Frequently Asked Questions
Calls/Positions Available
How can I find out about available calls?
All the missions opportunities we offer
here at La Sierra University can be found on the Missions
Opportunity Page
here. If you are interested in available
regular term or year long call, please browse through the
General Conference’s website (www.adventistvolunteers.org). When
checking this website, please pay special attention to
the dates each position will be available.
I want to serve as a student missionary, but I
can’t give up an entire year. Are there any summer
calls available?
Yes! Missions at La Sierra
University has been working hard to find summer
calls. Currently, there are medical missionary
oppertunities as well as evangelistic and orphanage
missions available.
Click here for for more information about available
Summer trips.
Do I have to leave the US?
No. Although overseas missions
calls seem to receive more emphasis, there is still a
great need for student missionaries within the United
States. Taskforce is a volunteer program that
recruits college students. For more information
about Taskforce click here.
I’m an international student. Can I become
a student missionary?
We encourage our international students
to get involved! Everyone should have an
opportunity to serve God with their talents. If you
are planning to serve overseas, check first with your
desired country of service about entry and citizenship
requirements. Also, it is important to check with
your own country to see if your student visa will be
jeopardized by serving in a different country.
If you are unable to leave the country, don’t be
discouraged! You can still be involved in some of
our week-long and summer positions. See our
Missions Opportunity Page for more information
here.
I’m less than 18 years old. Can I get
involved?
Although participants in summer and
year-long mission terms must be 18 years or older, we
allow minors that have parental/guardian
permission to participate in some of our
week-long mission trips, such as Katrina Relief.
For more information about the week-long mission trip
opportunities
click here.
I’m not a Seventh-day Adventist. What
options are available to me?
Missions at La Sierra University is proud
to offer you three opportunities! You can opt to get
involved in one of our week-long mission trips (for more
information
click here). If you are interested in
participating for a longer amount of time, Reach
International offers both summer and year-long
opportunities; click
here to visit their website.
Are there any mission trip opportunities coming
up soon?
The Missions’ staff is excited about the increasing
number of mission trips that we are organizing! See
our calendar of events for an upcoming trip
here or click
here for a description of the mission opportunities.
I am not a La Sierra University student. Can I
get involved in missions?
Definitely! We welcome community involvement in
missions. There are a variety of week-long and
summer mission trips that are open to you. If you
are interested in serving in a year-long position, you
must apply to La Sierra University as well as the
Missions department.
Click here to view these missions opportunities.
Link to Missions Application
Link to La Sierra University Application packet is
available on the
Prospective Missionary Page.
Are there only teaching positions
available? What other positions are offered?
Although teaching calls make up a
majority of the year-long mission opportunities, there
are a variety of positions that you can fill. Right
now available positions include assistant academy deans,
maintenance workers, orphanage workers, publications’
editors, personal tutors, and youth pastors.
Can I create or extend a call?
Currently, Missions does not encourage
students to create their own mission call. This is
to protect you from unnecessary physical, emotional, and
spiritual harm. However, you may feel impressed to
extend certain calls beyond the time you have agreed to
serve…
Is there training beforehand?
Each mission opportunity is unique, and
many positions provide some training for volunteers once
you arrive. The General Conference of Seventh-Day
Adventists also requires Passport for Missions,
a preparatory course for student missionaries before they
begin volunteering.
Missions at La Sierra University strives
to further prepare students involved in summer or
year-long service by providing a Nuts ‘n Bolts class, a
workshop taught by former student missionaries about
specific issues that students may face in the mission
field.
Are there days off or do I have to work around
the clock?
Volunteers should and will have regular
time off from their duties to pursue their own interests
and rejuvenate. However, all General Conference
standards of conduct and behavior apply to the volunteer
at all times, even off duty.
Do La Sierra University’s standards apply when
I’m abroad?
Yes! La Sierra University uses the
same guidelines that the General Conference of
Seventh-Day Adventists requires of its volunteers.
Before being voted into a position, all volunteers are
required to sign an agreement to conduct themselves
according these guidelines.
Students wishing to participate in the year-long Taskforce or International Missions Program of La Sierra University will be required to take two six-unit preparatory courses prior to their term of service or, with permission of the Missions Director, satisfactorily complete the Passport to Missions course offered by the General Conference.
Missionaries wishing to defer their student loans will take the two six-unit classes, a six-unit Education course in the Fall Quarter and a six-unit Religion course in the Spring Quarter of service.
Be sure to read the Expenses/Finances section below for more information.
The most standard and universal way to communicate with your family and friends back home is by snail mail. However, many of the sites open to students are now equipped with telephones, phone cards, fax, and email. Missions encourages you to contact your desired site for specific details about the communication options available to you.
Will my loved ones be able to contact me?
Yes! There are a variety of ways they can get in touch with you: via telephone, snail mail, or email. Missions encourages them to contact your volunteer site for specific details about the communication options available to you.
If your friends and family in America are trying to contact you by telephone, it may get expensive to call directly. Use a phone card! The phone card minutes vary from country to country and differ between brands, so your loved ones should try out different phone cards to find one that allows you both to talk for the maximum amount of time.<
All pre-applications are due by the end of the Winter Quarter, no exceptions. This is to ensure that you have enough to time to go through the Screening Committee and enroll in Missions’ preparatory classes by Spring Quarter.
Is there a signup deadline for the week-long mission trips?
Yes! Please check the calendar for the specific deadline dates. There are also deadlines for trip deposits, so be sure to keep track of these.
All approved volunteers are insured through the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and treatment costs are covered by the GC’s insurance. It is up to the volunteer to indicate on the insurance forms which conditions he/she wants the General Conference to cover (e.g. scuba diving).
Many of the sites have basic medical treatment facilities nearby. However, volunteers that develop serious medical conditions will either be evacuated to a more comprehensive medical facility as soon as possible or may have to return home until they recover.
What immunizations will I need to get?
Each country differs in common ailments and diseases, and the immunization requirements differ. All volunteers, regardless of destination or length of trip, should be up to date with tetanus booster, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and MMR immunizations. You should check the US government’s website for the specific immunizations you will need. (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx).
Some of the immunizations are not available at my doctor’s office. Where can I go to get less common immunizations?
Most immunizations you will need can be obtained at a travel clinic. Click here to find the travel clinic nearest you.
Each volunteer is required to raise $2500 for the Student Missions Fund. This covers the cost of transportation for each volunteer and ensures that changes in plane ticket prices can be accounted for.
How much do the shorter mission trips cost?
This amount varies, but the cost includes transportation, insurance, supplies, and food. A deposit of $ is usually required.
Are there any hidden expenses?
Yes. Volunteers are expected to also pay for immunizations, a missions processing fee (fee includes medical clearance and packages), visa processing, passport photos, buying country-specific supplies, and in some cases, missions deferment courses.
How will I pay for food and other necessities while I’m serving?
Each summer and year-long volunteer will be provided with a monthly or bi-weekly stipend once they arrive at their destination of service. The stipend should be used to purchase food and necessities.
How can I defer my loans while I’m away?
Students wishing to participate in the year-long Taskforce or International Missions Program of La Sierra University will be required to take two six-unit preparatory courses prior to their term of service or, with permission of the Missions Director, satisfactorily complete the Passport to Missions course offered by the General Conference.
Missionaries wishing to defer their student loans will take the two six-unit classes, a six-unit Education course in the Fall Quarter and a six-unit Religion course in the Spring Quarter of service. The break-down is as follows:
Fall Quarter of Service:
EDCI 409 Teaching Student Missionary Fieldwork (3 units)
Spring Quarter of Service:
RLGN 306F Field Experience in Cross-cultural Service (2 units)
Final approval for loan deferment and financial arrangements will be made with the missionary and Student Financial Services prior to enrollment in the class.
Is it possible to receive a tax break for contributing to Missions?Yes! Please contact us for a postage paid envelope and a donor information postcard. All checks must be made payable to La Sierra University.
Yes. Most, if not all sites, will have housing available for their volunteers.
Will I be living on the mission compound?
Maybe. Depending on what type of position you are filling and the position site, you may be living in an apartment adjacent to or on the mission compound. However, some sites that do not have living quarters on the compound will provide housing and transportation for the volunteers.
Will I have roommates?
Most likely. Most sites provide apartments or houses for their volunteers that will be shared with a few others. In a few cases, you may be living with a host family.
What food arrangements do I have to make?
Each summer and year-long volunteer will be provided with a monthly or bi-weekly stipend once they arrive at their destination of service. The stipend should be used to purchase food and other necessities.
What happens if I get sick?
All approved volunteers are insured through the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and treatment costs are covered by the GC’s insurance. It is up to the volunteer to indicate on the insurance forms which conditions he/she wants the General Conference to cover (e.g. scuba diving).
Many of the sites have basic medical treatment facilities nearby. However, volunteers that develop serious medical conditions will either be evacuated to a more comprehensive medical facility as soon as possible or may have to return home until they recover.
Yes!! Search ADRA here, Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM) here, and adventistvolunteers.org for more information on family-friendly positions that are now available.
What if I have children? Are there accommodations for my family?
Yes! This may limit some of the positions that are available to you, but families are also welcomed to volunteer. Search ADRA here, Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM) here, and adventistvolunteers.org for more information on family-friendly positions that are now available.
There are virtually endless ways to raise money for the SM fund! You can ask for donations from your local church, ask friends and family for contributions, you can use money from a part time job, start a car wash, and much more!
Is it possible to receive a tax break for contributing to Missions?
Yes, please contact us for a postage paid envelope and a donor information postcard. All checks must be made payable to La Sierra University.
Missions needs your help! One of our office goals is to reunite and connect all returned student missions. You can help out with support of the current missionaries, or being a part of our missions programs. We also have regular potlucks so that you can meet and greet other SM friends! Please contact our office at (951) 785-2090, option 3 or email us at missions@lasierra.edu.
I want to support a student missionary who is currently serving. Where can I start?
Prayer is essential for keeping student missionaries connected with God. Also, communication with people back home is a key component in supporting student missionaries. Every letter, email, and card will be greatly appreciated! If you’re feeling adventurous, find out what the student missionary’s favorite snacks and hobbies are and send them a care package!
All approved volunteers are insured through the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and treatment costs are covered by the GC’s insurance. It is up to the volunteer to indicate on the insurance forms which conditions he/she wants the General Conference to cover (e.g. scuba diving).
Many of the sites have basic medical treatment facilities nearby. However, volunteers that develop serious medical conditions will either be evacuated to a more comprehensive medical facility as soon as possible or may have to return home until they recover.
Are there special insurance forms for minors?
All minors need to fill out a Medical History form and an Medical Treatment Authorization form and have each formed signed by a parent.
I have a medical condition. Am I able to serve?
It depends, stop by the missions office or send us an email with more information and we will let you know what is available.
Will I have insurance coverage while I’m away?
All approved volunteers are insured through the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists, and treatment costs are covered by the GC’s insurance. It is up to the volunteer to indicate on the insurance forms which conditions he/she wants the General Conference to cover (e.g. scuba diving).
Yes! It is better to visit the student missionary during his/her vacation time to spend more quality time together and to prevent the student missionary from being too distracted from his/her duties.
Students wishing to participate in the year-long Taskforce or International Missions Program of La Sierra University will be required to take two six-unit preparatory courses prior to their term of service or, with permission of the Missions Director, satisfactorily complete the Passport to Missions course offered by the General Conference.
Missionaries wishing to defer their student loans will take the two six-unit classes, a six-unit Education course in the Fall Quarter and a six-unit Religion course in the Spring Quarter of service. See Expenses/Finance section above for more information about loan deferment.
Is there training beforehand?
Each mission opportunity is unique, and many positions provide some training for volunteers once you arrive. The General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists also requires Passport for Missions, a preparatory course for student missionaries before they begin volunteering.
Missions at La Sierra University strives to further prepare students involved in summer or year-long service by providing a Nuts ‘n Bolts class, a workshop taught by former student missionaries about specific issues that students may face in the mission field.
Volunteers that are applying for a year-long position must meet the following criteria. He/she must be at least 18 years old, should have completed one year of college by the expected time of service, have a college GPA of 2.5 or above, be a baptized member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, cannot be on citizenship probation, have a willing attitude, be responsible, and above all have a commitment to God.
Are there any passport/visa requirements?
US citizens traveling throughout the US, Canada and Mexico need government issued identification, such as a driver’s license or a state issued ID card. Any mission trip that takes you outside of North America will require you to have a current passport. Visa requirements vary according to country. For more information, click here (insert link to US State Dept.).
If you are an international student and you are planning to leave the United States, check first with your desired country of service about entry and citizenship requirements. Also, it is important to check with your own country to see if your student visa will be jeopardized by serving in a different country.
Yes!! You can speak with returned student missionaries about their personal experiences and the pros and cons of volunteering. You can also read books such as Passport to Missions, to get information about the missions experience. We also have websites listed in the Missions Resources box on the Prospective SM page here. You can contact our office (951) 785-2090, option 3 or email us at missions@lasierra.edu.
Service Learning may be available for Short-term Mission trips. Contact lsutrips@lasierra.edu for more information.
What will I have to do to receive credit?
If you are getting involved in a week-long mission trip, you can receive service learning credit. You will have required reading, a pretest, and a reflection paper. Contact Steve Hemingway at (951) 785-2090, option 6 for more details.
Students involved in year-long service can also receive service learning credit. You will have to assemble a portfolio that provides a comprehensive view of your volunteer experience and the personal growth you experience. Some components of the portfolio will include pictures, a description of the position held and your location, and reflection essays. Contact Missions at (951) 785-2090, option 3 for more information.
There are two main types of transportation that will be available to you. Most volunteer sites have some type of private transportation for volunteers’ use which includes cars, trucks, or vans. All countries also have some public transportation (e.g. taxis, buses, trains) and you may opt to make use of these.
Yes. It may be possible to visit neighboring countries during extended breaks, such as Christmas or Spring Break. Permission must be obtained from your local site director and the Missions Director at La Sierra University needs to be kept informed of your proposed travel itinerary. These precautions are to keep you safe during your excursions!
Friends and family may visit you while you are away. However, it is best if they visit during a holiday so that you can spend more quality time together and to keep you from being distracted.
Can I visit a student missionary while he/she is serving?
Yes! It is better to visit the student missionary during his/her vacation time to spend more quality time together and to prevent the student missionary from being too distracted from his/her duties.
