Nehemiah Teams

FAQ page is continually being updated... please keep checking back!!

FAQ

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: We are providing you a pretty detailed packing list that we strongly suggest you follow. This will help you to avoid bringing too much stuff that you won't need! You can access the packing list by clicking on the link at the top left.

Q: Can I bring my laptop? iPod? Cell phone?

A: Laptop: Unless you are a media team member, we would ask that you not bring your laptop. With the availability of internet cafes in most countries, it really isn't necessary and will just be one more "thing " you'd have to keep up with.  Please don't bring your laptop unless you are a media team member.

iPod: It's up to you if you want to have your iPod with you during your travel. If you do choose to bring it, we will collect these upon your arrival at orientation for safe keeping during the course of the summer, returning it to you at debrief.

Cell phone: Again, if you feel better having this with you during travel that's up to you. Like the other items, we will collect this upon arrival at orientation for safe keeping.

Q: Do I need to get a visa before I arrive in my country of assignment?

A: It depends on your country. See countries listed below:

PHILIPPINES:  You will receive a 21-day tourist visa upon arrival which will be renewed over the course of the summer... this additional expense is included in your field expense budget.

SOUTH KOREA:  You will receive a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival.

THAILAND:

INDONESIA:

If your country or information isn't listed here... please contact your local supervisor directly.

Q: I love mail!!! What is my summer mailing address?

A: 

PHILIPPINES
Contact your local supervisor for this information.

Regular size envelopes normally take 10-14 days to arrive from the US. We would suggest not having packages sent to you... depending on your team assignment, only letters will be forwarded to team locations. Most likely, due to team locations, teams will only receive mail a couple times over the course of the summer.

***************************************************

THAILAND

 

Mail can take up to 2 weeks to arrive. Sending packages can be very costly. Letters only are recommended

**************************************************

JAPAN

 

Charles Seelen

c/o Your Name

8-9-12 Gogazuka

Itami, Japan

664-0855

***********************************************

INDONESIA (BALI TEAMS)

 

Your Name

c/o Rachel Campbell

P.O. Box 3640

Denpasar 80030

Bali, Indonesia

Please mail in plain envelopes only. No church names should be on envelopes.

Information for other countries will be added as it is available.

Q: What size backpack will I need?

A: A good sized backpack for you to bring would be one that measures 3500 cubic inches. If you follow the packing list, you should be able to get everything you need in this.
Either way you go, backpack or duffle bag, you will want to have a day pack (book bag size backpack) for daily use and short trips as needed.

If you are on a Luzon-based orphanage team or South Korea you can bring a suitcase.  Others, because of travel between locations, etc... it's best to have a backpack.  

Q: What about my personal safety? My parents need some reassurance...

A: This is one of the most frequently asked questions, not so much by students, but by parents. We understand. We are parents too. We have 3 children. We, as parents, think about issues that haven’t even been considered by our children. I think back on some things I did when I was 14 or 15. My best friend and I were nearly killed in a sledding accident. (Duh… we didn’t think about the issue of having to stop at the bottom of the hill.) Our security was shaken on September 11, 2001. We learned in that moment that no place in our world is safe. We have developed what some psychologists call risk-lock. We are afraid to the point that this fear causes us to lose touch with reality. Click on the links below to read more about risk-lock as well as other informational documents.

Q: How much personal money will I need?

A: Depending on your team location, you have been given a total amount that you will need for your " field expenses. " This amount was given on the team request through the IMB and is also on our website on the "Where" page and click on your team name. Basically this will cover your transportation, daily food budget, and anticipated ministry expenses.

Personal money would be needed to cover: internet usage, personal hygiene items (toothpaste, shampoo, soap), postage, souvenirs, phone calls, etc.

Q: Do I need all the immunizations and malaria medicine?

A: You were told to follow the IMB recommendations for your immunizations. If you've seen the list, you'll notice that it is quite extensive. 

PHILIPPINES:  Our personal recommendations would be that you make sure you regular immunizations are up to date, this would include tetanus, DPT (TDap), polio, Hep B, etc. We would also suggest that you have Typhoid immunization (this one can be oral or injection).  We do not recommend that you take the preventative malaria medicine.

Other countries:  Please contact your local supervisor.

Q: Will I be able to check my e-mail this summer?

A: Asia is full of internet cafes which make the internet very accessible for the common man... meaning to say, those without a PC at home! For a low price (about 25 cents an hour) you can get on-line and surf to your heart's content! So, the answer is, " Yes! " ... you should have opportunity to stay connected to family and friends through e-mail. Due to the remoteness of some of your locations you may not be able to do this on a regular basis... but you should be able to check at least a couple times over the course of the summer.

For those areas where internet is available, teams will have 2 hours on their day off each week for internet access.  You will be disconnected from the internet this summer in order to be connected with people.  Share this with your parents so they'll know your usage will be limited.

Q: What phone number should I give my folks in case they need to contact me?

A: See specific country contact information below

Phone numbers will be provided by the local supervisors.

Q: Should I bring phone cards from the US to use during the summer?

A: No.  You will be able to call using local phone cards or by calling through an operator using a calling card or credit card. Depending on your location, some phone cards from the US are not useable here. However, as with the internet cafes, local calling stations are available where you can place international calls.

Q: Can I use my credit/debit card at a local ATM?

A: Most local banks partner with either MasterCard or Visa networks therefore in areas where there are ATMs.... yes, you will be able to use your cards. (Our experience has been that there is sometimes an additional service charge for international usage.) HOWEVER... depending on your team location... not all areas have ATMs. So... check with us first and we will verify depending on your specific team location.