FAQs

Discover more about internships

 

General internship information

How long has Servant Partners had an internship?
In 1995, Servant Partners started the Internship Program in the Los Angeles area (Pomona, Northwest Pasadena, Lincoln Heights) and Manila, Philippines. As the ministry expanded, intern teams were sent to 2 other neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and Jefferson Park. From 2003-2009, interns lived and learned together in South Los Angeles, Northwest Pasadena and Pomona. In 2009, the internship expanded to include sites in the San Francisco Bay Area.

How old are most interns?
Interns are primarily young adults, early twenties to early thirties.

How many interns are at each site?
The exact number of interns will depend on the site. The class size has ranged from nine to eighteen per site.

How long is the internship?
Our internship runs for 22 months—from August or September of the starting year until June of the ending year.

How much does it cost?
The cost of the internship is $4,000, which covers orientation, the overseas trip, books and training materials, activities, four weekend prayer retreats and administration of the internship. Interns are responsible for daily living expenses by working part or full time.

Any suggestions on how to raise the $4000?
Interns usually contact friends and family in order to raise the needed support for this internship. There are also some internship brochures and other materials available by request.

Application and discernment process

How do I apply for the internship?
You can download the application from our website. Applications are submitted electronically as well as mailed.

Download application (word doc)

Download application (PDF)

 

When are applications due?
For our regular admission process, applications are due: February 15th, 2013

Who is a good candidate for the internship?
We look for interns who are serious about four things: 1) Willingness to live and serve in an urban poor context for two years, 2) Willingness to make the internship the top priority, 3) Openness to a call to minister among the urban poor overseas after the internship, and 4) Openness to church planting after the internship. Applicants must be committed to an adult learning style (e.g. finding a job and an apartment, budgeting, being on time, etc.), and ready to take great initiative and responsibility for their own learning process and growth.

What happens after I apply?
After processing applications, the staff will issue invitations to our Interview Weekend. These interviews will be held in San Jose, California, from March 1-3rd, 2013. All applicants are required to attend.

When will I know if I’ve been accepted?
Two weeks after Interview Weekend.

What if I’m not accepted?
We are glad to be a part of your discernment process and welcome conversation about this.

How do I let you know my decision?
Once you receive our decision, you’ll have a short time to consider for yourself and respond to us via phone or email.

Being an intern

Is there an orientation or training time before the internship begins?
There is an orientation in the States as well as an international immersion trip at the beginning of the internship experience.

Can I have a job while in the internship?
Interns are responsible for daily living expenses by working part or full time.

What about church attendance?
Given the immersive nature of the internship, we ask that you come in with no prior commitments including church. There will be opportunity during the internship to connect with a local church.

How often will I meet with other interns?
Interns usually meet two evenings a week for three hours each. These meetings mainly involve scripture study, book reading/discussion, workshops (e.g. race and culture, poverty, dating, etc.), gifts assessments, and leadership development. Also, interns usually live together.

Are there staff members who work with interns?
Yes. There are local Servant Partners staff members at each site who facilitate learning and ministry opportunities.

How exactly will I spend my time as an intern?
Outside of bi-weekly meetings, interns also receive local ministry assignments, practice spiritual disciplines (e.g. Sabbath, prayer, silence and solitude), engage in peer accountability, and receive regular mentoring. The internship experience is designed to help interns grow in their connection with God, each other and with the poor. It is a powerful, life-changing two-year experience for maturing in your faith and discerning next steps in serving the poor.

How much free time will I have?
Likely much of your time as an intern will be spent at work, with neighbors and with your housemates and teammates. There are longer breaks periodically throughout the two years and often a free day during the weekend.

Are there books or other resources that will help prepare me for the internship?
To become better acquainted with Servant Partners as an organization, feel free to download Servant Partners, an introduction or check out the website for more information on our 8 signs of transformation.

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