Transformations Leeds Internship Programme
(Potential Intern)
A full time role enabling you to become a godly leader in any culture.
Transformations Leeds Internship Programme will enable you:
● To grow closer to God through our leadership development programme
● To share the gospel with international students through our activities
● To gain work experience as part of a professional charity and local church
● To be part of an English speaking, multicultural, friendly work team.
● To experience supportive work environment to help you identify and develop your gifts
● To have a placement in a local church.
What did previous interns think of the programme?
“This intern year helps me to learn how to be a disciple of Jesus and I believe God is my foundation no matter what I will do and where I am going in the future.” Jessie, China
“Being a Transformations Leeds Intern, everyday it has brought new challenges but at the same time taught me a lot of new things. If I need it to sum it up in three words it would be HAPPY, ENCOURAGED and VALUED.” Janet, India.
“The working atmosphere is the best, everyone in the team is so willing to give out without hesitation”. Judy, China
Why this programme?
It is an opportunity for Christian students to go deeper in discipleship, to lay the foundations for their future life. We have had 26 interns do this programme from 11 different countries. It has benefited a variety of Christians, including those who have recently come to faith as well as those who have been Christian for many years.
What’s involved?
● Studying: Learning biblical perspective on culture, the workplace and leadership through our God’s Apprenticeship Programme.
● Serving: Helping to lead either the Living Room social activities or our evangelistic course Explore International.
● Befriending: Welcoming and befriending international students throughout the year, particularly with the Christian Union in International Welcome Week.
● Teamwork: Being part of the Transformations Leeds team meetings, prayer times and bible studies. Receiving regular supervision from a team member.
● Church placement: Developing a church’s international students work.
How does it work?
An internship is for one academic year, from the beginning of September to the end of July. However if there are visa complications we are flexible on this. It is normally full time as this enables the intern to have the best experience and receive the fullest training and support.
What visa options are there?
If you are not a UK citizen you will need a valid visa. This can be obtained either by:
1) Applying for the Post Study Work Visa if you have graduated from a university course in the UK. This gives you 2 years to work in the UK after you have received this visa. The visa + NHS surcharge is £2892. Or
2) Applying for the Tier 5 Charity worker visa through Transformations Leeds as we are a sponsoring agency. This can only be applied for from your home country. This visa is only for 12 months and you cannot transfer at the end of it into the Post Study Work Visa. It costs £1333 including NHS surcharge. Additionally the cost of your return flights home.
We can discuss if you get to interview which route you would prefer.
What are the costs?
● There is no salary with this position, the official title of the role is ‘voluntary worker’ but it is commonly known as ‘the internship’.
● Accommodation (including bills) is normally provided to the intern for free by the local church you are placed with.
● Some living costs can be supported by your partner church depending upon their financial situation. Over the years many interns have organised fundraising events where they have shared about their work with friends.
What do you need to apply?
You need to:
● Want to grow in your Christian faith
● Be willing to serve and try new things
● Speak English to IELTS level 6.5
● Have a university degree
● Reliable, punctual and committed
● Able to relate well to people of different cultures
● Willing to comply with the terms of your visa
● Communicative and has initiative
What’s the process?
If you are interested please pray about it and contact Laura.Palmer@transformationsleeds.org.uk for an application form and, then if appropriate, we will arrange an interview.
