On Boarding Program
On Boarding Program Overview
The On Boarding Program 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 3 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 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 take based on their position and experience with Mercy Ships.
Cost: $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@mercyships.org
Dates for 2012:
January 7- March 1
June 9 – August 3
September 15 – November 16
Dates for 2013:
January 26 - March 22
June 8 - August 1
September 14 - November 8
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 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.
