Practical Opportunity.
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 2025 close on February 28!
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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

Prayer

Before application season, our team goes to the Lord in prayer and asks that he would lead the right candidates to apply and that the team would honor him with their selection.

2

Post and Review

The Internship is posted on various sites, including the JAARS website and Handshake. Applications are submitted through the JAARS Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Applicants create an account in the ATS and complete the application, selecting the departments in which they are most interested. If more than one department is of interest, an applicant can mark up to three departments. The team then reviews all applications and resumes submitted.

3

Screen and First Interview

After the team reviews and screens candidates, they invite qualified applicants to an initial video interview with the current Human Resources Fellow and the Interns Coordinator. The purpose of the  interview is to assess competencies and cultural fit, among other considerations, and explore specific department options.

4

Reference Checks

If a candidate has a successful first interview, the Human Resources Fellow conducts checks with the references provided on the candidate’s application.

5

Explore and Assign Departments

With gathered information from the first interview and the reference checks, the team then determines the best department to match the applicant’s skills.

6

Second Interview

Once a likely department assignment is selected, applicants are invited to a video interview with the Interns Coordinator, Human Resources Fellow and project coordinator to explore team dynamics, department responsibilities and possible projects.

7

Offer Letter

Official offer letters are sent to four-six candidates for each Interns Cohort. Candidates typically have one to two weeks to respond to offer letters.

8

Offer Acceptance and Onboarding

Once candidates accept their offers, the current Human Resources Fellow coordinates the completion of criminal background checks and all onboarding paperwork. New interns respond to correspondence from the Human Resources Fellow 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?
October 1–February 28: Applications are open and interviews begin with select candidates

March & April: Interns are selected and notified

May 23–26: Interns move in

May 27: Mandatory one-day orientation

May 27–July 31: Interns serve at JAARS

July 31: Interns celebration
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 a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment shared with a roommate; a two-bedroom, one-bath apartment shared with a roommate; or a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with no roommate. Assignments depend on the number of interns in the cohort and available housing units. All apartments are fully equipped with furniture (including a small TV, but not a DVD player), linens (bedding and towels), and kitchen supplies.
What are the benefits of the internship?
Benefits include:

- A life skills workshop (aka Life Hacks)
- Coverage of the cost of the Highlands Ability Battery (a career assessment) and the corresponding career advising/coaching
- Outings 
- Personal, spiritual and professional development
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.
What is the benefits package like for JAARS Interns?
Benefits for interns include a life skills workshop (aka Life Hacks), coverage of the cost of the Highlands Ability Battery (a career assessment) and the corresponding career advising/coaching, outings, personal, spiritual, and professional development.
Beyond the work hours, what is expected of interns?
Interns are expected to participate in one life hack and two group outings during their 10-week internship. This is approximately 9 hours outside of work hours.
What requirements are part of work hours/paid time?
All one-hour coaching times and group Bible studies are during work hours. Two hours of career advising with a Highlands Ability Battery coach is paid time, however the assessment itself is approximately three hours of unpaid time. 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?
All interns help departments at JAARS complete crucial projects that will in turn support mission workers overseas. Each project contributes to the vision and mission of JAARS in different ways. This is a great topic to discuss in the second interview with the Interns Coordinator and project manager.
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?
After you have gone through both interviews, if the HR team, Interns Team and project manager feel confident in you as the top choice, you will receive a formal offer letter to join JAARS Interns.
What do I do after I have been accepted to Interns?
Celebrate this exciting, new step. Also, complete all of the onboarding paperwork that is sent to you by the HR Fellow and Interns Coordinator. If you have any questions about that paperwork, reach out via phone or email.

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 approximately one life hack during the internship to add various life skills to their repertoires. We also do approximately two fun outings. These are just the scheduled activities; you will have plenty of time for recreational community building activities with your cohort and the JAARS Fellows on campus.
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.
Where is my mail delivered?
While you are at JAARS, you will use the following addresses:
Letters:
JAARS/Interns
Your Name
PO Box 248
Waxhaw, NC 28173

‍Packages:
JAARS/Interns
Your Name
7601 Radin Road
Waxhaw, NC 28173
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 escape rooms, mini golf, beautiful parks, delicious places to eat and much more! Here are some examples of what is in the area:

- Cane Creek Park – biking, walking, kayaking, picnicking
- Charlotte – sports games, laser tag, Carowinds Amusement Park, etc.
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Andrew Jackson State Park
- Rock Hill Riverwalk
- 40 Acre Rock Heritage Park
- Anne Springs Close Greenway
- Six Mile Creek Greenway
- Mini-Golf
- Historic Brattonsville
What does the average day look like for a JAARS Intern?
All interns positions are full-time (40 hours per week). Most positions work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an hour for lunch. However, work schedules vary for certain projects that require involvement in evening and weekend programs.
What does spiritual development look like on a practical level?
You will meet weekly with the other interns in your cohort as well as an Interns team member for a group Bible study. Additionally, you will meet weekly with a coach, who will get to know you and ultimately disciple you into a more mature follower of Christ.
What does professional development look like on a practical level?
You will have a project manager with whom you will meet weekly. They will work with you through the various aspects of your project(s). In addition to your project manager, you will 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 advisement 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.