Frequently Asked Questions

The call which comes from the division is to meet a specific need in a specific location. It is not possible to create a position. Specific qualifications and special skills are needed to fill available positions. Most educational institutions require at least a Master’s degree. It is necessary for the faculty to have this level of education in order to maintain the accreditation of the institution, as well as to obtain work permits from the government.

What schooling options are available for elementary and secondary school children?

In special cases when there is no local Seventh-day Adventist school that meets the needs of the students, and when the parents wish to keep the children home, an educational allowance may be granted for attendance at a local non-Seventh-day Adventist international school. Home schooling and correspondence school are also an option. Special approval is necessary in these cases. (Click here for more information on home schooling.)

How long does it take to process a call?

It will take approximately six months from the time a call is voted at the General Conference until the IDE is ready for departure. Obtaining the necessary work permits/visas may delay departure further.

I heard that International Service Employee (career ISEs) have to serve for a five-year term. Is this true?

While a commitment of five years or more is preferred, due to the high initial cost of placing a family in the field, there are circumstances where shorter appointment terms are an option. (300.75)

Will I be allowed to visit my family?

You will be eligible for up to a one-month preembarkation period with salary to visit family and to finish packing before departure for the mission field. Assistance is given to visit parents and older children located in your base division. Your base division office or, if you are in North America, the IPRS office will assist you. (300.05.15)

While working overseas, how much will I get paid and how will I handle financial obligations that I already have in my home country?

You will be remunerated at the level necessary to maintain a lifestyle equivalent to that of a regular denominational employee. Because the amount varies from country to country, more explicit information will be given once you consider a specific call.

As an International Service Employee (ISE), will I receive retirement benefits?

Yes. ISEs are eligible to participate in a denominational retirement plan.

As an International Service Employee (ISE) will I receive medical benefits for myself and my immediate family?

Yes. The primary ISE, spouse, and dependent children are eligible for medical assistance. For more specific questions, send emails to: iseinsurance@gc.adventist.org.

What happens if my child permanently returns home before I complete my term of service?

The return of a dependent child to the base division does not affect the term of service for an IDE.

Do I have to arrange for tickets and pay for my family and myself to fly overseas, or do we receive assistance in planning for and purchasing tickets?

No. All travel arrangements will be made and costs paid by the base division office in consultation with the host division and the IDE. IDEs are not to make any travel arrangements unless specifically requested to do so. (300.05.30)

Where will I live and how will I pay for housing while overseas?

Housing will be provided either in a church-owned home or as arranged by the division or local host institution. There will be an appropriate rental charge.

I have heard the term "Annual Leave." What does this mean?

Annual leave is an option available to IDEs which allow them to temporarily leave their overseas assignment and return to their base division country. These are provided so the IDE might renew personal contacts, enjoy association with family members, and be renewed by a period of change and rest.

What happens if I permanently return home before I complete my term of service?

As an IDE you always have the right to end your stay in the mission field. It is our hope that prior to making such a decision the local organization, division and General Conference Secretariat will be consulted to see if matters can be worked out to make it possible for you to remain in the field. For those times when you do truly need to end your term of service early we trust that every effort will be made to allow time for the employing organization to find a replacement and ample time for purchasing return tickets and making shipping arrangements. In situations where the IDE is leaving a term of service before the completion of a full 24 months the allowances will be pro-rated per month spent in the field. Some permanent returns are due to ill-health of the appointee or a member of the family. It is advisable that the limitations of the permanent return salary and support are borne in mind when considering the implications of accepting an IDE assignment.

If my children stay home or return home to continue their eduction . . . Can they visit me in the division where I will be working?

Travel assistance to visit the parents in the division where they are working is provided only for secondary level students. One ticket per school year is provided for secondary level students to visit their parents in the division where they are working. However, a second/additional trip is allowed at annual leave time if the annual leave is taken during the school's long vacation and the secondary (academy) age child is visiting the host division country for at least 30 days.

Do I get educational assistance for my children?

There is educational assistance for dependent children based on the school level, ages of your children, and the school they are attending.

Do I get educational assistance for my children if they stay home or return home to continue their education?

Educational allowance and medical coverage are available for dependent children who stay home or return home to continue their high school or college education in harmony with policy.

Can my dependent children accompany me to the mission field?

Yes. However accompanying children will be expected to stay there at least one year before permanently returning to the base division.

What happens when a term of service has been completed?

The IDE, in consultation with the employing organization, may choose to continue in service for another term or may wish to return to the base division on a permanent return. Plans should be communicated several months in advance to allow for replacements to be found and appropriate plans made for air tickets and shipment.

How do I request a Permanent Return?

After due consideration of personal and organizational needs, you will need to communicate your request to the employing organization. (Q 05 10) The employing organization will send the request to the host division secretariat level and then it will be sent to the General Conference where the PR will be voted through the Mission Personnel Processing Committee (MPPC).

How do I get started?

Click here to navigate to the Application Process.