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Service Period
The actual service period starts when you arrive to SALT program orientation held at MCC headquarters in Akron, Pennsylvania. The SALT orientation starts Saturday afternoon preceding the second full week of August and is held jointly with MCC’s International Volunteer Exchange Program. It gives participants the opportunity to learn more about their program and the service organization they represent and prepares them for the upcoming cross-cultural service experience. An opportunity is given to bond and learn from each other and the IVEP participants, many of whom are nationals of the countries where SALTers will serve. Departures to the assignment are scheduled for the weekend immediately following the orientation. In rare situations when visa problems or other unpredictable issues are encountered SALTers may remain in Akron for a while until the situation is worked out. During this time, SALTers spend some time helping MCC and Ten Thousand Villages as needed and further preparing themselves for the upcoming assignment. In addition, SALTers receive a country specific orientation in the country of their assignment. Timing of the country orientations, as well as language study arrangements vary from country to country. However, in all situations they happen within the first six weeks after arrival. MCC encourages the SALTers to take language learning seriously and continue with some kind of private tutoring arrangements throughout the year in exchange for assisting the local tutors with English. The country representatives or in some places, Connecting Peoples personnel are responsible for the supervision, support and guidance of the in-service SALTers. Program participants are expected to submit periodic reports on their service experience to the country representatives. These reports are forwarded for a review and response to the appropriate area desk in Akron as well as to the SALT coordinator. Mid-term and end-of-term evaluations also provide a space to raise issues, as well as to register joys and challenges of the particular placement. The service period ends with a three day re-entry conference in Akron, Pennsylvania. This conference takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the last full week of July with the departures home scheduled for Friday. Service Period FAQ |
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