WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL WORLD CHANGERS?

International World Changers (IWC) offers youth and youth groups the opportunity for a hands-on mission experience. The International Mission Board, in cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention, sponsors this ministry.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT REGISTRATION FEE COVER?

Your registration fee covers meals, housing, in-country transportation, insurance, experienced leadership at each project, a T-shirt, pre-project study materials and ministry and construction supplies. The registration fee does NOT cover airfare.

WHO KNOWS THE MOST DETAILS ABOUT OUR IWC PROJECT?

The IWC office will enlist men and women to serve as a Project Coordinator, Ministry Coordinator or Construction Coordinator for each specific project. The project coordinator is responsible for all communication between the missionary and the participating groups. He or she will have all the necessary information regarding housing, available medical care, project safety, local weather, etc. The IWC office will also be available to assist each group.

AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE THE INSURANCE YOU OFFER?

Yes! The International Mission Board requires that all volunteers be covered by a secondary insurance policy. The chosen insurance carrier provides the greatest amount of coverage for the least amount of money of any U.S. insurance company that provides international coverage.

DOES IWC PROVIDE PRE-PROJECT TRAINING?

Yes! All participating groups and individuals are required to complete the pre-project study and a local mission project.

WHAT ARE THE DEADLINES FOR PROJECT REGISTRATION?

Youth groups have until April 1 to register for a particular project.  The deadline for individual registration is also April 1. Projects will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

DOES IWC REQUIRE A DEPOSIT FOR EACH PERSON REGISTERED?

Yes! A deposit of $100 per person is due at the time of registration. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

DO WE GET TO CHOOSE WHICH PROJECT WE WILL GO TO?

Of course! Pray! Hear from God! Then list your top 3 choices on the registration form! Opportunities for individuals may be limited so individual student must contact the IWC office before attempting to register.

IS IWC OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS?

Yes! Some IWC projects are open to individual students. Individual students are required to complete a detailed application, list personal references and complete a pre-project study. All individuals will be assigned to a group with appropriate supervision. Project cost for an individual may be higher than that listed for group registration.

WHAT IS THE REQUIRED COUNSELOR-TO-STUDENT RATIO FOR GROUPS?

Each group is required to bring at least one adult (21 years or older) for every 5 students of the same sex. These adults will participate in the project along with their students.

ARE PASSPORTS REQUIRED FOR ALL TRIPS?

Yes! IWC requires that participants at ALL projects carry a valid, U.S. passport. This passport can not expire within 6 months of the project's last day.

HOW DO I GET A PASSPORT?

Passport applications and passport renewal applications are available from your local post office or the applications can be printed from travel.state.gov/passport_services.html. To apply for a passport, individuals are required to submit a copy of your birth certificate and 2 passport photos.

WHERE DO I GET PASSPORT PHOTOS?

Passport photos are available at AAA travel bureaus, most Kinko's copy centers and photo studios such as Sears, along with several other sites. Look in your "Yellow Pages" under "Passport" for a list of locations near you that provide passport photos.

WHAT IS A VISA?

A visa is a document stamped in your passport that gives you permission to enter a specific country. Some countries require visas while others do not.

WHO WILL TELL US THE CORRECT VISA TO GET AND WHERE TO GET IT?

Your assigned travel agent will provide you this information and may assist you in applying for it. Sometimes, tourist can apply for visas in the airport once you have arrived in the country. Again, the assigned travel agent will provide you this information.

DO WE MAKE OUR OWN TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS OR DO WE USE THE TRAVEL AGENT THAT IWC ASSIGNS TO US?

IWC requires that all participating groups and individuals use the travel agency selected by IWC for travel arrangements. Why? (1) This provides for the least amount of difficulty and confusion for all involved in the logistical support of the project. (2) This insures that you will fly with other members of your team and that the majority of your team will have similar arrival times in country. (3) This eases the burden of arranging in-country transportation from the airport to the group housing location. (4) It provides equitable airfare for all participants, and (5) It allows IWC to keep program fees as low as possible for each participant.

DO I HAVE TO GET THE REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS?

Yes! IWC requires that all participants have a current tetanus booster and hepatitis "A" vaccination. Depending on the location of your project, other vaccinations may be required. Necessary immunizations for the country in which you will serve are listed at www.imb.org/medinfo {Link to this site in a new window}.

SHOULD I TAKE CASH, TRAVELER'S CHECKS, A CREDIT CARD OR AN "ATM" CARD?

Cash is always the easiest to convert to a different currency, but if it is stolen, it cannot be recovered. Traveler's checks can be recouped if lost or stolen, but sometimes it is difficult to find a place to convert them or a "fee" will be applied to their use. ATM cards can be used in most larger cities to receive local currency. Major credit cards are acceptable in most locations, but credit card companies often charge a small transaction fee for their international use. Credit cards are good for most store and restaurant purchases. Your Project Coordinator can let you know what is recommended for your particular location.