Training Opportunities

The On Boarding Program is a combination of our two entry-level training opportunities and is required for all those accepted to serve with Mercy Ships for nine months or more, including  those who have completed a DTS or Gateway with Mercy Ships in the past or served with us long-term before but have been away for more than three years.

The On Boarding Program is designed to better educate, equip and empower our staff and crew for long-term service with Mercy Ships. It is a total of 8 weeks in duration – 5 weeks of interactive classroom instruction and 3 weeks of field service/application in West Africa. At the end of field service, the participants will join the ship on location.

The On Boarding Program is comprised of the following courses: 

• Foundations of Mercy Ships (FMS)
• Gateway (including Field Service)
• Basic Safety Training
• Crowd Management
• Management training
• Job Orientation/Departmental Training

Human Resources will decide which courses participants are required to take based on their position and experience with Mercy Ships.

Cost for Complete On Boarding Program: $1700 (subject to change)
Covers:  Housing, food, course materials, and field service ground expenses
Does not cover: Airfare to the IOC and airfare to the field service location*  (typically less than $2000 US).

*On Boarding is offered at a discount to alumni and current crew. Please contact Human Resources for more information: hr.assistant.ioc[at]mercyships.org

Dates for 2012:
January 7- March 1
June 9 – August 3
September 15 – November 16

During On Boarding, it may be a challenge to find much personal time during the day. Because of this, we encourage you to come prepared to be flexible and adaptable. We hope you find the program to be rewarding and beneficial in preparing you to serve with Mercy Ships.

A Typical week - Monday-Friday:

7:00-7:45 a.m. ~ Breakfast
8:00-12:00 noon ~ Classroom
Lunch
1:00-4:30p.m. ~ Classroom
5:00-5:45p.m. ~ Dinner

Saturday:
Orientation and Team Building will be conducted on a Saturday/Sunday.  A Silent Retreat is scheduled one Saturday as well.  Most Saturdays will be days off.

Sunday:  Personal time; weekend activities can be planned

*There will be some evening meetings and events scheduled.  In addition there are weekly written assignments and reading requirements.

**This schedule may vary.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

The International Operations Center is located on 430 acres in Northeast Texas between the cities of Tyler and Dallas. The secluded property offers two wooded walking trails, two ponds, a swimming pool, a café and several other amenities. Lindale and Van are a 15-minute drive away from the International Operations Center. There is no public transportation. Meals on campus will be served at the Oasis, our community dining room.

The Mercy Ships family comes together once a week for a Communication and Prayer meeting Thursday mornings at 11:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to attend a church of their choice on Sunday mornings. Gateway staff may also schedule some optional activities on the weekends.

FMS & IMS PROGRAM INFORMATION

Mercy Ships offers Foundations of Mercy Ships (FMS), Fundraising Seminars and Gateway programs three times per year at the Mercy Ships International Operations Center in Texas. We also offer an Introduction to Mercy Ships (IMS) program in the Netherlands twice a year.

For information such as dates, costs, course content, location, etc. on any Mercy Ships program, please contact Mercy Ships directly at: info[at]mercyships.org. At the present time, these courses include:

Foundations of Mercy Ships – International Operations Center

This is a one-week program to facilitate the entry of short-term or long-term crew and staff into Mercy Ships. Topics include: Mercy Ships History, Mission, Vision and Values, Philosophy of Missions, Living in Community, Transitions, and Community Life Issues, followed by a Fundraising seminar. The week includes a personal interview with Human Resources. Our goal is to help potential crew become as informed as possible in their decision-making process.

The Fundraising Seminar teaches participants how to fundraise for their involvement with Mercy Ships programs, whether short or long-term. Topics include: Discovering the Biblical Foundation for Fundraising, How to Write Newsletters, Creating a Budget, etc.

FMS or IMS is a prerequisite to attending a Gateway Program.  All attendees must have an application on file prior to registration. The FMS program costs $150 US per person and $250 US for couples, which includes housing, meals and materials. This program takes place at the International Operations Center in Garden Valley Texas. 

Dates for 2012:

• January 9-13, 2012
• June 9-15, 2012
• September 17-21, 2012

Introduction to Mercy Ships – Europe (The Netherlands)

This program is offered for potential short or long-term Mercy Ships crew and staff in Europe in a three-day (weekend) format. The content of the program will be the same as at the International Operation Center, but in a condensed manner. The course will be conducted in the Netherlands.

Introduction to Mercy Ships in Europe is a weekend-long programme that starts on a Friday afternoon and ends late Sunday afternoon. During a number of sessions and one-on-one talks, participants will learn about working and living with Mercy Ships.

This programme takes place onboard a small motor vessel which is located in the Netherlands. The maximum number of attendees is 29. All lectures are performed in English.

Upcoming dates:

April 13-15, 2012
October 5-7, 2012

For Questions and Registration, please contact Alize van der Wolf at the Mercy Ships -Rotterdam office, phone +31 10 4102877, or e-mail vdwolfaj[at]mercyships.nl