FAQ

1. Q: When are the summer assignments?
   A: Moldova/Romania: Jun 5-Jul 23 (7 weeks)
   A: Apostello: May 30-Jul 23 (8 weeks)
2. Q: How much do these assignments cost?
   A: Moldova/Romania: $7,750 + Airfare (approx $1,800-$2,300)
   A: Apostello: $7,140 + Airfare (approx $2,000-$2,400)
3. Q: When is the deadline?
   A: December 15th, 2025 (or until filled)
4. What if applications close before December 15th?
   A: For both assignments, we are accepting 10 applicants on each waiting list, first come, first served. Link to the waiting list is on the info page for each assignment.
5. Q: What if it’s a NAYC this year – and I want to attend?
   A: That’s no problem. This year both assignments are over the week before NAYC. You’re invited to hang out and help us promote NSP and Apostello in the display areas.
6. Q: What are the age requirements?
   A: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at time of departure.
7. Q: Is Next Steps the same as AIM?
   A: The Next Steps program is precursor to our Associates in Missions (AIM) program. It provides 3 weeks of intensive on site training overseas followed by 5 weeks of apprenticeship. It bridges the AYC (Youth Ministries) and AIM (Global Missions) programs as well as provides training relevant to cross-cultural ministry for use at home or abroad.
8. Q: How is Apostello different from Next Steps?
   A: Apostello is a an adapted Next Steps program for those interested in serving in an ACN. Prior AIM experience is preferred.
9. Q: Where would I be staying while on assignment?
   A: Accommodations range from AirBnB to hostels to all inclusive motel, hotel and/or suites. Each assignment is different.
10. Q: How do I apply?
    A: Hit the apply page: nextstepsprogram.net/apply
11. Q: How long does the application process take?
    A: It can take as little as one week, but most often is approximately four to six weeks before the approval packet is sent out. If you have a question about the status of your application along the way, feel free to reach out.

A: PHASE ONE: Minutes

Once we have an electronic application, application fee payment, and signed Insurance Liability Waiver we begin processing an application; if any of those elements are missing it will delay the start of the application process. This takes minutes to initiate.

A: PHASE TWO: Background Check

Before we begin phase three, we must receive a positive background check performed by checkr.com. If you fail the check, we will notify you right away.

A: PHASE THREE: Pastoral Input, 1-2 Weeks

Once we have a positive background check back, we send a link and instructions to your pastor for his/her recommendation. This can take a while depending on if the correct email address was provided on the application; so be sure to have the most recent one before submitting yours to avoid delay. Notify your pastor, asking him/her to check their spam mail for the input link. Each week we send a reminder as necessary. Most pastors are filling out the form within a week or two.

A: PHASE FOUR: Field Input, 2 Weeks

A request for input is sent to both our country and regional representatives. This can take a few weeks due to their travel in remote areas, etc. If it is done quicker than this, we move right along to the next step.

A: PHASE FIVE: 1-2 Weeks

Once the necessary representatives give their input, an application is submitted for a Global Missions Administrative Committee (GMAC) approval which meets once a week on Thursday. Immediately upon approval, an approval email is sent to the approved applicant as a courtesy.

A: PHASE SIX 1 Week

The approved application is moved to the UPCI Finance department for assignment of a GM Project number used by each Next Steps and Apostello participant to track any funds sent to or requested from Global Missions. Once this is assigned, a welcome packet with an assignment guide is then sent out to the approved participant (either by snail mail or email).

1. Q: What should I do while I’m waiting?
   A: Make sure to get your passport ordered soon if you need one because processing times are measured in MONTHS, not weeks. If you have one, be sure there will be at least 6 months left on it at the time of your departure from the field. Currently, the average wait for a passport is 3 months. Expedited and rush services are available for extra fees. To find out more, click HERE.
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   A: We start a WhatsApp or Signal group a few months before depature, so pay attention to your email for an invite. Additionally we will set up virtual meetings not long after the first of the New Year. 
   A: For Next Steps, we send out an Assignment Overview with a packing guide in April that will most likely answer most of your questions. However, if you have further questions at any time, please send us a message.
2. Q: When do I purchase my airfare?
   A: Usually you’ll purchase your airfare after the first of the year at some point in early in 2027.

WHAT DOES TUITION COVER?

Tuition covers accommodations based on single, double, and sometimes triple occupancy. In addition to your accommodations, tuition also may cover some of the following items below. When you receive your assignment-specific budget, each item covered by tuition will be identified. You can expect a total tuition of anywhere from $4,785-$4,848 (plus airfare and incidentals).

• transportation
• food
• admin fees
• event funds

TUITION DUE DATES

• NEXT STEPS:
  • 1st Tuition Payment: March 2027
  • 2nd Tuition Payment: April 2027
• APOSTELLO:
  • 1st Tuition Payment: February 2027
  • 2nd Tuition Payment: March 2027
  • 3rd Tuition Payment: April 2027

PAYMENT METHOD

• Tuition may be paid via credit card through the Next Steps/Apostello Tuition Payment Page powered by GiveSmart. You’ll be sent a link in advance of each tuition payment deadline.
• Tuition may also be paid by transferring funds from your GM project to our Next Steps or Apostello tuition account. Instructions on how to initiate this will be included in the tuition payment notification reminder.

MTM SCHOLARSHIPS

No fundraising for this one! Whew!

Each year we are blessed by Youth Ministries as they invest forward into the Next Steps program. They provide eight Move The Mission $1,500 scholarships paid toward your tuition! Wow! Deadline is TBD 2027. Following are docs you need to be familiar with as well as a link to the application (the links may not work yet in Summer 2026). Notifications/announcements of recipients is usually by the first of April, 2027.

• MTM SCHOLARSHIP FAQ
• NSP/MTM APPLICATION GUIDELINES
• MTM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
  • Pastoral Reference Form
  • Scholastic Reference Form
  • Employment Reference Form

GIVESMART FUNDRAISE

Short-Term Missions has partnered with GiveSmart Fundraise, to provide participants with an option to solicit one-time or reoccurring donations (not sales) online via credit card. A 10% admin is deducted automatically when funds transfer to a GM project. We may then apply any resulting funds toward a tuition payment or incidentals requested.

NEXT STEPS AIRPORT CODES

Arrive: Moldova: (RMO)
Depart: Romania:  (OTP)

Arrival on the field: by 06/05/27

This year you’ll need to purchase a “Multi City” ticket rather than a Round Trip. You’ll fly into Chișinău, Moldova (RMO), and out of Bucharest, Romania (OTP). Please depart North America to arrive on the field by Saturday June 5th.

*Note: Please pay attention to the “+1” or “+2” arrival date notices on your itinerary. Any time you travel from one date to the next, there will be a notice on your itinerary. Because you’ll be traveling to countries with a time difference ahead of North America, don’t assume you’ll depart from home and arrive on location the same day…except for when you return home from the field (and then it’s kinda freaky, like time travel).

Departure from the field: on 07/23/2026

Now that you know where you need to go, here are a few tips and tricks put together by one our staffers and Former Next Stepper, Ashton Loyd. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The three weeks of training covers the following topics (with a little tweaking due to instructor availability).

WEEK 1: WHO I AM

In addition to introducing you to the nation and region, we spend the first week reflecting on and sharing from the Word about who God is and who we are…in Christ. This enables us to start the assignment knowing we are empowered to do things beyond our own limitations. In this first week, we encourage all participants to dive in!

WEEK 2: WHERE I AM

Transitioning away from a focus on ourselves, the second week of training brings the nation and region into sharper focus. You’ll continue picking up missions content but will be able to really start putting concepts to use in this week. Some of our favorite sessions come from praying on-site with insight and learning practical and mighty concepts around the idea of spiritual warfare.

WEEK 3: WHAT I AM

Week three begins to shed some light on the questions so many have concerning missions and the big and little picture of it in their lives. Find out what opportunities are available for your involvement in the future. Hear the heartbeat of Global Missions leaders as they cast a vision and make the great need for “goers” abundantly clear. In this final week of training we prepare you for service on the field and commission you to do the work of a missionary during your apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship portion of your assignment is more than “busy work.” Yes, you may do chores, or help in ways you’ve never thought of before; this is because we want you to see a life in missions as it is (keeping in mind it is different from region to region).

Here is a short list of some of the things, but limited to these things, you may do as you work through your missionary apprenticeship:

• Children’s ministry
• MK Education assistance
• Chroale/Singing/Music
• Service schedule prep
• Preaching/Teaching/Training
• Bible studies
• Interaction with local schools
• English as a Second Language classes
• Community service
• Painting/Repairs to local churches
• Outreach efforts
• Camps/Conferences
• One-on-one evangelism
• Graphics/Design/Computer work
• IT/AV/Sound