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Life-Changing Experience.

Use the skills and passions God gave you to reach the world and cover the last mile of missions.

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Intern at JAARS

JAARS Interns is a 10-week opportunity that develops transferable professional skills, cultivates holistic growth and ushers you into the world of remote overseas missions. Interns join JAARS staff in completing significant projects that reduce barriers, ease burdens and deliver God’s Word.

Applications for summer 2026 will open on November 1!
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Where Do You Fit?

We provide internship opportunities in many different areas of JAARS. Check out some of your options below!

Accounting

The accounting team carries out daily operations and larger-scale projects that keep our finances in order. They specialize in not-for-profit accounting, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system conversion and accounting procedures and best practices.

Advancement

Through developing and nurturing relationships with major donors, hosting events, meeting with potential partners and writing grant proposals, this department ensures JAARS has the funds to carry out our work.

Air Operations

More information coming soon!

Experiences

The Experiences team promotes JAARS through experiential marketing. They develop and implement face-to-face experiences such as vision flights, a teen aviation camp and more.

Global Operations

The Global Operations team receives project and program proposals from global partner organizations. They develop future JAARS hubs to support partner organizations by providing transportation solutions and training to cover the last mile of missions.

Guest Services

Guest Services works to create a positive experience for guests to the JAARS Base. They provide a wide range of services from food in our cafe, to managing our gift shop, to coordinating housing.

Human Resources

Human Resources supports JAARS through talent acquisition and guarding good workplace practices.

Information and Digital Technologies

This team services desktops, laptops, servers, networking, WiFi, project management, systems support, and systems analysis and documentation at the JAARS Base.

International Aviation Safety

More information coming soon!

Land and Sea Operations

Through boat, 4WD and motorcycle safety training, Land and Sea Operations ensure workers on the field travel safely. They also maintain and repair training fleet vessels and vehicles.

Marketing

The Marketing team develops and executes marketing plans and strategies to increase awareness of JAARS through content creation and media campaigns across a diversity of platforms.

Museum

Our museum shares the history of both JAARS and Bible translation with the public. The team carries out day-to-day operations, maintains the current museum collection, plans and installs new exhibits, and designs and implements museum programming to create an engaging experience.

Purchasing and Logistics

The Purchasing and Logistics team manages the supply chain through purchasing, contracts, inventory, and shipping and receiving. Through Purchasing and Logistics, the rest of JAARS has the physical resources needed to cover the last mile of missions.

R&D and Engineering

This department innovates ways to improve safety by designing parts to increase the utilization and efficiency of mission transportation.

Software Development

This team at JAARS is developing and supporting our FlightSpan app, an aviation platform built specifically for mission aviators and others flying in remote environments. Areas of service include developing, troubleshooting, and testing new features and bug reports.

Youth and Family Ministries

The Youth and Family Ministries team provides unique childcare and programming for families at the JAARS Base for training, furlough or full-time service.

Training

The Training department interacts with the entire JAARS Base and partners around the globe, providing training relating to workplace culture, cross-cultural communication, multi-generational teams and spiritual vitality.

Our Hiring Process

1

Application

The candidate submits an application for a specific internship position through the JAARS Applicant Tracking System (ATS). If more than one position is of interest, the candidate can mark up to two other positions they’d like to be considered for.

2

Initial Interview

The HR team will review all applications, then invite qualified candidates to an initial video interview. The purpose of this interview is to assess competencies and cultural fit, among other considerations.

3

Reference Checks

If the candidate has a successful first interview, the HR team will conduct checks with the references provided on the candidate’s application.

4

Second Interview

The HR team will pass the candidate’s application (including resume, interview notes, and references) along to the manager of the position they applied for. The manager will choose which candidates to invite to a second video interview. This second interview will include an HR representative, the manager, and the Interns Program Coordinator. The purpose of this interview is to explore team dynamics and responsibilities of the position.

5

Offer Letter

The HR team will send official offer letters to the top candidates. Candidates typically have one week to respond to offer letters. Up to six interns may be hired per summer.

6

Offer Acceptance and Onboarding

Once a candidate accepts their offer, the HR team will coordinate the completion of a criminal background check and other onboarding paperwork. New interns will receive correspondence from the HR team and the Interns Coordinator as their start date approaches.

The hiring process takes anywhere from 30-120 days. The process varies for individuals depending on candidate pool and application completion date.

Hear From Past Interns

Don't take our word for it! Here's a glimpse of what past interns had to say about their time at JAARS.
"I had a great time and was introduced to new ideas concerning missions. I would recommend the program to people who want to learn more about missions, gain practical experience and be in community with other interns."
Charis
Intern | 2023
"The fantastic community, working environment and opportunities for spiritual growth made my time in the Interns program amazing, and I left with greater confidence knowing what God could do using my gifts and abilities."
Nathaniel
Intern | 2023
"It was the best job I've ever had; the opportunities and connections God gave me this summer will never be forgotten. ... I've never been so excited to go to work each day, knowing that every day I'm working for a purpose that I'm so passionate about."
Julia
Intern | 2024

Take Your Next Step

Grow your skills and explore your place in the Great Commission. Apply today or reach out to a member of our team for any additional questions.
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Interns FAQs

Details & Eligibility FAQs

What are the key dates of the internship?
November 1 - January 31: Applications are open; initial interviews begin with select candidates

February 1: Second interviews begin

March/April: Offer letters are sent

May 26: First day of internship

July 31: Last day of internship
Who is eligible to become an intern?
Qualifications for all interns include:

- Completed sophomore year of college. While college freshmen and sophomores have skills that are applicable to JAARS, Interns may not be the avenue to apply them. Applicants who will not have completed their first four semesters of college prior to the start of the internship can consider volunteering.

- Biblical Christ-follower
- Values global ministry
- Learner attitude
- Collaborator
- Agreement with the JAARS vision, mission, core values, and what we believe
Is housing included?
Interns are required to live in housing on the JAARS Base. Housing is not included in compensation. Monthly rent is $100, including utilities, internet and laundry facilities. Singles are assigned to a 2-bedroom / 2-bath (or 2-bedroom / 1-bath) apartment with one roommate or a 1-bedroom / 1-bath apartment with no roommate. This depends on the number of fellows in the cohort and available housing units.

Married interns work directly with JAARS Housing to find a unit that works for the needs of their family. For a married couple where one spouse is an intern and the other is not, we divide the standard housing rate (for whatever unit they choose) in half. The intern pays the discounted rate of $100/month for his "half", and the non-intern spouse pays the regular rate for her "half". So the total for the couple is $100 plus half of the normal housing rate for the unit they choose. You may contact guest.liaison@jaars.org for the most current housing rates.

All apartments are fully furnished and include kitchen supplies (microwave, toaster, pots, pans, dishes, etc.)
What are the benefits of the internship?
Since interns are considered “seasonal” employees, they do not receive paid time off nor paid holidays during their internship employment. However, they DO receive the following benefits, which are paid for by JAARS…

- Two life skills workshops (“life hacks”)
- Two outings
- Spiritual coaching/mentoring 
- The Highlands Ability Battery (a career assessment) and corresponding career advising/coaching
What will a typical work schedule look like?
All interns work full-time (40 hours per week). Most interns work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour for lunch. However, work schedules may vary for certain projects that could require involvement in evening and weekend programs.

Applicant FAQs

Are JAARS Interns paid?
Yes! JAARS Interns are paid $11 per hour.
What is JAARS looking for in candidates?
A JAARS Interns candidate must be a believer with a deep and growing relationship with God, agree to the JAARS statement of faith, and embrace the vision and mission of JAARS. Beyond that, we require the completion of four semesters of college and a learner attitude.
Beyond the work hours, what is expected of interns?
Interns are expected to attend two life hacks and two outings over the course of the internship, which totals to approximately 12 hours outside of work time. These activities are meant to encourage personal growth and community development, and are an important part of the Interns program.  Interns are also expected to actively participate in their cohort community. Interns spend at least 1-2 hours per week in intentional community time with their cohort. This time could include games, food, movies, conversation, etc.
What requirements are part of work hours/paid time?
All one-hour spiritual coaching/mentoring times are during work hours. Three hours of work time are given for the completion of the Highlands Ability Battery assessment, along with two hours for career advising with a Highlands consultant.

Life hacks and outings are not part of paid time but will enhance your overall experience as an intern.
How will my role as an intern contribute to the mission and vision of JAARS?
Everything we do at JAARS is focused on our goal of “covering the last mile of missions”. Each department, from Accounting to Marketing to Guest Services, has a role to play.

The internship positions we post each summer represent the top areas of need around the JAARS Base. Interns join departments in completing crucial projects that will ultimately help deliver God’s Word to the ends of the earth.
Are there any opportunities for interns to become staff members post-internship?
Yes! If there is an interest in staying at JAARS after the internship, we encourage interns to pursue JAARS Fellows after they graduate. Other opportunities to stay connected to JAARS could be through volunteering.
When will I know if I have been accepted?
If the HR team, Interns Coordinator, and department manager feel confident in you as the top choice for a position, you will receive a formal offer letter to join JAARS Interns. We hope to be sending offer letters in March/April, though the actual timeline may vary for individuals depending on candidate pool and application completion date.
What do I do after I have been accepted to Interns?
After you've been accepted to the Interns program, please keep an eye on your email inbox for messages from JAARS HR regarding onboarding paperwork. The Interns Coordinator will also send you a series of emails with information about setting up housing, introducing your cohort, and more. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Interns Coordinator!

Intern Life and Culture FAQs

What are the accommodations in my apartment?
Interns rent fully-furnished apartments at the JAARS Base. Usually these are shared, and each person has their own room and a shared bathroom. Apartments include a kitchen, cooking appliances, living room, one or two bedrooms, and one or two bathrooms. Monthly rent is $100, including utilities, internet and laundry facilities.
What should I bring with me when I move to JAARS?
Apartments are fully furnished, so only bring what you really need, such as clothes and personal supplies. Decorations can also never hurt! Check out photos and a video walkthrough of one of the two bedroom, two bath apartments at this link.
What are some community building activities involved in the Interns program?
Interns participate in two outings over the course of the summer with your cohort for the purpose of community building. In addition to these scheduled program activities, you will also have plenty of time for recreational community building activities with your cohort and other young adults on campus. Weekly volleyball and soccer games are a highlight for many, along with spontaneous movie nights or trips to the Waxhaw creamery for ice cream! There may also be Bible studies and worship nights for you to join in on (or help plan!).
Am I responsible for my own meals?
With the exception of occasional meals during outings and life hacks, interns are responsible for their own meals. Campus housing is equipped with a kitchen that includes pots, pans, dishes and utensils. The nearest grocery stores are approximately 10-15 minutes away by car.

JAARS has a cafe that is open for lunch Monday - Friday. The cafe offers several different types of sandwiches, salads, burgers, and fries, as well as a daily special. The cost for a full meal is typically around $10-12.
Where is my mail delivered?
While you are at JAARS, you will use the following address for both packages and mail:

Your Name
7601 Radin Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173

Your mail will arrive at JAARS Shipping and Receiving, then be sorted into your personal mailbox in our mail room. You can pick up your mail/packages Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Do I need a car?
The JAARS Base is located about 6 miles from Waxhaw, North Carolina, and 10 miles from Lancaster, South Carolina. While a car is not required for JAARS Interns, most people find it helpful to bring their own car.
What is it like to live in the Waxhaw area?
JAARS is located 30 minutes south of the outer beltway of Charlotte, North Carolina, and 20 minutes from Lancaster, South Carolina. We are 10 minutes from Main Street in downtown Waxhaw.

JAARS is located on a beautiful 500+ acre rural campus with recreational areas like our swimming pool, library, dining room, health clinic, RV Park, childcare facilities and youth ministries. In the community, you will find game night groups, volleyball groups, Bible studies and other special events.

Waxhaw, North Carolina is a family-friendly, historic, growing small town surrounded by a natural backdrop of rolling hills, horse country and outdoor recreation. It has creative and performing arts, vibrant music, antiques and good old-fashioned parades.

Lancaster, South Carolina, is also a historic, small town with a state university campus, shopping areas, several festivals and events, as well as a Christmas parade each year.
What recreational activities are there in the Waxhaw area?
Recreational activities in the Waxhaw area include lots of hiking and beautiful parks, escape rooms, mini golf, antiques and thrifting, restaurants, and much more! Some local areas of interest include:

- Cane Creek Park
- Carolina Thread Trail and Suspension Bridge
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Downtown Charlotte
- Whitewater Center
Where do interns attend church?
JAARS is not a church, and living/working at JAARS is not a replacement for attending a local church. We encourage our interns to find and regularly attend a church in the area, but we don't dictate which church they attend.

Luckily, North Carolina is in the Bible belt, so there are plenty of churches for interns to choose from! Since the multitude of options can sometimes be overwhelming however, we provide new interns with a list of some nearby churches that other JAARS young adults have attended and enjoyed as a place to start looking.
What does spiritual development look like on a practical level?
You will meet weekly with an assigned spiritual coach, who will get to know you and ultimately disciple you into a more mature follower of Christ. You will also meet weekly for a group Bible study to learn about God’s heart for the nations and our role in the Great Commission.
What does professional development look like on a practical level?
You will meet regularly with your manager, who will help you work through the various aspects of your projects. You will also meet regularly with the Interns Coordinator, who will talk with you about your areas of interest, the parts of your job you like and may not like, and will help you navigate your internship and even your career beyond JAARS. Additionally, you will take the Highlands Ability Battery and will receive career advice from a Highlands consultant.
Tell me more about Highlands Ability Battery.
The Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) is an online assessment tool that objectively measures your natural abilities by asking you to perform specific tasks or exercises. As part of the Highlands Whole Person Model, the HAB is the foundation and starting point to identify the career best suited for you.

The HAB is unique in that it measures your abilities based on performance rather than perception. Exercises such as recreating designs from memory, manipulating blocks in space, and putting images in logical sequence are some of the virtual tasks you are asked to perform within a set amount of time. Results based on timed performance are far more reliable than results based on self-perception or personal opinion. Read more here.

International Applicants FAQs

Can I apply for the JAARS internship with CPT?
Yes! If you are a student in the US on an F-1 visa, you may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which can be used for an internship or training that is directly related to your major area of study. To use CPT for a JAARS internship, talk to your designated school official (DSO) about when and how to apply. For more information, visit dhs.gov.
Does JAARS support H-1B visa sponsorship?
At this time, JAARS is unable to sponsor H-1B visas for interns.