If you're someone who wants to explore a different way of life, meet new people, serve God and challenge yourself, then MCC’s International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP) is for you! Each IVEP participant spends 11 months living with a Canadian or U.S host and volunteering 40 hours per week.
For more information you can download the IVEP manual for participants (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for IVEP?
All IVEP participants must be:
- Between 18-30 years old
- Living outside Canada and the U.S.
- Single, without children
- Committed to the Christian faith
- Actively involved in a church
We give preference to members of Anabaptist churches.
Will I earn money to take home?
You will not earn money while on IVEP. We provide a monthly allowance, but it’s to be used for personal expenses (like clothing and haircuts) while on assignment.
How do I apply?
Contact the MCC office in your home country to learn if they participate in IVEP, and if so they will tell you the specific requirements for applying. If you don’t have the contact information for MCC, write to ivep@mcc.org and tell us where you live and we’ll send you the correct contact information. Specific selection criteria may vary according to country context.
When does IVEP start and end?
The IVEP year begins in mid-August and runs until mid-July the next year.
What kind of support will I have while on IVEP?
During the year IVEP participants attend three, weeklong meetings with MCC: orientation, mid-year conference and year-end conference.
In Canada, provincial and national coordinators support IVEP participants by planning regular events and keeping in contact with hosts and partner agencies. In the U.S., IVEP participants are supported by regional and national coordinators.
