When spending a semester abroad with ILP, some of our volunteers want to know how they can participate in their church meetings and other religious events ... even if the language or culture is unfamiliar.
While you don't need to be religious to volunteer in an orphanage program or teaching English abroad for a semester with ILP, a lot of our volunteers are — and we want you to be able to get the most out of your church experience while serving internationally.
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After personally volunteering in both India and Costa Rica, as well as interviewing volunteers from all of our ILP locations, I have curated this list of things to expect that you are likely to also encounter when you attend church in a foreign country for the first time. It's a really cool experience, but here's a glimpse at what to expect!
Getting To Church
While you're volunteering with ILP, you're likely to be in an area where past volunteers have already been to the local ward and can help give you directions and contact information for nearby church leaders. When you arrive in-country the "Head Teacher" of your group (the group leader) will have access to information from past groups who have left tips. It's likely there is info about where your ward is, which is really helpful so that you don't have to figure it all out from scratch.
Depending on where you are volunteering, the travel time to get to church will differ. While I was in Costa Rica, it took me 1.5 hours to get to church. In India, it would've taken me 12 hours. But in some of our other locations, like Peru and Nicaragua, it's within walking distance! If you would like to live in a location where there are more options for churches nearby, just chat with your ILP rep and we can give you more details on which locations might be best for that.
Our volunteers have taken just about any form of transportation to get to church, whether that’s walking, biking, taxi, Uber, or taking the bus. In Costa Rica, I would take an hour-long bus ride and then walk an additional 30 minutes to get to the meeting house. Sometimes, if we were lucky, a member would give us a ride which saved us $8, haha, but it took time to make those connections.
Here's a deeper dive into how to find a church no matter where you are in the world.
Studying From Home
Sometimes, going to an actual church won't be realistic—whether that’s because it's a 12-hour bus ride away, you want to save money so buying a bus ticket won't work, or you prefer personal study.
Home study is very common for our volunteers to practice. Because we are a Utah-based company, many of our volunteers are a part of the LDS faith and study at home together either by using Come Follow Me, listening to a conference talk, having a testimony meeting, or reading the scriptures as a group.
Bring a Study Journal
Even if you're not the most avid journal writer, it's never too late to start! A journal entry doesn't have to be pages and pages of going into depth about everything you did that day. Because let's be honest, that can get pretty overwhelming...especially if you miss a few days. Think smaller! Here are a few prompts you could consider answering in your study journal.
What did I learn in my scripture reading today?
What verses/chapters did I read today?
What General Conference talk did I read? Favorite quote?
What blessings did I notice myself or others receive today?
How did I feel Christ’s love today? How can I show love to the people around me?
Another fun addition you can add to your study journaling is to write down where you are when you write your entries. For example: 9/23/2024, Bedroom at host family's house. 9/25/2024, Overnight bus to Krakow, Poland. 9/27/2024, Bus from Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp. 9/27/2024, St. Mary's Basilica in Gdansk, Poland.
I'm so glad I kept a journal while I was living abroad. When I read back through my entries, I find pages and pages of memories and insights that I have now forgotten all about.
Language Barrier
Going to church in a foreign country is a fascinating and unique experience, but honestly, it can also be pretty challenging. Some countries will have English-speaking wards or branches, but what do you do if your ward or branch doesn't speak English?
If there is a ward close by that you can attend, the odds of them also speaking English are slim. The most important thing to remember is that despite the language barrier, you will learn to find peace in the familiarity of it all. You may not know what they are saying, but you hopefully will catch on. Every meeting is generally held the exact same way, no matter where you go, so the odds of being COMPLETELY lost aren't likely.
Past groups have found ways to accommodate. Some wards have offered our volunteers translators that they wear like headphones, and some have had missionaries sitting nearby and translating, but other volunteers have found they can use Google Translate or just use the time to do their personal study.
Maybe it can also be good practice for you to learn the local language! Gift of tongues, right?
How To Participate
While you're living in a foreign country, you'll be able to make a difference in a lot of ways, not just in the classroom while you're teaching English. You'll be able to help others and help yourself if you get involved with what's going on in your neighborhood. For our volunteers who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you may be wondering how you can participate in your local church meetings.
There are still a few ways to be an active and impactful member of your ward. It's likely that these wards are going to be a lot smaller than what you are used to, so help is always appreciated, even if that is just opening doors or setting up or taking down chairs.
Singing songs with the congregation is also a great way to add to the ward. Whether you are singing the song in the local language or singing it in English, both are appreciated just the same!
Some ILP volunteers have even been asked to give talks despite the language barrier. One of my friends in my group in Costa Rica ended up playing the piano for the hymns during sacrament every week — an unofficial calling, if you will.
Visiting Temples
You can also feel the spirit by visiting a nearby temple or visit one during your vacation time. Whether you want to visit the temples in Europe or head to the temple in Mexico, here's a deeper dive on how to attend temples while abroad.
Ready to serve abroad with ILP and get involved in your new ward?
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