FAQ - International

Q: How long is an internship?
A: Internships run for 12 months from the time that support-raising is complete. The standard process is acceptance notification by April, support-raising until August 1, and on assignment from August through July of the following year.

Q: Are there any academic requirements for doing an internship or STINT?
A: Applicants must have a minimum educational background of a high school diploma, at least one year of college, and be at least 18 years of age. A college degree is not required.

Q: How much support will I have to raise?
A: The salary of an international intern before taxes is just over $2000/month. We also increase the salary level for certain area’s cost of living if it is significantly above the U.S. average. This includes approximately $500 for housing/rent costs. In addition, the intern must raise support for Social Security and federal taxes, health insurance, ministry expenses, and administration.

The total to raise is approximately $3,700/month. This will be more if conferences, summer projects, or any other predetermined costs are added. For interns requesting an international assignment, the monthly amount will vary according to location. International interns will also raise a one-time amount to cover airfare and other special expenses.

The grand total of all support that needs to be raised is on average about $40,000-$50,000 for the year depending on your placement.

Q: Will I receive any training on how to raise support?
A: Yes. After you apply and are accepted, you will be expected to attend a weekend training called a Kickoff Weekend held in your area, usually sometime during the month of April.

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, a short amount of additional time (two weeks) might 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.

With that said, in 2021, 96% of US interns and 99% of International Interns reported fully funded. So not reporting is a very small percentage of those who start this journey.

Q: Will I have any help and encouragement during the support raising time?
A: Yes. In Cru, we call support raising Ministry Partner Development (MPD). During your MPD time you will be assigned a coach who 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 weekly instruction and encouragement along the way. He/she will help keep you on track toward your goal of being fully funded for your internship.

Q: What if I have student loans and other debt?
A: Being in debt does not automatically disqualify you from serving as an Intern. Our heart is to ensure that a person who takes part in the Stint and Internship program would not have a monthly debt payment that would prove to be a hardship based on their salary. We also want you to be in a financial position to join staff in 1-2 years as the Lord may lead you to serve with us long term. In addition, we want you to consider the potential personal costs associated with high debt which include greater stress and anxiety, a decreased ability to take advantage of opportunities, saving for unexpected events, and giving generously.

Part of the application process is to gather more information (individual loan amounts, interest rates, monthly payments, etc.), so that you can have a clear picture as you think through your options. Each person’s situation is different and will be considered as a part of the application process. It is our desire to help you look at the near as well as distant future in order to help be the best steward of your life lived for Christ.

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 ministry of evangelism and discipleship – every day if you are given a campus assignment, or up to one day a week if you are working in a national office. You will also be given a Position Focus describing your responsibilities and reporting relationships, which your coach will talk through with you.

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 Cru.

Q: How long does the application process take?
A: You can apply on-line as early as November 1. Once the application materials are complete and all references are received, the turnaround time is 4-6 weeks until you receive a decision. The earlier you complete your application the better.

Q: What if my application is late?
A: The deadline for submitting completed applications is March 1. An application is complete when you have completed and electronically submitted your application and we have received all of your references. It is your responsibility to see that all these get to us on time.

A March 1 deadline means that all parts listed above have been submitted on or before March 1. We may choose, at our discretion, to accept some applications after March 1 – based on team needs, evaluators available, estimated processing time, etc., but we will not guarantee the processing of any application submitted after March 1. The processing time for late applications may also be longer.

Q: I’m debating coming on staff or being an intern. Which do you recommend?
A: Both are great! There are advantages to either choice. Sometimes, doing an internship first is a great way to learn what it is like to be on staff and develop a team of ministry partners who will support your ministry with their prayers and finances.

Internships are a great opportunity to go with friends, explore new places, and open up new ministries. Both have great benefits for you and those to whom you minister. If you have questions about this, we encourage you to contact Cru's People & Culture team in your area. They will be happy to work through the pros and cons with you.

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions or need help?
A: You can contact your Intern Coordinator directly, or you can contact us here.