Frequently Asked Questions
This page is constantly under construction. If you have a question that is not addressed on this website, please email us.
Downloadable Forms
The following forms may be downloaded and saved to your computer by clicking on the link. The parent advice form and reference form may be emailed to whomever needs to fill it out, or you may print it from your computer. The sample support letter can be downloaded and modified for your use. Please refer to the green handout, "Raising Finanical Support," for more specific instructions and guidelines concerning support letters.
Parent Advice Form - ISP
Parent Advice Form - USP
Reference Form - ISP
Reference Form - USP
ISP Sample Support Letter
USP Sample Support Letter
Application Process
• When are ISP applications for Spring and Summer trips due? November 1st - midnight
• When are USP applications for Fall and Winter trips due? October 1st - midnight
• I'm a new student (freshman or transfer) to CBU this semester; may I apply for ISP or USP trips that take place in the fall and winter? No, you must have one semester of good academic standing before participating in USP or ISP. You may apply now for USP or ISP trips that take place in the spring and summer.
• I've been on ISP before, and as a returner, I'm interested in ISP student leadership. When is my application due? Please scroll to the bottom of this FAQ webpage to view the student leadership FAQ section.
• Do I have to complete my entire on-line application in one sitting? No, you may complete one section at a time and save your content during multiple log-on sessions. You must complete the entire application before submitting it to the ISP office.
• Where can I get my passport pictures taken? In James 454, next door to our main ISP office. Walk-in hours are listed here: Monday (CLOSED), Tuesday from 10:00 - 12:00 pm and 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, and Friday 1:00 - 3:00 pm. If you are unable to come in during any of those times, please email Aura Opris or call x4818 to schedule an appointment.
• If I already have my passport, do I still need to turn in passport photos? Yes, you will need to submit 2 official passport photos to our office (J458) even if you already have your passport and have submitted a copy of your passport. We keep passport photos on file so that in the event that you are selected to travel to a country that requires a visa, we can take care of the majority of the application process for you.
• How do I apply for my passport? Go the US State Department's website (this link will take you to the Passport Application page). This process takes about 4 weeks from the time you mail off your passport application until you actually receive your passport, so please do NOT delay in starting the process. While you SHOULD apply for your passport by November 1st, if you have not submitted your passport application by the end of the year, your ISP participation will undergo further review. Please note: You need to be sure to apply for a passport BOOK and not a passport CARD. Click here for Passport Application Tips.
• How do I renew my passport? Go to the US State Department's website (this link will take you to the Passport Renewal page). If your passport has already expired or will expire within 6 months of your ISP trip this comming summer (i.e. by the end of NEXT year), you need to renew your passport.
• If I do not receive my passport by November 1st, will you still accept my application? Yes, we will still accept your application. We understand that it takes up to two months from the day you submit your passport application to receive it by mail. The important thing is that you begin the process NOW. Whenever possible, we ask that you submit a copy of the receipt that you received at the passport office when you applied as proof that you have begun the process. Then turn in your passport copy at your earliest convenience once you receive your passport by mail.
• Where do I get the reference forms that must be submitted to the Office of Mobilization? Right here. You have two options. 1) Open the pdf file located under the "Downloadable Forms" section at the top of this webpage and print off two copies and give them to your references. 2) Open this pdf file, save it to your computer, and then email it as an attachment to your references, who must print it off before filling it out. Both reference forms should be mailed directly to our ISP office and must be received before your application can be processed. These reference forms are due November 1st, but if absolutely necessary, we can give a slight extension - up to one week before your interview.
• If I email the reference form to someone, do I need to sign the release form? In the event that you send the reference form to someone electronically, you are not required to sign the release form. Simply make sure that the person filling out your reference form writes your name in the blank at the top before submitting it to our office.
• Where do I get the Parent / Guardian Advice form that must be submitted to the Office of Mobilization? See answer to question 10. Same answer applies.
• I am 21 years old or older; do I have to complete the Parent / Guardian Advice form? Yes. Actually, for legal purposes, even those 18 and older are not required to have a "permission" slip; however, this is not a permission slip. This Advice form simply helps make sure we are following the Biblical principle of "honoring your mother and father." If you are in a unique situation where you are not able to have a parent or guardian complete this form, please email us to explain your situation.
• How will I know that you have received my reference forms, parent advice form, passport photos, and passport copy? If you go to http://www.calbaptist.edu/goisp and login to view your submitted application, you will see a box titled "Application Status" to the right of your completed application. A checkmark will appear in the box next to each step in the application process once you have completed that step. (Note: Please allow 3 business days for processing.)
Selection Process
• I've completed and submitted my on-line application; how do I sign-up for my interview? Go to the Office of Mobilization in James 458. Interview time slots will be made available for spring and summer applicants by late October. Applicants for fall and winter trips should contact our office immediately for an interview time. Please note: You will not be permitted to sign up for an interview until your application is complete. This means that your passport photos, two references, and parent/guardian advice form MUST be turned in to our office BEFORE you sign up.
• What do I need to bring to my interview? Primarily, an open and honest heart. Also, please login into our ISP website: www.calbaptist.edu/GOisp and check your application status.
• When will I know if I have been selected to participate in ISP? You will receive a letter of acceptance or denial in your student mailbox on Monday, November 24.
• If accepted, when will I find out what ISP team I am on and where I'm going? Our first required ISP meeting is the Team Reveal on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm in the Wallace Theatre. During this meeting, you will meet your team leader and teammates. If you absolutely cannot attend this meeting (because of class or work), you need to contact our office in advance to notify us that you will not be there and plan to attend the make-up meeting on Friday, December 12 at 10:00 am or 11:00 am in James 453.
Spring Training
• Is spring training mandatory? Yes, you must attend the 48-hour Intensive Training Weekend on February 6-8 (Friday-Sunday). If you are unable to attend, your ISP participation will be subject to further review. You must also attend your weekly team meeting from 6-9pm on one either Tuesday or Wednesday night. If you miss your weekly team meeting once, no questions asked. Twice, your team leader will meet with you to find out what's going on. Three times, you will need to make an appointment with the Director of Global Mobilization to discuss whether or not you may continue in ISP.
• May I take ISP for academic credit? Yes, if you are placed on a 3-week ISP trip. (10-day trips are not eligible for academic credit.) You must enroll in CST 491 and pay the tuition above the cost of the ISP trip.
Fundraising
• How much does an ISP trip cost? All 3-week overseas trips that take place in the summer cost $3,200. 10-day ISP trips that take place during fall, winter, and spring breaks range from $600 to $2,500 depending on field location.
• What happens if I'm unable to raise all my money? You must raise at least 70% by your departure date in order to go on your ISP trip. The remaining 30% may be placed on your student account with the approval of our Vice President. Students who really work hard on their fundraising from the beginning are usually able to raise all of their funds. God asks us to do big things, so fundraising requires a big sacrifice.
• When is my $150 deposit due? December 15, and it is non-refundable. We ask that you personally pay for the first $150 as part of your Count the Cost Commitment.
• Are donations for my ISP trip tax-deductible? Yes, if the gifts are given to CBU - not the participant. Donations can be cash, credit card, or check made payable to California Baptist University.
• When is my money due? Half of your money must be raised by March 1 when airplane tickets are purchased. Your remaining balance is due May 1.
• How many support letters must I mail out? You must send out at least 50 support letters by February 6. Fundraising supplies (letterhead, envelopes, return envelopes, stamps) are available in the Mobilization office.
• What does the cost of my ISP trip cover? Your ISP fee covers all of your on-the-field expenses (lodging, food, transportation, ministry supplies), airline ticket, visa, overseas insurance, and training materials.
• What does the cost of my ISP trip NOT cover? Your passport fee and immunizations since they may be used after your ISP trip. While on the field, each participant is only required to pay for his or her souvenirs, sight-seeing, and snacks.
Student Leadership
• Who is eligible to apply for an ISP or USP student leadership position? You must have already successfully completed an ISP trip. Upperclassmen, especially Seniors, have more opportunities to serve in leadership; however, there are some positions that are open to Juniors and Seniors in Global Surge 2, our high school program.
• What is Global Surge 2 (GS2)? See our GS2 website: www.calbaptist.edu/isp/gs2
• When are student leadership applications due? The sooner; the better. GS2 leader applications are due October 1st since their service will begin October 15th. Collegiate ISP leader applications are due October 1st.
• Do I need to fill out a special application for student leadership? No, please fill out the regular on-line ISP application like all other student participants. If you are applying for GS2 leadership, you should list Germany as your first trip choice and contact Kyle Smith for an interview. If you are only applying for collegiate leadership positions, please contact Kristen White for an interview.
• How much does a trip cost for student leaders? ISP leaders = $2,600. USP leaders = approximately $1000, depending on field location. GS2 leaders = $2,000 since their length of service is 9 months.
Last Updated 11/19/2008