FAQ: Become a Fellow

The International Track is available to passport holders from any country. The US-2 Track has offered service for United States residents, DACA holders, and anyone who has a valid work authorization** in the United States. IMPORTANT: Global Ministries is in a season of reenvisioning the best way for young adults to serve in solidarity in the US. During this season, we will not start a new class in the US-2 Track. **NOTE: Global Ministries does not sponsor United States work authorization for fellows.

A timeline can be found on our website.

Applicants from other Christian denominations are welcome to apply. However, all fellows must agree to abide by Methodist values during service and will be commissioned as a missionary of The UMC.

We encourage our fellows to engage and connect with their local communities; therefore, our fellows are asked not to work for pay outside of their placement or to take classes for credit.

Our team is highly skilled at matching applicants with placements that best suit their skills and interests. We use what an applicant shares about their interests and skills and work with each person to find the best placement.

If you are applying for the International Track, an unexpired passport is required and fellows are responsible for all costs related to getting a passport. If you are invited to the program, the process of applying for visas is handled primarily by the fellow with assistance from Global Ministries staff and partners. Fellows are expected to research the specific procedures for their destination country by visiting the websites or contacting the nearest consular office to inquire about the timeline and details. If you have more questions about the passport requirement, contact us.

Simple living is an act of solidarity and humility. As learners and co-laborers, fellows commit to having the same standard of living as that of their local partners. Simple living means that the daily needs of the fellows are covered, but they will have the opportunity to experience systems of injustice in the same way as the community. We consider many different factors in the calculation of the stipends, taking cost of living, safety and transportation options into consideration for each placement. Need more details about the privilege of simple living? Contact us and our staff will reach out to answer your questions.

We are always cultivating new placement sites based on requests from our partners. Some previous positions were youth advocate, children education assistant, outreach coordinator, legal clinic coordinator, refugee work manager, agriculturalist and much more! Follow us on social media to hear about creative ways that fellows are serving right now!

Explore how fellows are putting their faith into action.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Vimeo

A workweek of a fellow can be up to 35-45 hours. This includes time spent at the placement site, as well as mentorship, community building, continuing education and other activities that support their work.

A primary goal of the program is to be present among the community where the fellow is serving and live within the means of those around them. Because access to travel is a privilege, travel home is not common for fellows and is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, fellows are allowed visitors, but this is contingent upon receiving approval.

Yes, we accept married couples. We ask each individual to submit a completed application and to be sure that they indicate their relationship. Each applicant is accepted or denied based on their own merits.

• If both individuals are accepted, they will be assigned to the same regional area. 
• If only one gets accepted, the spouse can join the fellow at their placement site, providing they are able to cover all travel and living expenses during the time the fellow is in service.  

IMPORTANT: Global Ministries will not cover any of the costs for the relocation, travel, and living expenses of the spouse if s/he is not a fellow. The living stipend is designed to support only the financial needs of the fellow.

We expect those who enter the program to make the full 24-month commitment. In the case of an unexpected termination, requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Increasingly, fellows are placed in areas where there may be another fellow in the same town or region, but every placement context is unique.

If applying for the International Track, fellows will relocate to a different country from their home context. For example, if you are from Brazil, you will not be able to serve in Brazil.

Children or dependents are NOT permitted to accompany fellows during service. Fellows must ensure that adequate arrangements have been made for their care and support during the service term.
NOTE: The living stipend is designed to support only the personal living expenses of the fellow and does not provide extra to support other family members. For more information, email missionaryinfo@umcmission.org.

Yes, fellows receive a monthly stipend to cover their personal expenses. Stipends vary, depending on the country where the fellow serves.

During service, fellows are provided with:

• Competitive medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage
• Powerful and practical training events
• Relocation costs to and from the placement site
• Cohort events and continuing education
• Paid vacation and end of service award
• Dynamic local and regional mentoring and support

Yes, fellows live out the core value to connect the church in mission by fundraising for the program. Training in fundraising and networking skills are provided throughout a fellow’s time of service.