Internship FAQs
What is the timeframe for the summer internship?
The internship has three parts: training, a practicum, and a debrief.
Orlando Training and Leadership Development is from May 14th - June 2nd
South Africa Training and Practicum is from June 2nd to July 8th
Debrief is from July 8th to July 12th (probably in Orlando)
Important dates for internship:
Interns arrive in Orlando between Monday the 13th after 5 pm or the 14th before 2 pm
Interns DEPART to SA on June 2nd to spend a week in training in SA
Interns fly back to Orlando from South Africa for Intern Debrief on July 7th
Interns arrive in Orlando on July 8th for Intern Debrief
Interns are excused from Intern Debrief after 2 pm on July 12th
What does training in Orlando look like?
What are the different trainings I will receive?
A day of training usually consists of time in the classroom at Cru’s headquarters from 8am-4pm. Two to three nights a week will include a community-building aspect such as a small group, processing time, Bible study, etc. You will be equipped with a robust selection of leadership training and become familiar with our best practices of MK care, including but not limited to leading bible studies, one-on-ones, child safety, and responsible and sustainable ministry.
Where will I be living, and for how long?
Traditionally, we have stayed in communities like this and rented two large houses near each other for the duration of our time in Orlando (3-4 weeks).
Why do we have this time in Orlando?
This training time serves several purposes:
Allows an opportunity for interns to acquaint themselves with the various teammates and ministry activities of mk2mk.
Equips interns with the necessary skills to lead in this ministry and acquaints them with best practices in youth ministry.
Allows interns to interact with various leaders of our ministry.
Gives space for interns to interact with their stories, which is essential for their equipping.
This time is essential to building a Christ-centered community as an internship team.
Provides our staff team the space to build the trust and safety needed for us to function as a unified leadership team.
What does the month in South Africa look like?
The Summer Mission in South Africa includes internal and external ministry. Internal ministry is focused on discipling and empowering our MKs in their walks with God and their personal growth. External ministry focuses on both learning about and serving the needs of the local community. We partner with two organizations: Norwegian Settlers Church & Genesis Hope South Africa. We typically try to do a mixture of kids ministry (similar to a VBS), youth ministry (leading games, talks, camps, etc.), and tangible service (Community Care through Genesis, delivering food parcels and other gifts to community members, etc.).
For internal ministry, we have bible studies, small groups, and worship and prayer in the evenings. We also do fun outings as a way to bond. We typically live in a retreat center near the church: Skogheim Christian Conference Center. Interns get to learn to lead by serving in a variety of roles. Interns have a small group that they lead. Part of leading the small group is meeting one-on-one with the students to get to know them and disciple them throughout the trip. Depending on skills and interests, interns will also lead by organizing worship, setting up sessions, providing for tech needs, leading games and team-building, planning and executing social activities, organizing our outings, and leading the various aspects of ministry (kids, youth, community care, evangelism training, testimony training, etc.).
What do I raise support for?
The support goal for internship covers the cost of Summer Mission, the take home per diem ($1,500), and airfare to and from South Africa and to and from Orlando. It doesn’t cover the housing, food, transportation, and speaker costs for the training in Orlando; mk2mk pays for the training time in Orlando to keep your support goal lower. All leaders raise the same base goal for summer (interns, intern leaders, volunteers, staff).
Here is a breakdown of the $3,000 base goal for the summer mission (this does not include airfare):
Food & Housing (for South Africa): $950
Transportation: $550
Outings, Socials, Briefing & Debriefing: $500
Supplies, Admin, Emergency SOS & Background Check: $350
Gift to Local Ministries: $200
Cru’s 12% administrative & Emergency 5% Buffer: $450
What do I gain from this in the future?
The mk2mk Internship is a memorable experience! It’s a great opportunity to take time to focus on your personal story in depth, grow in leadership skills, and have FUN!
Certain colleges count this as an internship or practicum, and it can go towards their credited hours.
mk2mk’s Internship looks very good on a resume.
Many interns go on to use their job experience with Internship as the answers to all of their job interview questions (common questions like how do you deal with conflict, what are characteristics of a good leader, what does “teamwork” mean to you, etc.)
Interns are given great opportunities for leadership in a cross-cultural setting.
As an associate (someone who has completed mk2mk’s Internship), you are invited to help lead international conferences around the world (flights included), gaining great life experience, leadership opportunities, and lasting investment into other missionary kids.
It is a great way to develop community and make lifelong friends!
What is the pre-work? How long does pre-work take/how long/hours?
The pre-work is heart preparation for the summer. This helps ensure all interns are ready to dive into the sessions on the same page. Pre-work should take about an hour a week.
The pre-work includes;
A one-on-one coaching call
Reading two TCK books
Filling out your Grief Tower
