Frequently Asked Questions - Application Process
- Do I have to be a college or university graduate to be eligible for a GoCorps placement?
- Are goers allowed to host family or friends for visits while they are serving overseas?
- Can married couples go through GoCorps?
- Is GoCorps just for graduating seniors?
- Should I apply for GoCorps if I’m not 100% sure that this is what I want to do after graduation?
- How does the funding and fundraising work? Do GoCorps volunteers raise support?
- What qualities do strong candidates possess?
- I am currently in a graduate program or have prior professional experience. Can I still apply to GoCorps?
- Once the interview is completed, when will I be notified if I have been offered an overseas placement?
- What about the interview? How long is the interview? What questions will be asked?
- How long is the selection process or how long will it take before I find out the status of my application?
- When is the application deadline?
- How does the application process work?
- What are the benefits of serving with GoCorps?
- Is there an age requirement?
- What skills do I need to have?
- Who is eligible to apply for GoCorps?
Application Process
No, you do not need to have a university degree to be eligible for a GoCorps placement. If you don not have a university degree, you must be at least 21 years old and have work and/or education experience that equip you for the track of service you area applying for.
In most cases, it is possible for GoCorps volunteers to host visitors (family and/or friends) while they are serving.
Because GoCorps is such an accelerated process and timeline to get from application to overseas in less than six months, at this time we are only able to send singles. Married couples are able to serve on most of the teams that GoCorps has listed, but do to the great fundraising needs of married couples, we are not able to facilitate and ensure such an expedited sending process.
If you're married and are interested in applying to serve with one of our listed placement opportunities, please email us - info@gocorps.org - with the track and placement opportunity info and we can put you directly in touch with the staff of the partnering organization that is facilitating that placement, and you could go through their normal application and sending process.
You don't have to be a graduating university senior to apply. GoCorps is a pathway designed for singles in their 20s. University graduates or those with a combination of work experience and/or education equivalent to a university degree between the agest of 21-30 may apply.
If you are interested in going overseas for a couple years after you graduate to serve among the global and spiritual poor, then we encourage you to apply. Filling out an application is not a commitment to go. Instead, it is an affirmation that you are open and interested in seeing if serving overseas may be your next step. The application and interview process is designed to help both you and us discern if serving overseas is a good fit for you in this next season of life. Going overseas and serving in missions is not easy and requires preparation and readiness in a variety of areas. We believe wholeheartedly that the application process with GoCorps will be a very helpful experience to you, either confirming your next step after graduation, or helping you understand your current state of readiness and potential next steps.
Yes. GoCorps volunteers raise their own financial support. GoCorps volunteers receive professional training on how to raise support during the GoCorps Orientation week and coaching throughout the summer as they are raising the funds for their placement overseas. By following the GoCorps fundraising process, most volunteers have their full funding within ten weeks.
We seek individuals who have a strong Christ-centered world view, demonstrated leadership and achievement in spiritual, academic, professional, extracurricular, or volunteer settings.
Absolutely. We invite all single, recent grads (21-30 years old) to apply. Working professionals and graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants are generally notified of the status of their interview within one month after completing the interview.
All interviews are conducted by phone, and most are one on one with a team leader. An interview generally lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. The timing depends on the person interviewing you and how you respond to the questions. The questions will focus on things that will help us determine your commitment to Christ and Biblical truth, interest and willingness to serve in an overseas, team-based service program, flexibility and adaptability, collaboration and accountability and your personal goals. You should respond to the interview questions sincerely and honestly.
Our goal is to complete the selection process within two months of receiving the application. This means that two months after we receive an application, the applicant should know if he or she has been offered an overseas placement, placed on the alternate list or not accepted. However, due to the nature of overseas placements, there are many instances when it may take longer than two months.
The deadline for applying for 2012 placements is February 21. Those who apply by the January 15 early application deadline have their application fee waived.
There are three steps to the application process:
- Applicants complete an online application and recommendations (Early Application Deadline: January 15; Final Application Deadline: February 21)
- After they are contacted by a GoCorps partner, applicants participate in further assessment and a phone interview(s).
- Applicants that are given placement assignments are required to attend GoCorps Orientation (GO) Week (the last week of May).
You will have the opportunity to serve in some of the least reached places of the world, learn skill sets that include language acquisition, cultural sensitivity, and Biblical living among the unreached. Further benefits of GoCorps service include:
>> An expedited process to go from application to overseas in less than seven months (versus the average of 12-18)
>> A single application form that works for all partnering organizations
>> Student loan forgiveness of up to $5000
You must be in your final year of university or a recent university graduate to apply. Most of our applicants are between the ages of 21-30 years old.
For each of the GoCorps tracks of service, your motivation, commitment to service, passion for Christ and a posture of humility are the primary requirements. Previous missions and cross cultural experience or Christian service is helpful. Teamwork, flexibility, and a positive attitude are all important for success overseas. The GoCorps provides eight different tracks through which you could use your gifts and abilities to serve globally:
- Business
- Compassion/Justice
- Engineering
- Media/Arts
- Sports
- Storying
- Teaching
- Universities
In order to apply for a GoCorps placement, you must:
1. Be between the ages of 21-30
2. Have either:
A. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university OR
B. Work and/or education experience that equip you for the track of service you area applying for
3. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident.
GoCorps accepts applicants from all academic majors, programs, and professional backgrounds and experiences.
