In every ILP location, you'll have the chance to attend church and grow spiritually if that's something you'd like to do. Here's how —
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You don't have to be religious to volunteer with ILP, but many volunteers are.
International Language Programs (ILP for short) isn't affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but lots of our volunteers are members of that faith. Others are members of other religions and are wanting to attend church, grow spiritually, and get the most out of their semester while they are abroad.
If that's you, we know going keeping up with your spiritual growth is important to you, whether you're living at home or abroad. That's why we've put together these tips for preparing to be abroad (and growing spiritually):
- Opt in for church support
- Prepare your devices
- Pack a journal and set goals
- Have your records transferred
- Renew your temple recommend
Opt "in" for church support
After you're accepted as an ILP volunteer, you'll complete our Orientation so that we can get to know you and your needs a bit more. One of the questions on the form asks if you are affiliated with a religious organization and if you would like church support abroad.
Because many of our volunteers are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, ILP is in contact with local leadership for the Church of Jesus Christ and can let them know that you'll be living in their boundaries for a few months with the ILP group. Some bishops and church leaders also like to receive your email so that they can send you information about how to attend their ward. If you opt "in" we would love to get you set up to receive any emails your church leader might send out.
Prepare your devices
If your church has online resources, make sure you have those downloaded ahead of time — if you do, then you can access talks, songs, scriptures, etc on the long flight to your country and while you're abroad (sometimes the internet doesn't cooperate how you'd like).
Plus, it'll save space in your suitcase (though you're welcome to bring your physical scriptures and other materials if you prefer).
Pack a journal and set goals
Even if you're not the most avid journal writer, start now! You'll have incredible experiences that deserve to be written down. Plus, you'll have an entire semester to set (and achieve goals). Maybe your goal is just writing in your journal. Maybe your goal is to read your scriptures every day. Maybe your goal is to look for ways you're being blessed. Write it all down.
Have your records transferred
If you're attending a church with membership records, 3-4 months is a long enough period of time to have your church membership records transferred to your new branch abroad. Even though you'll be there temporarily, you can be apart of your new branch, give talks, and even receive a calling.
It's easier than you think to transfer your records. Here's how:
- Write down your address in the country you'll be living in.
- Give the address to your home ward clerk. That's it.
If you don't have your records transferred before you leave, don't worry. Your new church leaders can retrieve your records.
- Email or speak with your new stake president or ward bishop.
- Ask them to retrieve your records. They'll need your full name and birth date. That's it.
Get your temple recommend renewed
Many volunteers who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints travel to visit temples during their vacations. You may even be with an ILP group that opts to do temple work at some point during the semester. It is much easier if you already have your temple recommend ready rather than trying to work that out in-country.
Ready to come abroad with us?
Awesome, the first step is to apply. We've got a quick form you can fill out online and then one of our representatives will be in touch!
