Overseas Visitors
We extend a very warm welcome to overseas volunteers who would like to join our Youth for Christ UK programmes. Over the past few years, YFC has received people from different parts of the world and it has been exciting to see how they have contributed so much to our programmes and, in turn, have benefited from being in a team and have also developed new youth work skills in a different culture from their own.
In order for you, as an overseas visitor, to have the best possible experience with Youth for Christ and, in particular, yfcone our national volunteer programme, we need to put in place various safeguards and training so there are additional requirements for those volunteers coming from outside the UK, including:
• Good level of spoken English
• Some experience in youth work
• Aged between 18-25
• The support and financial backing of your local church
• An additional percentage on top of the relevant project cost. This money goes towards our support and management costs as we help you prepare to enter the UK, plus orientation training and oversight once you are here.
• A return ticket to Britain plus submission of fees and relevant paperwork for a visa to the local Embassy or Consulate(if applicable).
• Health & travel insurance
In order for everything to be in place, it is advisable to apply at least 6 months before the start date of the project in the UK. This will ensure that you have time to raise the necessary money, that you can obtain cheaper flights and a visa and YFC can make the necessary preparations for your arrival in the UK.
We have a great variety of projects for you to consider (see ‘Team Vacancies’ on yfcone.com) – general youthwork, sports, creative arts and film teams besides further specialisation and training in the academy. Start dates are September and January each year and there are 6 or 12 month options.
Once you have chosen your preferred option, download an application form and e-mail it to Christine Nightingale on chris.nightingale@yfc.co.uk or post it to YFC, PO Box 5254, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3DG, Britain.
When we receive your form, we will send for your references and conduct a telephone interview prior to making a decision about your application.
If your application is successful, the following steps will ensure that your stay with us is memorable and beneficial:
You need to:
• gather a team of prayer and financial supporters around you to raise the necessary funds
• Make contact with the YFC programme in your home country (if applicable)
• Send for a police check
• Buy a return ticket (& visa if applicable)
• Prepare spiritually for your visit & log onto websites like youthwork.co.uk regularly before you come
YFC will:
• Liaise with you as you continue your preparation period including advice on raising personal support and visa applications
• Prepare a location or itinerant team for you (dependant on the relevant project in yfcone)
General youthwork teams are placed in a YFC centre, supervised by experienced YFC staff and other youthworkers. Your giftings are taken into account as we place you in your location.
• Liaise with you on incoming travel arrangements
• Organise your orientation, initial residential and ongoing training for your stay. This will include Biblical and practical sessions with time for you to reflect on the learning process.
• In addition to regular reviews and supervision by staff, there may opportunities for missions, retreats, nation-wide events and you will receive a final debriefing session in order for you to reflect on your personal development during your stay in the UK.
We will do all we can to facilitate this process and we look forward to hearing from you if you would like to pursue this exciting option! For further information or queries, please contact Judy Lloyd on: overseas@yfc.co.uk