Global Mission Fellows International Track

ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES OF INJUSTICE IN COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE

Global Mission Fellow, Honest Baraya, from Nigeria, with farmers in Kinkunki, DRC. Baraya works with Kamisamba Farm, Kamina (North Katanga Area) and helped the farmers in this nearby town to increase their crop yields.

Photo: Courtesy of Honest Baraya and Kamisamba Farm

The Global Mission Fellows – International track is a two-year program for young adults (ages 20-30) serving in placement sites outside of their home country. In this new context, they serve in a variety of roles based on their skills and the needs of the placement site. Engaging with global social issues like migration, health access and education, to name a few, changes fellows’ perspectives and prepares them to serve more effectively wherever their journey takes them next. Please note: fellows will not be placed in the U.S.

International Track Timeline

Applicant Requirements

Global Mission Fellows – International track applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Young adults between the ages of 20 to 30 in the year that service begins
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
  • Able to communicate in English at a conversational proficiency level
  • Have a valid, unexpired passport
  • Committed to two years of service
  • Willing to live and serve in solidarity with others
  • Dedicated to addressing the root causes of injustice
  • Called to put their Christian faith into action

Where Do International Track Fellows Serve?

GMFs serving in the International track serve outside of their home country, with partnering organizations in: 

  • Central and South America
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • Asia

How Do International Track Fellows Serve?

GMFs serving in the International track have specialized roles based on the needs of their host community and placement site. Fellows seek to combat injustice by working with partners who address issues such as:

  • Migration
  • Food sustainability/agriculture
  • Education
  • Worker’s rights
  • Health access
  • Housing security
  • Children/youth engagement

Ready to Apply?

Follow each step to prepare your application.

Step 1: Discover

Learn more about the Global Mission Fellows program by reading the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the main GMF webpage.

Begin an intentional discernment process using the GMF discernment guide to learn how you might be called to participate in God’s mission as a GMF.

Use the application checklist to collect, prepare and keep track of the materials needed to complete the application.

Access the online application for the International Track.

APPLY NOW

If you have technical issues with or questions about the application, please email missionaryinfo@umcmission.org.

Still have questions?

Join us to speak with a program advocate.

October 28, 2025 at 12 noon Eastern (New York) Time
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/9rbtuxGvQJuRa-4bVVtcmw

November 21, 2025 at 8 am Eastern (New York) Time
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/pVHXbgxvRCiQI3pJbzh9cA

December 9, 2025 at 7pm Eastern (New York) Time
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/yoztv8BYQ1yF68jYC580FA

All sessions will cover the same material, so participants are invited to select the one that best fits their schedule.

Discover Global Mission Fellows Resources

Learn more about the GMF program. Share these resources with your church or on social media.

Global Mission Fellows: What You Should Know

Information on becoming a Global Mission Fellow (GMF) including requirements, benefits, service opportunities, next steps, and important dates.

Global Mission Fellows: What Questions Will Define Your Future?

Promotional video that answers common questions for those applying to become a Global Mission Fellow (GMF).

Want to Become a GMF Placement Site?

Are you interested in hosting International track Global Mission Fellows? Review placement site requirements and start an application.