Skip to main content
Move vital ministry forward by giving where needed most.

Exchange Semester

Are you ready?

Intern for a semester in an international ministry!

Have you considered mission service but question if you have what it takes?

Do you think you can thrive in a diverse culture far from the familiarity of home?

CMF’s exchange semester program gives you the opportunity to serve and gain practical experience in cross-cultural ministry. Whether you choose a Globalscope university campus ministry in Germany, Thailand or Spain, youth ministry in Mexico, sports ministries in Ethiopia or one of our many other options, you will work with experienced mission professionals who will mentor you along the way.

If you wish, you can continue your university studies online while you serve. Or, if you need an internship experience for graduation, we will work with you to make sure your exchange semester fulfills your degree requirements.

As an exchange intern serving with a CMF ministry, you’ll enjoy these experiences:

  • Immersive involvement in life and ministry on the mission field. Placement options include working with Globalscope campus ministries, church planters, sports ministries, medical teams, children’s ministries, water and farm teams, business as mission outreaches and many more.

  • Language and cultural education. Taking classes in these areas will enhance your experience and help you feel more at home.

  • Working with an experienced team. Teamwork is a vital component of all CMF ministries. The mentored training you receive will also lead to independent ministry assignments.

  • Growth in personal and spiritual disciplines. Your interaction with peers and mentors, along with personal reading and reflection, will help you become the person God is calling you to be.

Sound amazing? Start the application process today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVING AS AN EXCHANGE INTERN

Q: How much does it cost?

A: If you’re studying at a foreign university, the cost of your semester overseas will be determined by many variables. Go here for a more detailed explanation and sample cost projections. If you are taking classes online through your university, go here for a more detailed explanation and some sample cost projections. The only fee associated with our program is a $200 deposit.

Q: Will I be able to use financial aid?

A: If you are studying at a foreign university, this will depend on your specific program and their policies. If you are taking classes online, this will depend on your university’s policies. Please consult the study abroad office and/or financial aid office at your university.

Q: What if I want to study in a country where my university does not have a program?

A: If you are serving in a Globalscope campus ministry, we can help you enroll as an independent student in a foreign university. You will need to meet with your academic advisor to discuss credit transfer options. If you are not serving in a Globalscope campus ministry, we cannot guarantee access to a foreign university. Taking online classes through your university works best in these locations.

Q: Where will I live?

A: Depending on your location and study situation, housing options will vary. Housing is generally in a dorm format, with a host family or in an apartment with other interns or students.

Q: May I raise financial support?

A: We strongly encourage seeking prayer and financial partners to support you in this internship. You are able to raise funds through CMF for all expenses EXCEPT tuition and school-related fees. We will assist you in raising support and provide tax-exempt receipts from CMF for your partners.

Q: Will I get my preferred location?

A: We want this experience to be as fulfilling as possible for you. We ask you for your preferred ministry because we believe that your passion for a location, paired with our ministries’ needs, creates a profound and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Occasionally there is a greater need in some locations than others, and if the situation arises that we need you elsewhere, we will ask you to pray with us in considering new and different opportunities.

Q: How does the application process work?

A: The first step is to complete the pre-application online. Once that form is submitted, the full application will be emailed to you by the CMF staff. You will be required to return this completed application along with a $25 application fee before the posted deadlines.

Q: My parents have a lot of questions about this! Where can they go for information?

A: It is great that your parents are interested in your study abroad plans! Ask them to look at our information page for parents. They should also feel free to email, or call the CMF office at 317.578.2700.