Manual for

Participants
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................... 6
About Mennonite Central Committee
About IVEP
Staff titles and roles
Learning through service & simple living
Earning wages
Program costs

Medical....................................................... 15
What happens if I am sick and can’t go to work?
MCC’s health care plan
Universal health precautions

Vacation...................................................... 18
Vacation Policy
Planning your vacation

Travel......................................................... 19
To/from conferences
Use of a car

Communication............................................. 20
Telephone
Internet
Telephone numbers

Your new home.............................................. 22

Host
Visitors from home
Visiting boyfriends or girlfriends

Adjustment................................................... 25
Culture shock
Church participation
Etiquette
Counselling services for IVEP participants
Fitting in
Safety
Appendix..................................................... 27
Stages of cultural adjustment
INTRODUCTION
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is eager to welcome you to the International
Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP). You have been through a difficult selection
process. It is exciting that you are finally beginning your journey in the U.S./
Canada. You probably have many questions about what is ahead. This booklet will
answer some of those questions. Please refer to it during your year. If you have a
question, check here before you ask your coordinator.

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About Mennonite Central Committee
In becoming an IVEP participant, you have made the decision to join with others
working for Mennonite Central Committee as a Service Worker. Mennonite
Central Committee (MCC), a worldwide ministry of Anabaptist churches, shares
God’s love and compassion for all in the name of Christ by responding to basic
human needs and working for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities
worldwide in right relationship with God, one another and creation. Approximately
1,000 MCC workers are currently serving abroad by working for disaster relief,
sustainable community development and justice and peacebuilding. They
teach, promote good health care, share agricultural knowledge, do community
development work, work with local partner organizations, and learn from others
around the world. Thousands of others, including IVEPers, volunteer to work in
Ten Thousand Villages shops, at MCC Relief Sales and in educational activities.
All MCC workers are committed Christians who share Christ’s love wherever they
live and work. To learn more about MCC and to see how MCC is at work in your
country, visit mcccanada.ca in Canada, and mcc.org in the U.S.

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About IVEP
IVEP began in 1950, when 21 young men from Mennonite communities in
Europe spent one year working on farms in the U.S. Since then the program has
expanded to include women and men with various occupations and diverse
backgrounds. Participants now come from Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and
Middle East and placements include: social service, education, trades, agricultural,
retail, and computer tech work. As you know this program offers an exciting
opportunity for individuals interested in participating in a one year international
Christian service assignment.

The International Volunteer Exchange Program is a particularly important part of

MCC’s commitment to peace building internationally. Each person chosen to
participate in this program officially takes on the role of a peacemaker and carries
it with them throughout their year of service. It is our hope that each participant
will continue to pursue this role after they return home. Individuals that participate
should be interested in servant leadership and in developing leadership skills
through Christ-like, humble service. They should have a willingness to learn as
well as a desire to share.

IVEP is a group experience. The interests of the group should be placed ahead
of the interest of the individual. Throughout this year you will have the unique
opportunity to live in community and solidarity with other group members.
IVEPers should take note that participants come from a variety of cultural,
professional and economic experiences. MCC expects participants to be sensitive
and aware of these differences. Be conscious of the way your own experience
might impact the way you see things and affect the way you interact with others.

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Staff titles and roles
IVEP Partner agencies — These work places provide a meaningful volunteer work
assignment for the IVEP participants

IVEP Hosts — These families, or individuals, provide food, housing and family
with whom to relate. They are a connection to the local community and culture.

IVEP National Coordinators — There are national coordinators in both Canada

and the U.S. They work to assign placements, prepare visa documentation, plan
and facilitate conferences, support the IVEPers during assignment and follow up
with alumni.

IVEP Provincial Coordinators —There are provincial coordinators in six

provinces of Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and
Saskatchewan. They work to find new sponsors and hosts, assist in the placement
process and support hosts, partner agencies and IVEPers during the term. They
also plan provincial gatherings.

IVEP Regional Coordinators — There are regional coordinators in each of the four
regions of the U.S.: Central States, East Coast, Great Lakes and West Coast. They
work to find new partner agencies, assist in the placement process and support
the partner agencies, hosts and IVEPers during assignment. They also periodically
plan regional gatherings.

MCC Field Representatives —These are the MCC staff who work in offices
outside of Canada and the US and assist in the selection process and alumni
follow-up for IVEP. They also may give advice and cultural background to the
national coordinators during assignment if needed.

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The objectives of IVEP are to:
1. Promote a theology of service that encourages growth as global citizens
active in social justice and peacemaking

2. Provide opportunities for learning and mutual transformation through the

development of intercultural skills

3. Foster opportunities for spiritual growth, appreciation of Anabaptist values

and involvement in the local and global church

4. Explore and develop skills while cultivating an increased sense of vocation

through serving alongside a local partner organization

IVEP participants are accepted from countries where MCC works alongside
local Anabaptist congregations and partners. Participants are committed to the
Christian faith, single/unmarried, 18 to 30 years old, and able to speak English.
Participants, both male and female, may not already parent a child or expect to
have a child during the IVEP year.

While in the U.S./Canada, you may improve your English and may gain practical
vocational skills. More importantly you will broaden your horizons, build long-
lasting friendships, be challenged to see your culture through new eyes, grow in
faith and begin a journey of creating peace and understanding between nations.
*Improving your English should not be the focus of your IVEP year.*

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Learning through service & simple living
Major components of this program are service and simple living. You will most
likely not be able to work in the same position as you did in your home country.
Sometimes your work placement will not be in your vocational field or you may
be asked to perform some menial tasks such as washing dishes, or cleaning up. A
spirit of learning and service is essential as is a desire to live a simple life. IVEPers
are encouraged to learn even from the small tasks and to do everything with love
and joy in the Lord. Partner agencies and hosts are committed not to burden
IVEPers with only menial tasks or that work which no one else enjoys.
They are committed to treat the IVEPer with respect and love, searching for ways
to incorporate the IVEPer in challenging tasks. IVEPers are, however, expected to
seek out ways to serve with humility in a Christ like way.

This is not a formal academic training program. You will not receive a diploma at
the end of the year. You will receive a “Certificate of Participation” from MCC at
the Year-End Conference that designates the type of training that you received.

Earning wages
As an IVEPer in the U.S. or Canada, you will receive a personal monthly allowance
from your partner agency. Do not expect to accumulate money.

IVEPers may not seek a salaried job in addition to their IVEP placement. An IVEPer
who does accept a paid position outside of their IVEP placement is in violation
of their program agreement, and their visa arrangement with their host country.
Their participation in the IVEP program will be immediately terminated and they
will be sent directly and immediately to their home country.

It is okay for you to earn money for irregular jobs done during free time like
baby-sitting or shoveling snow. You may also accept money for giving a talk or
taking part in a program. It is not appropriate to ask your host or partner agency
for money or gifts. If a large gift is offered reflect on whether it is appropriate for
you to accept. IVEP is a program of service and simple living and IVEPers should
not be focused on personal financial gain.

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IVEP Participants agree to the following conditions:
1. To do my best to promote goodwill and better understanding between my
country and the U.S./Canada on a person-to-person basis.
2. To take an interest and participate in the life and activities of the Christian
church and community in the U.S./Canada.
3. To be responsible to the partner agency and/or host family where I am
assigned, accepting new social and work patterns.
4. To cooperate with Mennonite Central Committee, placing goals of this
program above personal desires and interests.
5. To work for the one-year period without pay other than the IVEP stipend.
6. To return to my home country at the end of one year by the most direct
route. The goal of IVEP is to equip young adults for service in their home
communities following their return from service in the U.S. and Canada.
7. To use the experience and insights gained from the program upon return
home to help promote a strong Christian community and better international
understanding.
8. To abstain from the use of alcohol and tobacco when the use of either one
compromises MCC’s witness, in the eyes of local church and community.
(MCC recommends that personnel abstain from the use of tobacco and
alcohol in all situations).
9. To submit the MCC IVEP Medical, Optical and Dental forms with physicians
signature indicating good health.
10. To assure that MCC will not be held responsible for benefits in case of
accidental dismemberment or death.
11. To remain celibate and not to marry during the IVEP year.
12. To not take classes for credit during the IVEP year.

When the IVEP participant signs the application, they promise to fulfill these
twelve conditions during the year that they participate in the program. Failure to
uphold one or more of these conditions will result in their immediate termination
from the program and their direct return to their home country. Each IVEPer is an
ambassador for their country and for the future of the program in their country. If
an individual’s misconduct is severe or illegal MCC may choose to decline future
participants from that country for two years.

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Program costs
MCC will provide:
• your transportation costs from a designated city in your home country to a
designated U.S./Canadian site
• lowest cost of transportation to the mid-year and year-end conference and
meals en route
• medical, dental, and vision care that becomes necessary during a term of
service provided the IVEP participant completed and returned the appropriate
forms to MCC when they began service. MCC must give approval before
surgery or psychiatric treatment is undertaken.
• transportation back to the same airport from which you departed in your home
country upon completion of the program
• MCC assistance for repayment of educational loans will be given on a
monthly basis, up to the maximum annual amount of $1,000, not to exceed
100% of the actual loan. Loan assistance payments will be handled by the
home country office of the IVEP service worker. Amounts will be paid in the
currency of the country where studies occurred.

Your partner agency will provide:

• a volunteer placement
• room and board payment to your host
• a monthly administrative fee to MCC to help cover program costs
• $118 U.S. per month stipend and worker renewal to the IVEPer
(adjusted yearly for COLA)

The IVEPer will provide:

• pre-term costs (passport, visa, medical examinations)
• travel between their house and the airport (before leaving and upon returning
to their home country)
• long-term treatment and/or rehabilitation costs for an injury or illness
sustained while in the program
• treatment for pre-existing medical conditions
• indemnification costs in the event of loss of finger, limb or any other part of
the body

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If desired, each IVEPer can purchase an accident insurance policy to cover
such costs before entering the program. If an IVEPer chooses not to follow this
recommendation, MCC is absolved of all financial responsibility in that matter.

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MEDICAL
What happens if I am sick and can’t go to work?
At times everyone gets sick. You are allowed to stay home from work when you
are feeling sick, but you MUST CALL your partner agency and tell them that you
are sick and cannot come to work. You should be careful not to abuse sick days. If
you are not actually sick, you do not have the right to use a sick day.

If you are sick for a long period of time or are frequently sick you may be asked to
provide a note from a doctor verifying your condition.

What MCC is able to cover

Medical coverage: 100% of eligible medical expenses are covered.
Dental/vision coverage: MCC’s dental coverage includes dental work that cannot
or should not be postponed. MCC intends to provide necessary quality dental care
but not cosmetic dental care. MCC vision care includes the replacement of lenses
and frames or contact lens and examination fees. MCC will not cover a change
from glasses to contacts or vice versa unless there are valid medical reasons for
the change.

For additional information ask staff to see the summary plan description (SPD) for
the MCC medical plan and the dental/vision plan policy #569.

MCC’s health care plan

MCC has a self-funded medical plan that is not actual insurance. MCC’s third-party
administrator is Everence and all IVEPers are on this plan. IVEPers will receive
a medical card to be used for medical care and prescriptions. Medical providers
should call to pre-certify expenses when necessary. Details are on the medical
card.

MCC belongs to the Mutual Aid Sharing Plan (MASP) which is composed of 18
Anabaptist agencies. The MASP is not an insurance company; it is a mechanism
by which self-insuring member agencies pool their losses which exceed a
designated retention.

The MCC dental/vision plan is completely separate from the medical plan. The
medical card cannot be used for these expenses.

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Medical in Canada
In Canada, hosts should contact the IVEP provincial coordinator before any
procedure that requires hospitalization.

Participants will remain on the MCC medical plan the entire year but in some
provinces, the IVEPers are also covered by the provincial health care plan which
the provincial coordinator will register them for when they arrive. If they are
not, the MCC medical card should be used for all medical care. Expenses for
dental and vision care should be billed directly to MCC provincial office. If the
provider cannot or will not do so, the host or partner agency should pay the bill
and send it to the IVEP provincial coordinator immediately, indicating to whom
the reimbursement should be directed. MCC will issue a check reimbursing that
person.

Medical in the U.S.

In the U.S., hosts should contact the IVEP U.S. national coordinator or regional
coordinator before any medical procedure that requires hospitalization.

The preferred provider organization (PPO) for our medical plan is Cigna. When
accessing medical care, try to find an in-network provider. To find a provider, go
to www.Cigna.com and click “Find a Doctor.” Be sure to select the “PPO, Choice
Fund PPO” network. The medical card should be used for all medical care and
prescriptions. You should not have to pay anything at time of service. For dental
and vision care, the partner agency/host should pay the bill, then send it to MCC
with a note stating who paid. MCC will reimburse that person.

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Universal health precautions
When welcoming someone into your family and community, it is important to be
intentional in creating a healthy and safe environment for everyone.
The Universal Precautions listed below have been drawn up by healthcare
professionals for use in the workplace and the home. Anyone who might have
or be exposed to a communicable disease can protect themselves and others by
using these guidelines.

Universal Precautions
To avoid getting infected with communicable diseases like chickenpox, Hepatitis,
HIV, salmonella, strep throat or others, when you come into contact with any body
fluids or fecal matter:

Cover Cuts: If you have cuts or open sores on your skin, cover them with a plastic
bandage.

Wear Gloves: If there is any risk of coming into contact with blood or other body
fluids, wear latex gloves. Gloves should only be worn once and disposed of in a
plastic garbage bag.

Wash hands: Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds
after you have had contact with blood or other body fluids, after going to the
bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and after removing latex gloves. Use
hand lotion to help keep your hands from becoming chapped or irritated. Intact
skin is your first defense against infection.

Discard garbage: Use caution when disposing of garbage and other waste that
may contain infected materials or used needles. Discard material soiled with blood
or other body fluids in a sealed plastic bag.

Clean up: Spills of blood or other body fluids should be cleaned up with a fresh
mixture of household bleach (1 part) and water (9 parts). Paper towels should be
used and disposed of in a plastic garbage bag. Remember to wear latex gloves
during clean-up.

Wash clothes: Soiled items should be stored in sealed plastic bags. Wash soiled
clothing separately in hot soapy water and dry in a hot dryer, or have clothes dry-
cleaned.

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VACATION
Vacation policy
You will receive two work weeks (10 work days) of vacation for the year. Plan
to use half of that time before mid-year conference in February, and the other
half after. The mid- and year-end conferences do not count as vacation. You are
responsible to pay your own vacation expenses. IVEPers whose placement is in
a scheduled setting (such as a school) must take their vacation during scheduled
holidays (e.g. Christmas vacation and spring break). IVEPers assigned to summer
placements (e.g. teacher’s assistants) must take their vacation before arriving at
their summer placement. Please ask your partner agency for permission to take
vacation at least a month in advance and fill out and submit an IVEP Vacation
form to your coordinator.

Planning your vacation

Feel free to ask your host or partner agency to help you plan your vacation. They
may offer advice on realistic expectations for your vacation travel. They may also
be able to help you find inexpensive lodging and other accommodations. When
traveling, make certain you have cash or a credit card. We strongly discourage an
IVEPer to travel alone with one other member of the opposite gender. Traveling as
a group with mixed genders is more appropriate.

The purpose of IVEP is to learn about the varied cultures and places within the
United States and Canada. We believe that God has called you to serve and learn
here in the United States and Canada and your vacation time represents a valuable
and unique time for learning. However, do remember that you are a member
of a group. Expensive vacations by those who can afford it only adds to the
frustrations felt by those who do not have the resources to do so.

A holiday is when your workplace is closed for times like Christmas, Easter and
national holidays. A vacation is when your workplace is open, but you take off
work to do personal things.

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TRAVEL
Inform your IVEP coordinators of any travel plans that you make in advance. You
must submit an IVEP Vacation Form before travelling. We need to know where
you are so that we can contact you in case of emergency.

IVEP participants are not permitted to travel outside of the continental United
States and Canada during their holidays. (Travel to Mexico, Hawaii, Puerto Rico,
Alaska, back home, or to any other continent is not permitted for the duration
of your IVEP year.) Remember that you should take 1 week vacation before the
February conference and 1 week after.

To/from conferences
MCC covers travel to/from conferences, using the least expensive means of public
or chartered transportation. If there is a place for you on the chartered bus or
van and you choose not to travel with it, you are responsible to pay for your own
transportation to/from conferences.

Use of a car
IVEPers are not permitted to drive any automobile while in the U.S./Canada. MCC
does not have automobile insurance for IVEPers or its workers and will not cover
you in case of an accident. Do not ask to borrow, buy or rent cars while in the
U.S./Canada.

IVEP Vacation Request Form

* Please return this form to your provincial or regional coordinator 1 month before your travel.
* You must take 1 weeks vacation the first semester and 1 weeks the second semester of your
IVEP year.
* If you are a teacher, your vacation time will take place at the same time your students are on
vacation
* You must request vacation time from your Sponsor before booking travel

Name: ____________________________________________________________

Leaving Date and time: ________________________________________________

Mode of transportation (car, train, airplane): ___________________________
Flight number and time: ___________________________________________

Return Date and time: _________________________________________________

Mode of transportation (car, train, airplane): ____________________________
Flight number and time: ___________________________________________

Places traveling to:

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Who you will be visiting: ________________________________________________

Address(s) of where you will be staying:

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Contact Phone Number: ________________________________________________

Have a nice trip!

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COMMUNICATION
Telephone
• Buy and use pre-paid telephone cards for all your long distance calls, or use
Google voice, Skype or Whatsapp. At no time should IVEPers be using their
host or partner agency’s telephone for long distance calls without a pre-paid
card.
• You must pay for all the calls you make and using a calling card ensures that
you do not overspend.
• In most convenience stores and pharmacies, you can purchase phone cards.
These cards allow you to make telephone calls for the amount of $5, $10, or
• $20 depending on which card you purchase.
• It is most expensive to make long distance calls on week days between 8am
and 6pm. To save money, make your calls in the evenings or on the weekends
(local time for the person making the call).
• Cell phone plans in Canada and the U.S. are more expensive than they are in
many other countries.
• If you bring a cell phone from home, check roaming or international fees
before using it to make calls.
• If you are provided with an MCC cell phone you are responsible for the
charges made to it.

Internet
• Most hosts have internet but some might not. Free internet is often available in
public libraries. Ask your host what you must do to get a library card.
• Be considerate of how much time you are spending on the internet and respect
your host family’s internet rules. More than an hour of time spent on the
internet a day is too much.
• Upon arrival in Canada or the U.S. some IVEPers will open an email account
or have a Facebook account for the first time. Email and Facebook are great
ways to communicate with others but it is important to understand that some
types of communication are best suited to different situations. If you are going
to be absent from work because you are sick, sending your boss an email or a
Facebook message is not appropriate. You must call them directly.
• If you have access to a computer at work do not spend your work time
checking your personal account.

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Telephone numbers
*When making long distance calls you must first dial 1
National offices:
MCC in Canada: (204) 261-6381
Toll free: (888) 622-6337
-Connects to the closest Provincial office

MCC in the U.S.: (717) 859-1151

Toll free: (888) 563-4676
-Connects to the Akron office
Provincial offices, Canada:
MCC British Columbia: (604) 850-6639
MCC Alberta: (403) 275-6935
MCC Saskatchewan: (306) 665-2555
MCC Manitoba: (204) 261-6381
MCC Ontario: (519) 745-9458
MCC Quebec: (514) 278-3008
Regional offices, USA:
MCC East Coast: (717) 738-0885
MCC Central States: (316) 283-2720
MCC Great Lakes: (574) 534-4133
MCC West Coast: (559) 638-6911

Please write in the following numbers:

Provincial/Regional Coordinator

Phone ___________________________________

Email ___________________________________

My host family

Phone ___________________________________

My partner agency

Phone ___________________________________

Email ___________________________________

Emergency Services

Phone ___________________________________

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YOUR NEW HOME
Host
This is a people-to-people program. A significant part of the program is
integrating into the life and activities of your host, whether you are living with a
single person, a retired couple, a family with young children or in a group setting.
You and the host will both need to make adjustments. As the visitor, however, you
will need to make the most adjustments. You will discover many aspects of U.S.
and Canadian culture by interacting with your host, adjusting to different foods,
participating in house chores and joining social outings. You might even have to
help take care of a pet!

Food is often one of the most challenging adjustments IVEPers must make.
Remember that U.S. and Canadian food is as diverse as the people who live in
these countries. You will not be eating hamburgers and French fries every day!
You are the guest in someone else’s home and as such, you are asked to eat what
they are eating and to help in meal preparation and clean up. (Ask how you can
help instead of waiting to be asked.) Many hosts would love if you would offer to
cook a traditional food from your home country once in a while. Even if you’ve
never done this before…don’t be afraid to try something new.

In most cases your partner agency will provide your host with reimbursement for
your room and board. However, do not expect that your host has excess money to
take you on vacations and out to restaurants. The money they receive is to cover
basic expenses like groceries. Your host will however want to help you to learn
about U.S. and Canadian culture beyond the family setting. They will help provide
opportunities for you to get involved in the community.

It is natural to look at what other IVEPers are receiving and to compare it with
what you are receiving, but try not to fall into this trap. Each host comes from
a different situation and has different resources at their disposal. Each host will
offer something that no other host has to offer.

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Visitors from home
There has been an increase in the number of family members or friends visiting
IVEP participants while in the U.S./Canada. Some IVEP hosts have expressed
concern about the number of visitors coming and the costs involved in hosting
them. IVEP staff have also noticed that IVEPers who receive visitors tend not to
spend the same amount of time or quality of time with their hosts or friends.

The following guidelines have been developed for IVEP participants

who are planning on receiving visitors:
• IVEP participants must ask their host’s permission whether or not their family
or friends can stay with them—well in advance of the guest’s arrival date.
• All visitors are expected to pay for the costs of being hosted. For each person
that will be staying with the host, IVEP asks that they give the host $15 per
day per person. It is expected that the IVEP participant will inform the visitor of
this cost and will make the arrangements for the payment. This payment is not
optional.
• IVEP participants should not expect their hosts to do any driving for their
guests. (This includes transportation to and from the airport.) If hosts offer to
help that is great, but don’t ask. We recommend that your guests make their
own arrangements (use public transportation, take a taxi, rent a car etc.).
• IVEP participants are encouraged to visit other participants and are not
expected to make a payment. However, they are still required to ask the host’s
permission—well in advance of the visit.

International Volunteer Exchange Program

23
Visiting boyfriends or girlfriends
A number of hosts have asked IVEP staff to set out guidelines for these visits. It is
difficult to set guidelines for every situation but the IVEP participants are expected
to comply with and inform their boyfriend or girlfriend of the following principles
and guidelines:
• Remember that you are not here as an individual. You are here as one
participant of a group program. What you do and how you handle your
relationship is a reflection of you, other IVEP participants, IVEP staff, MCC,
and your country.
• Be open about your relationship. Open discussions lead to trusting
relationships. Hosts should not be asking you personal questions but they
will feel more comfortable when you talk about your relationship as freely as
possible.
• Check with your host to see if they are comfortable with your boyfriend or
girlfriend staying in their home. If they are not comfortable with them staying
there then set up other arrangements.
• It is not considered appropriate for you to travel overnight with your boy/
girlfriend or visit them in their hotel room. Doing so could damage your
reputation as well as the reputation of IVEP and MCC. If you have any
questions about what would be appropriate, please discuss them with IVEP
staff and your hosts.

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ADJUSTMENT
Culture shock
Almost everyone who goes to a foreign culture experiences culture shock. It
may not surface until about 6 to 12 weeks after you arrive. We will send you
information on recognizing and dealing with culture shock after a few weeks
into your U.S./Canadian assignment. Culture shock is normal and should be
expected by even the most experienced travelers. Be sure to talk with your IVEP
coordinators about how you are feeling. They have supported other IVEPers
before you and might have some helpful ideas and suggestion.
Every month your IVEP Coordinators will send you a monthly evaluation form. Set
aside time each month to complete this form. This is not optional. Be honest in
how you are doing… no one can help you in the areas you are finding challenging
if you are not telling anyone what these areas are!

Church participation
In this people-to-people exchange, another significant cultural experience will be
participating in your host’s church. Many IVEPers find a strong support network
and friends among their new church family and are invited to participate in the
church community in a variety of ways. Other IVEPers have expressed that they
cannot sense God in this new style of worship so different from their style at
home. Please be respectful of every style of worship even if it does not make
sense to you.

If you would like to attend a different church than your hosts (because of
denominational differences, for example), please discuss this possibility with your
host. Do keep in mind that your host is likely excited to have you join their church
community. In most cases they will be willing and able to accommodate your
request, even if it is only once in a while. We hope this year away from your home
church will be a year of growth in the Lord and will challenge you to experience
God in new ways.

Etiquette
Punctuality in social, professional and business appointments is expected in U.S./
Canada. If you cannot keep an appointment or know you will be late (even by 5
minutes), you should telephone. Be on time for meals, social invitations,
programs, concerts, theater events, church services and meetings. In the U.S. and
Canada being “on time” often means arriving 5–10 minutes before the scheduled
meeting time! People living in Canada or the US consider being late a sign of
disrespect. It is not tolerated in a work setting. Make every effort to arrive on time
for work, and for any appointment or gathering.

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Counseling services for IVEP participants
Living in another culture can be very stressful. At times IVEP participants
encounter emotional and mental stresses that are overwhelming.
Sometimes, speaking with a professional counselor is helpful. IVEP staff
will assist the IVEP participant in arranging for counseling services. Each
IVEP participant is entitled to four free counseling sessions during their
term. If additional sessions are required arrangements should be made
through the IVEP coordinator.

Safety
• ask your host and supervisor for context specific safety rules and
guidelines
• call 911 for any large emergency: fire, auto accident, crime involving
a weapon, or extreme physical injury
• if you have questions, ask someone in a uniform
• for specific situations, refer to the safety handout given during
orientation

Fitting in
You have come to the U.S./Canada to experience new things. You have
come to build bridges of understanding and to broaden your horizons. It
should be an exciting year as you give of yourself, cooperate with others
and try to fit in, as you share and take an interest in people around you.
Your communication, understanding, love, interest and cooperation will
spread. If you are open and honest about your own life experiences,
others will also share with you! Your hosts, church people and others
will pick up and feel your enthusiasm and will share their love with you.
May God guide and strengthen you!

Blessings on the journey,

IVEP Staff

26
 APPENDIX
Stages of cultural adjustment
1 STAGE ONE: Arrival
How long does it last?
• usually 7–14 days
What to expect:
• you will be tired
• greetings will be different
• you can’t understand
BUT
• it is also a honeymoon period where everything is exciting and new

Helpful advice:
• find out your hosts’ routine
• ask questions
• try not to misjudge
• laugh at yourself
• be curious
• don’t stay in your room

2 STAGE TWO: Settling in

How long does it last?
• usually about 5 weeks
• can be from week 2–week 7
What to expect:
• “things start to go a little wrong”
• host family feels like life has changed too much
• you and your host may withdraw a little
• I like some things but I don’t like others
Helpful advice:
• expect to feel some resentment
• realize your own faults
• talk about your goals
• discard inappropriate ones
• try new things
• pray about difficult situations
• use your journal to write about what’s going on

27
3 STAGE THREE: Deepening the relationship
How long does it last?
• usually 10 weeks
• usually from the one month mark to the third
What to expect:
• ask questions about things you don’t understand
• talk more about expectations
• realize some rules are unspoken
• “some people don’t seem to care”
• people may talk about you with others
Helpful advice:
• tension comes from breaking unwritten rules
• volunteer information about yourself
• ask questions about the host

4 STAGE FOUR: Culture shock

How long does it last?
• usually three months
• usually from the end of the first month until the fourth month
What to expect:
• homesick
• don’t like it here
• feelings of anger and confusion
• small problems become big
Helpful advice:
• “It’s like being sick, time will cure it”
• use your journal
• take some “time-outs”
• get extra rest
• eat well
• it’s okay to think “this is stupid” but not to say it

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5 STAGE FIVE: The holidays
How long does it last?
• Christmas time
• usually six weeks
What to expect:
• feelings of sadness or happiness
• feelings of loneliness
• time of traditions–some are hard to understand
Helpful advice:
• ask questions about customs
• for serious problems, seek help
• dress warmly
• talk to your hosts about your vacation plans early

6 STAGE SIX: Culture learning

How long does it last?
• four months
• from the fourth month to the eighth
What to expect:
• you start to feel comfortable
• some things start to make sense
Helpful advice:
• now that you feel more comfortable try to explore
• help others understand your culture by comparing it to what
you have learned

7 STAGE SEVEN: Pre-departure

How long does it last?
• usually starts six weeks before you leave
What to expect:
• irritability, sensitivity, anger
• feelings of loss
Helpful advice:
• don’t wait until the last minute to talk about your leaving
• accept your feelings of loss
• prepare for reverse culture shock
• take time to say good-bye

29
8 STAGE EIGHT: Re-adjustment
How long does it last?
• six to eight weeks after you get home
• in some ways, for a long time after
What to expect:
• feelings of deep sadness
• people are not as interested in you as you hoped
• feelings of not being accepted
Helpful advice:
• find one person to talk to
• don’t complain to everyone
• give yourself time
• keep in touch with your hosts and friends in the US or Canada
• take an interest in what others have done while you were gone

Blessings on the journey…

IVEP Staff
ivep.mcccanada.ca
ivep.mcc.org

Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500
(717) 859-1151 or toll free (888) 563-4676
mcc.org

Mennonite Central Committee Canada

134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9
(204) 261-6381 or toll free (888) 622-6337
mcccanada.ca

Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ

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