Academic Connections / Internships / Fellowships
Student-residents are encouraged to make “connections” between their university classes and degree requirements with the activities of the Wesley Center. Student-residents, together, use their insights and growing expertise in helping to design and deliver services to the neighborhood that are most efficacious – and this includes getting to know the neighborhood residents – of all ages – and engaging with them in creating and implementing those activities and programs that are most helpful and empower everyone as individuals, families and as a community. Additionally, the Director and the members of the Wesley Center Board are available to facilitate internships which can augment the academic pursuits of each student-resident.
Exchange Programs and Study Abroad Opportunities
The United Methodist Church is a “connectional” Church having congregations and agencies around the world. Thus, through its agencies and connection to other congregations, the United Methodist Church offers a multitude of opportunities that can enrich the education and experience of the student-residents. Below are some of the links through the United Methodist Church. The Wesley Center will do all it can to make these opportunities available if any student-resident desires to follow-up.
United Methodist Church Board of Global Ministries (www.umcmission.org)
The Global Ministries Board provides incredible opportunities for volunteerism, jobs and internships, plus much more.
https://umcmission.org/global-mission-fellows/
Young Adult Global Mission Fellows
https://umcmission.org/us-missionaries/
Opportunities to serve some of the diverse and most astonishing and hopeful communities in the U.S.
https://umcmission.org/mission-volunteers/
Always a great way to contribute to persons and communities is through volunteer mission assignments around the globe.
United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education and Ministry
https://www.gbhem.org/connect/about-gbhem/
This homepage provides a gateway of opportunities for scholarships, exchange programs, professional development and opportunities to study abroad. There are even connections to other Wesley Foundations (aka Wesley Centers) at other universities across the country. Special Note: the entire website can be downloaded in several different languages.
https://www.gbhem.org/students/
There is an array of connections. Search the colleges and universities for possible exchange opportunities.
With your browsing and search, include one of the newest universities of United Methodism, Africa
University. (https://www.africau.edu/)
https://www.gbhem.org/scholarships/
Includes additional funding support for students
United Methodist Church Board of Church and Society
https://www.umcjustice.org/
This United Methodist agency is located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. across the street from the United States Capitol and next to the United States Supreme Court. “The Methodist Building” was built in 1923-24 and for almost one hundred years, the Board comprised of clergy and laity, have been advocating ideas, policies, programs and values into the nation’s political arena. (see the heading, Wider Connections, United Methodist Theology and its Social Creed) Inside the Methodist Building is the Simpson Memorial Chapel, named for Bishop Matthew Simpson, a close friend of President Abraham Lincoln. The Chapel often has served as a place of sanctuary and prayer on Capitol Hill. President Abraham Lincoln was a Life Director of the Methodist Missionary Society.
https://www.umcjustice.org/what-you-can-do/internships
“Second to none,” as the internships were once described, “for understanding and impacting the great issues which affect this nation and other nations.” Washington, D.C. is an international city and the internship offered by the Board of Church and Society enables participants to have “first-hand” knowledge of how government, embassies, non-governmental organizations, special interest groups, business associations, and the interfaith and ecumenical religious groups shape responses to critical issues in order to create a “common good.”
https://www.umcjustice.org/what-you-can-do/seminars-trainings
Besides internships, the Board offers timely seminars for persons around the country. Also, there are training events to aid in Advocacy and Grassroots Organizing. The Wesley Center Director and Board can help facilitate these opportunities for the Wesley Center student-residents.