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Length of Commitment
Though there is no set contract that a person must sign to join this team, we do ask that you commit for a certain amount of time and then keep that commitment. Depending on your role here, your length of commitment may differ.
Student Missionaries
When you decide to serve at UEFF as a student missionary, it is understood that you will be here for the duration of the school year (corresponding with your college/university) in order for you to receive credit for your experience. If you have any questions about the length of time you must serve in order to receive credit, contact your student missions office.
Volunteer Teachers
Teachers are an integral part of this mission. What would a school be with no teachers? Because the school simply cannot run without teachers, those who come to teach are expected to stay during the entire school year. Teachers leaving before the school year ends jeopardize the credibility of the school. We understand that occasionally there are extraneous circumstances that necessitate leaving before school is officially over. But we do ask that you make every effort to commit to being here for the entire school year or semester that you are teaching.
Other Volunteer Staff
Though we would love for all of our volunteers to stay with us long-term, we know that it is not always possible. Any amount of time that you are willing to contribute will make this school a better place. Let God lead you as you decide how long you need to stay. Just let us know how long you plan to stay so we can plan accordingly.
Kitchen Use/Meals
Faculty and staff are welcome to use the school kitchen to cook personal meals. Please provide your own food as the food in the kitchen is for group meals. Any pots, pans, or utensils used need to be washed and returned to their proper locations. Also, please clean and sanitize the preparation and sink areas when you are finished.
Vehicle Use
Only approved drivers may drive the vehicles. Drivers must communicate with the director before leaving (notifying director of plans).
Day Off/Town Trips
Each staff member has one day off each week, which will be allocated. Typically staff members use this day to go to town. Staff members may catch a ride on a passing bus or truck.
At times, the truck may be going into town on your day off. The vehicle driver is not obligated to wait for you to be ready to leave the school or town. All trips will be according to the town trip schedule posted in the main building. Please communicate your plans clearly with the driver so you are not left inadvertently.
Please note: You may go to town ONE time per week, unless there is an emergency. Plan to make phone calls, send e-mails, buy supplies, etc. on this day. More words up here. This plan may differ from location to location.
Relationships/Conduct
We encourage our volunteer missionaries to develop lifelong friendships with one another. However, relationships between volunteer missionaries that would lead to marriage are discouraged due to conflict of interest. If a courting relationship begins, the couple is encouraged to do activities in group settings. Rules that apply to students also apply to missionaries. It is never appropriate to be alone in a bedroom or on a trail in the jungle. There are many public places (i.e. – director’s living room, cafeteria, etc.) that are available for conversations, etc.
It is NEVER appropriate for a relationship to develop between a staff member and a student. Students should NEVER be invited into the bedroom of a staff member of the opposite sex. Counseling of students should be done only by or with a staff member of the same gender as the student. Remember that we need to avoid any appearance of evil.
Because of current staff housing, this can seem inconvenient. Your home may consist of only one room – the bedroom. Please keep mixed gender gatherings in public places.
Staff Worships
Staff worship begins promptly at 6:00 a.m. upstairs in the main building. Although attendance is not required, it is highly recommended.
Music
Music is a gift from God. It can also be used in ways that damage lives. For this reason, Christian standards should be used in the selection of music brought to the school. All music should, in both tone (atmosphere) and lyrics, adhere to the admonition found in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Please remember to control the volume of your music. If you choose to listen to contemporary Christian and other type of music, please use headphones.
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Dress code
We recommend that our staff volunteers dress decently and appropriately at all times. We ask the volunteers to also have modest use of make-up that looks natural and no jewelry except for a wedding ring. Jewelry should not be used except for the wedding ring, if necessary.
General campus wear
- Clean, modest pants and shorts that are not frayed nor have holes. They should not be too low on the hips or too tight. Chains are also not permitted.
- It is not permitted to dress alternatively or have extreme hairstyles e.g. Mohawk
- Pajamas should not be worn outside the dorm.
- The midriff should never be shown.
- Immodest, revealing attire like short skirts high above the knees, low necklines, spaghetti strap shirts, transparent and or very tight shirts/blouses are not permitted.
Sabbath attire
- Dress or skirt below knee.
- Dress shirt
- Dress pants
Work attire
Please see work supervisor for specific dress expectations. Please note the general campus dress code still applies.
Campus Life & General Information
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
All are strongly encouraged to attend Sabbath School and the church service.
THE SABBATH
The Sabbath is observed from Friday sundown to sundown on Saturday. The sanctity of this day calls for dignity and respect during the Sabbath hours. All recreational activities should conclude one hour before sunset on Friday. Secular books, magazines, and activities should be laid aside and the mind and conversation directed to themes suited to the sacred spirit of the day. Only music which is appropriate for the Sabbath should be played or sung.
HARASSMENT
Harassment: The act of systematic and/or a continued course of conduct, actions, or words directed at a specific person that annoys, alarms, or causes significant emotional distress for no legitimate purpose.
No staff member may participate in, or allow any act of harassment which degrades, injures or disgraces a student or staff member. Harassment includes jokes, intimidation or any physical or verbal attack directed at a person’s race, religion, national origin, age, gender, or physical features. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct that, by design or innuendo, is sexual in nature. This kind of behavior interferes with an individual’s ability to perform work or school assignments due to the intimidating and hostile environment that is created.
It is also a violation of this policy for anyone acting knowingly and recklessly either to make a false complaint of harassment or to provide false information regarding a complaint.
Incidents of harassment should be reported to an administrator and will be treated with confidentiality as is appropriate.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The mission we serve believes that the use of addictive, mind or mood altering substances is not in the best interest of a person. Therefore, the school will dismiss a staff member who uses illegal substances or abuses the use of legal medications or drugs.
Visa Considerations
Since visa requirements are changing we have a lawyer that will help you in this issue.
You may check out for actual requirements at www.bolivia-usa.org
Bank Accounts
You can withdraw money from your bank account using a debit card at the local bank. There is a 5% commission charged for these transactions at this time.
Currency/Money Exchange
The Bolivian unit of currency is the Boliviano. Currently, you can get approximately 7 Bolivianos for 1 USD. Money can be exchanged in the international airport in Santa Cruz. Many stores in Bolivia accept U.S. dollars, sometimes even with a better exchange rate. However, they will not accept bills that are ripped, torn, or taped (even slightly)! They will also not accept $100 bills that have serial numbers beginning with “CB.” Please be sure to bring crisp money as it can be very frustrating to have money that no one will exchange.
Vaccinations
A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. The following are recommended:
*Hepatitis A
*Hepatitis B
*Yellow Fever
*Tetanus
*Polio
*Typhoid
*MMR
*TDAP
All can be safely obtained at the local Bolivian health department for a fraction of the cost in the States.
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Travel To and From
Each volunteer is responsible for purchasing his/her own round-trip tickets to get from your country to the mission location.
tickets
Check www.kayak.com for prices.
Temperatures/Seasons
Temperatures generally range from the mid-80’s to the mid-100’s Fahrenheit (30’s to 40’s Celcius). Nights are typically in the mid-70’s (22 – 25 Celcius). There are some days when the temperatures can get much cooler.
There are two seasons: dry and rainy. During the dry season (May – October), the weather is sunny, hot, and dry. Once in a while a cool front will come through and bring rain and colder weather. During the rainy season (November – April), it rains nearly every single day.
Electronics
Most electronics (i.e. computers, digital cameras/camcorders, etc.) work with no problems here. It is a good idea to bring protective casing for your electronics as it is dusty and humid here and on the road to town.
The electrical system in Bolivia is 220V and 50Hz. At the school, we run 110 V – 220V and 50Hz – 60Hz. Converters are available to purchase.
Housing
There are thatch roof huts, brick houses and a main brick building. All homes have beds and mattresses provided. New mattresses are available for purchase.
Things to Bring
- Any prescription medication
- Worship materials
- Flashlight or head lamp
- Mosquito net
- Bed sheets and towel
- Sunscreen
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent
- Record of vaccination
Things NOT to Bring
- Pets
- Immodest clothing
- Posters of any kind
- Inappropriate reading/movie/music materials
Training
Volunteers who will be teaching will receive training in classroom management, grading and assessment, lesson planning, etc.
Disciplinary Guidelines
We need to remember that we are modeling Christ’s character to all people at all times.
Staff members should communicate to every child in a Christ-like calm and respectful manner. No staff should yell or shout at any time.
Physical discipline of students is to be used as a last resort with permission of the discipline committee consisting of the general and school directors.
Attitude
We ask our missionaries to be open-minded and be flexible with where they live and the jobs that are given. Here we strive to work hard together for the Lord Jesus. We want to promote a harmonious environment where everybody is happy and content. We want to have positive relationships through open communication with each other.
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