required to acknowledge World Relief’s mission, vision, and values.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No. However, if you are applying for a U.S. based position, you must already have legal authorization to live in the U.S. World Relief cannot offer visa assistance for individuals coming to the U.S., and cannot accept undocumented interns or volunteers.
What is the difference between interns and volunteer?
An intern is typically an undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing an opportunity for academic credit, or a recent graduate seeking professional experience. A volunteer can be anybody from a student to a retiree, there is no age limit.
If you see an international volunteer position that interests you but need it to be reclassified as an internship (or vice versa), please contact us at (443) 451-1900.
Can I get academic credit for my internship?
Yes! World Relief is happy to work with colleges and universities to help students fulfill the requirements necessary to receive academic credit. It is your responsibility to determine what your school’s requirements for internships are and to share those with us if you want credit.
How long do the internships and volunteer positions last?
For U.S. based positions, a typical internship lasts for the duration of one semester (three months). The length of volunteer positions vary.
For international positions, an internship or volunteer position lasts between three and 12 months. There are exceptions, but in general, a minimum commitment of three months is necessary to properly train interns/volunteers, and to invest in the relationship between our organization and the individual.
For more information, please refer to the specific position description that interests you or contact us at (443) 451-1900.
When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
Following the application deadline, your information will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager, who will decide if they would like to offer you an interview. After all of the interviews have taken place, you can expect to receive a response within two weeks. Because the process is dependent upon the coordination of several offices, it could occasionally take longer.
What positions will be available next semester? Next year?
Unfortunately it is impossible to know what our future intern and volunteer needs will be. New opportunities are posted on our website and our Facebook page each semester. Please check back regularly for updates.
What is the average cost of an international internship or volunteer position?
The cost of each international assignment is developed on a case-by-case basis, depending on where you will be serving, the length of service, the current exchange rate etc. World Relief will work with you to draft a budget prior to your departure. If you have a specific position in mind and would like an estimate, please contact us at (443) 451-1900.
How do I raise funds for my international trip and expenses?
The Ambassador Program is a fundraising program that allows international interns and volunteers to raise tax-deductible financial support through World Relief. Individuals participating in the Ambassador Program are still responsible for raising the funds to support their position. The best candidates for the Ambassador Program are international interns and volunteers who expect to receive regular funding from their churches, friends or universities to help pay for expenses. To learn more about the Ambassador Program, click here.
Who will organize the logistics of my international assignment?
Once accepted, World Relief will work with you to coordinate the logistics of your trip including flights, visas, living arrangements, etc. Again, all expenses are the responsibility of the intern/volunteer.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact us at (443) 451-1900.