1) Q: How much support will I have to raise?
A: The salary of a U.S. intern is approximately $1100 per month after taxes. This includes approximately $300 for housing/rent costs. In addition, the intern must raise support for Social Security and federal taxes, health insurance, ministry expenses, and overhead. So the total is approximately $2,700/month. This will be more if the intern has a car payment. U.S. interns may also raise support for special expenses like conferences and summer projects, as well as any other predetermined ministry expense. The grand total of all support that needs to be raised is about $25,000-$35,000 for the year.
2) Q: How long is an internship?
A: Internships run 9-12 months from the time that support-raising is complete. The standard process is acceptance notification by April, support-raising until August 1st, and on assignment from August through May or August of the following year. The specific length of the internship will be determined at the time of placement.
3) Q: What if I don't raise all of my support?
A: If it is time to report to your assignment, but you are not at full support, one of two things can happen. If not much support has come in, then that might be an indicator that God is calling you to do something else. The (very few) people who do not see their support come in are still thankful for taking this step of faith and can see God's hand in it. If you are very close to finishing, time may be allotted for you to complete your support raising and still get to your assignment. Each situation will be evaluated on an individual basis, but you must be at full support and have clearance from your Intern Coordinator in order to report to your assignment.
4) Q: Will I have any help and encouragement during the support raising time?
A: Yes. During your time of MPD (Ministry Partner Development) someone will help you through the process. While this person cannot go on appointments, dial the phone, or write letters for you, he/she will give you instruction and encouragement along the way. He/she will help keep you on track toward your goal of reaching full support.
5) Q: What if I have student loans and other debt?
A: If you have student loan debt you may be able to have the payments deferred for the time that you are an intern. The first step will be to approach your lending agency (in person, if possible, or by phone or letter if not) and explain that you will be interning for a year with a non-profit organization. There is usually a 6-month grace period between graduation and debt repayment. Ask for an extension of that 6-month period to 12-16 months, which should cover the time that you are an intern. If your debt is a car payment, US Interns may raise additional support up to $200/month for that payment. If your debt is consumer-related, and you have no other debt, then you will have to make payments out of your salary (up to $75/month for US). Those with a combination of debt will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
6) Q: So what does an intern do?
A: There are many and varied intern assignments, so the answer is not simple. You will be involved in some kind of direct ministry of evangelism and discipleship - every day if you are on a campus assignment, or at least one day a week if you are working at the World Training and Resource Center (AIA HQ).
7) Q: What kind of personal development can I expect at my assignment?
A: You can expect to have a coach to help you in ministry, to be part of a team, to receive training in your area of ministry, and greater exposure to the ministry of Athletes in Action.